Testosterone is one of the key hormones in your body. But more often than not, the topic continues to draw interest, causing conundrum and at times fear amongst us as we age.
The internet is constantly filled with misinformation and information overload, some of which deliberately causing premature fear – that may have led some of us to prescribe a hormone treatment or purchasing a product.
This article will break down this conundrum and predicament by answering common questions such as:
This article will detail out the answers to the above questions in order to equip you with science-based facts on testosterone. If you are married, you will find this article particularly relevant.
But before that, here are some basics on testosterone – which serves as a 101 lesson to those who are new on this subject.
What most people do not realize is that a significant part of healthy aging is feeling great, fit, strong, energetic (mentally and physically) and enjoying what our natural libido has to offer. So much of this is tied to various hormones, notably testosterone.
Testosterone controls many vital functions in our body such as:
Here are quick facts (which you may already know):
The total testosterone in our body consists of 3 main composition:
In short, the most usable testosterone is the free (unattached) testosterone which effectively drives the efficiency of your libido functions, muscle growth, hair growth, strength and many others. Your body uses free testosterone molecules since they are at liberty to enter the body’s cells – unimpeded by SHBG or albumin
Still confused with the difference between free vs total testosterone and how it works? You can refer to a detailed explanation here.
Although most men and women have more than enough testosterone to perform the required functions, numerous scientific studies have proven that testosterone level in human body declines with age. Here are the findings:
If you are between 40 to 80 years, the average testosterone in your body will be between 50% to 70% of what is used to compared in your 20s.
You can read the scientific evidence here.
The amount of testosterone drop varies greatly depending on your lifestyle, diet, health conditions and how active you are. Some will experience more testosterone lost than others.
Here is a video on why testosterone decreases and truth about testosterone by Thomas Delaur
Whilst the testosterone in our body will inevitably reduce over time, there is a possibility for the body to produce too little testosterone regardless of age.
The testosterone deficiency leads to a medical condition known as hypogonadism. Hypogonadism means your free testosterone is low.
Late-onset hypogonadism has become a widely recognized medical condition by doctors, although many of the symptoms are associated with normal aging.
Here are clear symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (which can be a guide for early warning signs) such as:
If you experience any of the above symptoms, the best is to consult your nearest doctor further validation. Alternatively, you can use these sets of online “testosterone tests” – simply by answering few questions!
Here are reliable testosterone tests from Bayer which you can participate for free:
If you are willing to spend some money, there are specialized testosterone therapy such as:
You may refer to each of the therapies above in greater details from Harvard Medical School here.
And with medical treatments, there are the usual pros and cons. The list of pros and cons for each testosterone therapy treatment is listed here by Bayer.
Save that all that money as there are cheaper and more effective alternatives to boost your testosterone naturally.
We believe these methods, once applied holistically and religiously can bring the desired improvement in your testosterone. It works for most people, so give it a try!
We list down well known and scientific-backed studies to increase your testosterone level naturally.
We cannot stress how important this is.
Research studies have shown that a person who is overweight, obese or have more weight than average, chances are that person has lower levels of testosterone.
A study published at Clinical Endocrinology showed that obese males recorded up to 50 percent less testosterone than those who are not overweight. This study was conducted based on human test subjects between the ages of 14 and 20.
So start an active lifestyle and hit your nearest gym soon.
Try these six exercises (from short sprints to heavy lifting) that can boost your testosterone naturally!
Complement your regular exercises with the right diet plan and natural supplements!
Herbal supplements are gaining popularity in recent years – from pre-workout drinks or as a dietary plan. Few herbs are proven by scientists to restore or increase that free testosterone – from maca, panax ginseng, tongkat ali and others.
Scientific studies on Tongkat Ali herbal root (known as Malaysian Ginseng) had shown to increase testosterone by up to 122% in men and women. You may see it sold on Amazon, eBay by a different name such as Long Jack.
Read 12 other potential health benefits of Tongkat Ali backed by science here.
Testosterone hormone is related to another hormone called cortisol, a hormone that is primarily responsible to control how emotion – which includes stress, anger, anxiety and overall mood.
