Low Testosterone Levels

The hormone testosterone is generated by the endocrine system and the pituitary gland, then actually produced within the testicles. Serving as the male body's primary natural hormone, testosterone is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. This hormone is routinely described as a sex hormone, but testosterone actually governs multiple functions throughout the body including a man's development from birth onward. Its responsibilities involve everything from determining gender, moderating pubertal changes, and insuring male potency (sexual function & libido), through fat distribution and the partitioning of bodily muscle. Testosterone is also an integral part of a male's sense of well-being, in that it plays a giant role in your, biological, physiological, and sexual health, while influencing such important factors as , bone density, mental acuity (clarity, focus & concentration, memory & recall), immunity support, stress coping capacity, red blood cell count, and sperm production. Testosterone is in naturally occurring within both males and females, but male production is approximately ten times greater.

Normal Testosterone Levels

The chart below illustrates the medically accepted ranges for the normal upper and lower limits for testosterone.

Ideally for an optimal healthy testosterone level men should be between 700ng/dl-1100ng/dl total testosterone and free testosterone should be between 120pg/dl-135pg/dl

Even though average male testosterone levels are dictated by age, your lifestyle, genetics, and other outside variables can be very influential factors. Generally speaking, men's testosterone levels breakout by age and level to: 19-24, 700; 25-34, 658; 35-44, 617; 45-54, 606; 55-64, 562; 65-74, 524; 75-84, 471; 85-100, 376.

As you age your testosterone production slowly declines by about 1 percent per year following age 30. So what then is 'low testosterone', what does having it mean, and what can you do about it?

Low Testosterone

In the 1940's there were virtually no figures at or below the recognized bottom of the normal testosterone range prior to age 80. Among today's middle-aged men, low testosterone levels below 350 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter), are 'commonly reported' constituting a serious societal problem.

Generally speaking, testosterone levels rise rapidly throughout adolescence and peak in the early twenties, but there's a trend of decreasing serum levels that's occurring at earlier ages which is promoting greater incidences of low testosterone. Clinical estimates cite up to 50% of all 40 year old men now have testosterone levels below their age norm of approximately 620 ng/dl. The preponderance of research implicates pesticides and preservatives found in foods, along with the hormone pellets used to fatten pork, cattle, and chicken which act as "hormonal disruptors" within the human body. It is also apparent that these disruptors are affecting both genders, and all ages. For example, they have been found to be equally as responsible for precocious (premature signs of) puberty in very young boys and girls, as for low sperm counts, infertility, obesity, and low serum testosterone levels in men of all ages. Of course not all low testosterone is attributed to such external factors.

Traditionally, testosterone levels swiftly throughout puberty peaking in the early twenties, but decreasing serum levels occurring at earlier ages is becoming a trend that's promoting greater incidences of low testosterone. Research estimates cite up to half of all men at 40 now have testosterone levels below the approximately 620 ng/dl norm for this age. The preponderance of clinical data implicates preservatives and pesticides found in foods, in conjunction with the hormone pellets used to fatten cattle, chicken, and pork which act as "hormonal disruptors" within the human body. These disruptors are also apparently affecting both genders, and all ages. Recently, scientists have found these types of disruptors to be equally as responsible for precocious (premature signs of) puberty in very young children, as for obesity, infertility, low sperm counts, and low serum testosterone in men of all ages. There are however, other reasons for low testosterone.

The popular term 'Andropause' is a condition associated with the physical and emotional change men experience as they age. Andropause goes by numerous aliases including androgen decline in the aging male (ADAM), male climacteric andropause, and late onset hypogonadism. Although generally attributed to aging, andropause is actually the result of a significant decline in testosterone production. As mentioned earlier, this naturally gradual decline in hormones begins near age 30 and progresses (at a rate of approximately one percent per year) until death. Consensus estimates cite the incidences of andropause in our society as follows:

Although the widespread normal ranges are often attributed to the different ways to measure androgens, and the various ways to define andropause, they are far more likely attributable to individual differences and sensitivities to hormonal shifts.

