Happy couples with high level of testosterone

Testosterone – Scientific Facts, Tips, and Advice As You Age

Last Updated: 2nd April 2023

Testosterone is one of the key hormones in your body. Keeping your testosterone at an optimal level continues to draw interest, as testosterone controls a vital part of our health system.

This article shares the facts about testosterone, how it impacts your body and possible solutions if you are diagnosed with low testosterone levels.

Summary
  1. Functions of testosterone and its impact on health 
  2. Does testosterone reduce as I get older?
  3. Signs of low testosterone levels
  4. Possible solutions to regulate or restore your testosterone levels

Testosterone: Facts and Impact to Health

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes, the adrenal glands (found in both men and women), and the ovaries (in women). Testosterone controls vital functions of our endocrine system such as:

  • sex drive
  • men’s fertility
  • women’s fertility
  • bone mass
  • fat accumulation
  • metabolism rate
  • muscle strength and stamina
  • mood, anxiety and stress
  • red blood cell production
  • skin, hair and nails

Testosterone levels contribute to a vital role as part of healthy aging. This includes feeling great, fit, strong, energetic (mentally and physically) and a strong libido. 

Quick facts on testosterone:

  1. Testosterone exists in both men and women, albeit higher in men.
  2. For men – Testosterone hormone is produced in the testicles and adrenal gland
  3. For women – Testosterone hormone is produced in various locations – ovary, adrenal gland, peripheral tissues

Total testosterone contains the following:

  • 2%-3% Free (unbound or unattached) Testosterone (FT)
  • 45% testosterone bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
  • 50% testosterone bound to other proteins (mainly albumin)
Testosterone hormone composition

Whats more important is the following:

  • 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 in your blood to drive your body functions, unimpeded by SHBG or albumin that binds them.

If you need more details about free testosterone, total testosterone, and how it works,  please refer to a detailed explanation here.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?

Testosterone reduces as we age and this impairs our reproductive system and other sub-systems in our endocrine. Some may experience a pre-mature decline of testosterone in their 30s or 40’s.

Let’s take a deeper look at this.

Quick facts: 

  • Total testosterone falls on average by 6% per year
  • Free testosterone falls on average by 2-3% per year

If you are between 40 to 80 years, the average testosterone in your body will be between 50% to 70% of the levels you had in your 20s. 

The amount of testosterone drop varies greatly depending on your lifestyle, diet, health conditions, and how active you are. 

Testosterone levels changes throughout the day, and it is usually at their peak levels between 5am to 9am.

Signs of Low Testosterone

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Whilst testosterone reduces as we age, there are conditions when the body produces a low amount of testosterone that the body needs. And this can happen even if you are fit, or if you are a healthy young adult.

Testosterone deficiency leads to a medical condition known as hypogonadism

Late-onset hypogonadism has become a widely recognized medical condition by doctors, and many of the symptoms are associated with normal aging.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)

Here are the low-T symptoms, or those diagnosed with hypogonadism:

  1. diminished erectile quality, particularly at night
  2. decreased libido
  3. mood changes – depression, anger irritability or lack of focus at work
  4. reduced cognitive function
  5. fatigue, depression, and anger
  6. a decrease in muscle mass and strength
  7. decreased body hair (i.e hair loss)
  8. skin changes
  9. decreased bone mass and bone mineral density
  10. increase in abdominal fat mass

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

If you experience low-testosterone symptoms, please consult your nearest doctor for medical advice or get your testosterone blood test checked.

Treatments: Low testosterone

There are two common treatments or remedies if you are diagnosed with low-T symptoms, or if you are planning to restore your testosterone levels.

Option #1: Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is prescribed by certified doctors and TRT treatment include

  • TRT Skin patch.
  • TRT Gels.
  • Oral therapy.
  • Pellets
  • TRT Injections

 

Note : Please refer to guide on TRT from Harvard Medical School here. The list of pros and cons for each testosterone therapy treatment is listed here by Bayer.

Option #2: Boost Your Testosterone Naturally

Some opt for cheaper and more effective alternatives to boost testosterone naturally.  

Here are some scientific-backed tips to increase your testosterone level naturally.

  1. Lose Weight & Stay Active
  2. Testosterone Boosting Supplements
  3. Manage your stress
  4. Sleep Well
  5. Avoid Drugs & Alcohol

WHICH OPTION IS THE BEST?

Since TRT is tainted with long-term side effects, the best option is to boost your testosterone naturally before trying the TRT route.

Boosting your testosterone naturally may take a longer time (between four to 12 weeks), but it is a proven method with the least side effects and is more sustainable.

Tips: Boosting Your Testosterone

Here are five tips that works to boost your testosterone naturally. 

1. Lose Weight & Stay Active

If you are overweight or obese, chances are you have lower testosterone. A study published at Clinical Endocrinology showed that obese males recorded up to 50 percent less testosterone than those who are not overweight. 

So start an active lifestyle and hit your nearest gym soon. You may also try these six exercises that can boost your testosterone naturally.

2. Testosterone Boosting Supplements

Herbal supplements such as Tongkat Ali are gaining popularity as effective testosterone boosters, backed by multiple studies and clinical trials in recent years. 

Scientific studies showed that Tongkat Ali increases testosterone by up to 122% in men and women. And Tongkat Ali is shown to burn more calories and fat too, promoting weight loss in a sustainable way.

The wide range of health benefits of Tongkat Ali makes it a popular natural testosterone supplement for men and women.

3. Manage Your Stress better

Our testosterone level is linked to how our body regulates cortisol, a stress hormone that controls our emotion and mood; including our responses to stress, anger, anxiety, tension and confusion.

There are natural supplements such as Tongkat Ali that is scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety.

4. Sleep Well

Lack of sleep can affect testosterone levels. 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.

5. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

Heavy consumption of drugs and alcohol with five or more drinks in a two-hour period is linked to lower testosterone and raises cortisol (i.e stress hormones).

Alcohol damages Leydig cells in the testes which produce testosterone. So it is a good time to reduce your alcohol consumption if you want to restore your long-lost testosterone.

Last Words on Testosterone

Aging is a beautiful journey and if you find yourself having low testosterone levels, there are solutions to prevent and manage those symptoms.

Whether you choose TRT or natural ways to boost testosterone through supplementation, please weigh your options wisely.

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.

Do check a video by Dr. John Ludlow (from Holland Hospital in West Michigan) that goes deep into 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.

Disclaimer: The content published in this article is for educational purposes and not intended to provide any form of recommendations, directly or indirectly to purchase or consume herbal supplements, drugs, medications, alternative remedies and practices or any brands mentioned in this article. By reading this, the sole responsibility and decision lies on the reader to make an informed decision based on publicly available information published on the internet. Any herbal supplements can be used as a health supplement, dietary plan or to treat illnesses. However, we encourage you to consult your nearest doctor before making any purchase from this website or any other websites or social platforms after reading this article. We do not hold any responsibility or accountability for any products purchased from this website or any third-party websites that are linked to this articles, sales channels or social platforms.

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18 Responses

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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..

  15. 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!

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

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