Studies have shown that stress elevates the hormone cortisol – thus, in turn, causing a rapid drop in testosterone levels.
If you struggle to manage stress because of your natural personality attributes, there are natural supplements that are scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety.
Lack of sleep can affect the levels of hormones and chemicals that the body needs to function correctly, including testosterone. It is highly recommended by doctors and health experts to sleep between 6 to 8 hours a day.
A study from the University of Chicago performed on 10 healthy men found that testosterone levels dropped by up to 15 percent in 7 days when they were exposed to only 5 hours of sleep.
15% drop of testosterone in 7 days is significantly higher than the average testosterone drops per year of 1 to 2% in average male
Heavy consumption of drugs and alcohol (i.e five or more drinks in a two-hour period) have been linked to lower testosterone.
Alcohol have been found by researchers to cause low testosterone levels due to the effects it has on the body – by damaging Leydig cells in the testes which produce and secrete testosterone.
In addition, alcohol can cause increase in stress hormone (cortisol) too!
Aging is a beautiful journey and there is no need to panic if you find yourself having low testosterone. There are however, notable benefits of maintaining or restoring youthful testosterone levels as you age – providing an upward spiral of health and general well-being.
It translates to more energy, more lean mass / strength, healthier insulin / blood sugar levels, improved mood and mental focus, increased libido and sexual health for men. The improvement is noticeable and it is no surprise that many of us today continue to subscribe to various treatments or remedies.
Managing your testosterone can be done effectively through natural ways without having to incur unnecessary spending on expensive hormonal treatment to restore your testosterone level.
With the right exercise and supplements, you can regain that long lost energy and feel the difference – as your body restores the free testosterone back to its optimal level.
We hope that this article encapsulates key information you need about testosterone.
Note : If you have more time to spare, this hour-long video by Dr. John Ludlow (from Holland Hospital in West Michigan) goes deep into the medical details of testosterone hormone and how it impacts our health.
Naressa Khan contributes regularly on AKARALI. As a writer and journalist, Naressa is all about creating, deconstructing, and reassembling meanings through words. With this approach always in mind, she eagerly explores the nuances in life via the aspects of lifestyle, culture, travel, health, and wellness.
18 Responses
Most men and women do not understand how to increase testosterone naturally. People are searching for drug and quick solution. Finally they’re leading to future life undoable complications. This blog piece is narrated with full of info which help people to get aware. I personally appreciate this special job.
Aging at that rate we have is not regular or normal. Neither is losing testosterone or the amount of pills we intake. Frankly men are idiots for the time being, especially doctors. We can be leading life way longer, reproducing way longer and learning, growing and maintaining testosterone way longer. Only reason we aren’t in mindset, laziness and people being to humble, having no pride, lacking self-love and not being deep thought about life. We are able of so much more. We will get there naturally.
This really helped me build a better understanding of my knowledge of testosterone already. I would highly suggest reading this article. Filled with relative info and relative links. We can no longer expect doctors to tell us everything. so I’m very glad I came across this, thanks for the article!
This is very good. Useful information for the younger generation. This will really help in understanding the system and how it work. The most important thing is that they are able to learn how to take care.
Always always always live a healthy lifestyle and diet, and you’ll be fine. Sleep well, exercise regularly and eat proper food. Taking supplements are good, but not those from artificial drugs. Always opt for natural herbs like genuine Tongkat Ali or ginseng
In my life, i never used opiates or steroids and i had a very low in testosterone level. The sad part is, i’m only 31. Was recommended to try a more natural alternatives and so i found tongkat ali. Its been 1 year since the forst time i took it, and I must say, i felt pretty good. More energetic, higher sex drive, easier time in the gym. Didn’t go to the doctor, but i can feel that my testosterone have been improved a lot eve since and I’m excited.
I am a 50 year old working man and knew my T level was low. My doctor wanted me to take synthetic but I know that is the path i don’t want to follow. More keen on the natural remedies instead and from my research I found tongkat ali to be the best possible solution and it is known to work wonders. My first week was a little less than expected. Only in the second week that i noticed that it started to having some effect. The energy i get was something I haven’t experience in ages. Was also focused a lot more and longer.