Regardless of whether your low testosterone production is the result of progressive andropause syndrome or other forces, the symptoms will be the same, and are characterized by:

Decreased hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia
Decline in energy levels, and participation in usual activities
Increased visceral fat (between and surrounding internal organs)
Reduced bone density which increases the risk of bone fractures, breaks, and osteoporosis
Decreased lean body mass, accompanied by declining strength
Changes in cholesterol and lipid values
Decreased body hair (both amount and thickness)
Changes in mood, which can manifest as irritability, depression, anger, and fatigue
Decreased libido (sexual desire), and diminished erectile quality and overall performance
Diminished body fat burning capacity

So what if low testosterone is present in the absence of advanced age, thus exempting andropause as its cause? When this is the case (barring other hormonal problems like a poorly functioning thyroid gland), the diagnosis is a condition known as hypogonadism, of which there are two types, "primary" and "central". In primary hypogonadism, the sex glands also known as gonads (testes in men) malfunction producing little or no hormones, the most common causes of which include:

Viral infection
Surgical history
Kidney and liver disease
Certain autoimmune disorders
Genetic and developmental disorders
Radiation treatment or exposure
Chronic illness
Chronic kidney problems or failure
Cirrhosis of the liver
Stress
Alcoholism
Obesity (especially abdominal)
Rapid, significant weight loss
In central hypogonadism, one or both of the brain centers (hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland) which control the gonads is functioning improperly. The main causes of central hypogonadism include:
Surgery
Trauma
Tumors
Injury, infection, or loss of the testicle(s)
Nutritional deficiencies
Hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body)
Chronic bleeding
Certain medications, including steroids and opiates
Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter's Syndrome (an extra 'X' chromosome)
Chemotherapy or radiation treatments
Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a lung inflammation causing condition)

Testing for Low Testosterone

A blood test is used to measure the serum levels of testosterone, both bound (that which is attached to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin - SHBG) and 'free' (unbound) available testosterone. A deficiency is often denoted by a total serum level below 400 ng/dl and or free testosterone below 150pg/dl. The blood sample should be drawn in the morning, because daily bodily stress (work, exercise, medication, etc.) can significantly influence testosterone production.

Measurements of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteining hormone) are also elevated and considered in the analysis, especially within men who complain of symptoms directly related to andropause.

Pre-Therapy Prostate Exam

Prior to testosterone replacement therapy, every male should undergo a prostate examination to both check and document the status of his prostate gland. Any abnormalities hypertrophy, or urinary complaints should be documented and attended to prior to commencing testosterone therapy.

It's often best to have both the physical prostate exam and the PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. Elevated PSA results are typically followed by a PSA II test, which may identify an enlarged prostate, a.k.a. prostatic hypertrophy. Testosterone replacement is absolutely contraindicated (to make a treatment or procedure inadvisable) in men with prostate cancer until cleared by a urologist.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone preparations, along with their prescribed dosages and frequency of treatment are medically customized for each individual into what is collectively known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

TRT is a highly effective treatment regimen for specific testosterone deficiencies, andropause, and numerous additional causes of low testosterone production. However, there are times when certain pituitary gland problems require the surgical removal of a pituitary tumor, non-hormonal medication, radiation treatments, or the replacement of other bodily hormones.

Testosterone Preparations

Healthy testosterone production shows secretion throughout the day and night, with a peak in the very early morning hours. Ideal TRT would be administered in a manner which optimizes this natural secretion pattern. There are a variety of testosterone preparations, and several reasons to select one over another. For example, bodybuilders, other testosterone supplementing athletes, and even recreational users prefer testosterone injections to tablets because it permits them to avoid hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) issues. This occurs during an oral steroid's initial trip through the liver (prior to entering the bloodstream to work), and is a process which both increases bad and decreases good cholesterol levels. Such users also favor injections because of the inherently short half-lives of oral medications, which cause them to both work and stop working rapidly, often requiring multiple daily dosing to maintain even blood serum levels. Nevertheless, each of the following options provides adequate levels of hormone replacement along with their inherent pros and cons. The trick is to find the one that best suits you and your style of living.

Oral tablets will always be en vogue because of their vitamin-like convenience and ease of use. Many men prefer this method not only because they're already accustomed to taking vitamins, but also due to their discomfort with needles. As mentioned earlier, tablets are harsher on the liver than other forms, and are generally taken daily or twice daily to ensure the proper dosage/stability throughout the day and night. For some though, they can also be too easy to forget, and would obviously not be a good choice for such men. These missed intervals often cause a roller coaster effect with varying testosterone levels and some patients only get a mild bump in there total testosterone elevation.

Another viable option is the testosterone patch which comes in various dosages and brands, among which Androderm and Testoderm are the most popular. Although reportedly uncomfortable, and requiring routine changing, the patch is still an often very used delivery mechanism. Older versions of the testosterone patch were attached to the scrotum and genitals, but today's patches should be applied to a clean, dry area of on the back, stomach, upper arms, or thighs. You'll have to rotate sites daily, allowing at least 7 days before reusing a site. Some people experience allergic reactions which can manifest in a variety of skin irritations. Some patients after continued use have no response to the activity of patch and usually go to other delivery methods like cream or injections

Intramuscular (IM) testosterone injections are shot directly into your muscle then absorbed into the bloodstream via the capillaries. IMs are not only popular because of their differing time release characteristics, but also because they don't disrupt liver functioning. IM testosterone therapy is generally esterified, which means that esters have been added to the preparation to control its speed of release and consequently, its rate of activity within the body. There are four primary U.S. approved preparations:

TRT

Other injectable preparations include hybrid blends of fast, moderate, and slow ester testosterones such as the wildly popular Sustanon 250, and its close relative Omnadren 250. These two products and other similar ones are optimally taken frequently early to benefit from the short esters, and then less frequently later once the long esters have accumulated within the bloodstream. This is popular because of the mutli peaks in testosterone over an extended period of time.