At first, i had no clue that I was actually low in testosterone levels. Many times i felt sluggish throughout the day and had a hard time staying awake past 9pm. Also, I couldn’t stay focused on anything for so long. I felt really miserable. So, one day, a friend suggested me to try tongkat ali and he told me that it is natural. Within a week of taking it, i felt so much better. I have so much more focus now. I can actually work on a project longer again without a problem. I’m very happy and glad I gave it a try.
I’ve taken this natural supplements for several months now and the experience was great just like the results. Now, i’m 38 and it is not necessary for me to take it, i’m supplementing just to assure that i’m having enough along with my natural testosterone. From this i gained the clarity and endurance to get through the stressful day at work. I love coffee, but recently i realized i don’t need it as much.
Since taking the natural remedy rout i can tell that the difference can be felt. I’ve gained more energy and able to focus or concentrate more. The product were base of tongkat ali and made to raise the testosterone in you and that is exactly what it does. Testosterone supplement, specifically those are from a natural source are really helpful to who ever having issue with testosterone levels because testosterone is an essential for males in order to process energy.
My doctor informed me that my testosterone was low, this was a couple of years ago. Gave the doctor’s recommendation a try and I was faced with lots of side effects. Some of my friends said to try a natural based product and see if it helps. Wow, there is no side effects and higher energy. It felt almost like i was 20 years younger and my wife is liking what it does for me as well.
As a 44 years old ex-athlete, I find it to be a real struggle to maintain my energy and make gains. I have been struggling with this for the past year or so. I read numerous papers about natural testosterone booster and how it gives the extra energy. So, i decided to give it a try and I have to say…I am pleasantly pleased! I can absolutely feel as well as see the improvement in terms of performance in the gym. The energy is definitely surging and my muscle tone has definitely increased.
Late 2019, I felt that my energy was depleting as I always feel tired. Went for a checkup, found out that my testosterone hormone was low normal. Tried tongkat ali tea at first, but it was too bitter for my taste, so i stop after two servings. Later i found akar ali which is made in capsule, so it’s easier to take without the bitter taste. Will try for a month before checking up my hormone level again.
The best test booster that i have taken is tongkat ali / longjack. I have been taking them for over three weeks and started feeling the results after the first week. There are numerous other test booster i have paid for and it disappoint me with lousy results or none at all. With tongkat ali I am able to lift heavier weight and feel better physically. This product absolutely will give you the extra energy and strength in the gym and the best part in the bedroom. All in all, i’m only seeing positive results and no negative effects. I am happy to say this one works very well..
I’ve been losing testosterone ever since i entered my mid 40s. Because of that, for a few years i’ve been searching and trying all sorts of products with the hope of resolving the issue, but they all failed. Soon, it all changed when i tongkat ali. This is by far the best solution for me in effectively addressing my low test issues. Libido level has returned and even improved! Not facing any side effect issue with it. What a Godsend this has been!
This is not the first time trying a test booster and the more natural test booster mainly tongkat ali is the clear winner. At the end of the first week consuming tongkat ali, i start noticing that my overall mood was both improved and more stable. Nowaday, there’s more consistent energy for me throughout the day. Finally, this product has contributed (along with eliminating sugar from my diet) to fat loss and looking much leaner and “tighter.” I plan on continuing to use Test WORx and would recommend it to anyone looking for a testosterone booster.
I have been taking natural supplement for my testosterone for about 2 months. The supplement seems to be giving me an extra dosage of energy. Every morning i to feel sluggish and loopy, that causes me to feel lazy to go through the day. I can’t be more satisfied with it. It’s be a lifetime i haven’t felt this young and fresh. I can say that i am more alert and energetic now.
Few years ago i was taking Dr prescribed testosterone shots and all I heard from people was how dangerous and unhealthy it is. So i started was looking far and wide for a healthier alternative. In search for a healthier alternatives, i found tongkat ali and was intrigued. Bought it online, tried it and it worked a thousand time better than the shots i was prescribed. There is no noticeable side effects even after a year taking it. I would recommend anyone undergoing the same battle as me to try tongkat ali.