The testosterone gel is prepared in various dosing solutions, and sort of melds the characteristics of several applications. For example, it's absorbed transdermally (through the skin) like the patch, requires more frequent administration similar to tablets, and elevates serum levels quickly like both the aforementioned mechanisms and intramuscular testosterone propionate. Since its debut , testosterone gel has been a very popular preparation mostly because of its great convenience. However some patients only get a mild bump in there overall testosterone levels or none at all after a period of continued use and require a more effective delivery method like injections.

Testopel, subcutaneous crystalline testosterone pellets, manufactured by Organon have been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of men with testosterone deficiency syndrome. These long-acting pellets are inserted subcutaneously (between skin layers), and can provide a sustained testosterone release for 3-6 months. Although not as popular as some of the other preparations mentioned these pellets are just as effective. Patients are required to undergo a surgical procedure to implant the pellets each time and the sensation of the pellets to some are annoying and bothersome

Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone boosting is similar, but different from testosterone supplementation. For clarity, TRT/HRT uses synthetic testosterone preparations to actually replace the testosterone your body is unable to produce, while testosterone boosting works with your body (in most cases) to increase your naturally produced testosterone amount.

Chemicals

Said boosting can be thought of as having three primary categories. The first includes numerous present and former over-the-counter (OTC) chemical cousins like Havoc, Methyl-1-Testosterone, Superdrol, 1-AD, and numerous others which fall into the grey prescription drug/OTC supplement area. Although they all generate genuine testosterone increasing results, they were never FDA approved for, or sold as prescription medications. Admittedly, a good argument can be made for describing these products as testosterone replacements, but that debate is beyond the scope of this writing.

Herbal products

The second category is that of natural herbal testosterone boosters. Scores of supplement companies have made fortunes by producing entire lines of testosterone boosting products based on the centuries' old regional legends and reputations of such exotic testosterone enhancing herbs as:

Eurycoma longifolia (commonly called tongkat ali or pasak bumi) a tall, slender shrub-tree native to Indonesia and Malaysia
Lepidium meyenii, a.k.a. maca, an annual plant indigenous to Peru and parts of Bolivia
Tribulus terrestris, without doubt the most popular, an herb that has been used as a traditional male reproductive medication throughout its native China and India for hundreds of years

Foods

Unlike synthetic boosters and supplements which can have negative side effects, the third category increases testosterone levels by employing specific foods and resistance training. The consumption of certain foods is known to increase testosterone.

Although generally considered a substance to avoid (for its tendency to promote plaque buildup within arteries) the body both produces its own, and requires the externally supplied consumption of cholesterol. Proven to increase testosterone levels, solid concentrations of cholesterol are often found within many of the protein-rich foods a fitness conscious person would normally consume anyway, like eggs and various lean red meats. Such foods provide great nutritional resources for your body as long they are consumed in moderation and kept lean.

Another low testosterone improving substance, which has also gotten a bad rap, is fat. Both the healthier mono- & polyunsaturated fats from olives, nuts, fish and seeds, and the unhealthy (in large amounts) saturated fats found in avocados, whole fat dairy products, and oils like butter and margarine work with the body to increase testosterone production.

The multi-faceted mineral Zinc is well-known for its ability to provide many bodily benefits including blood clotting, wound healing, tissue repair, immunity improvements, and bone health. But it is also a superb sperm and testosterone production boosting mineral. Zinc can be found in high amounts within oysters, beef, pork, turkey, chicken liver, and pumpkin seeds. Substantial, but lesser concentrations are in wheat germ, lentils, almonds, and sunflower seeds.

Resistance training

Resistance exercise is an effective way to increase your natural testosterone production and sustain levels. In general, just working (moving) muscles very mildly stimulates testosterone secretion, but thoroughly taxed weight trained muscle release exponentially more testosterone. Obviously weight and cardio training are good for you on numerous levels, but it would be of great benefit to begin a serious training regimen if you're desirous of higher testosterone levels. More specifically, lower body training (especially programs which incorporate free-standing/universal bar squats), has been demonstrated to optimize weight trained testosterone release.

Additional ways

Overweight men often have lower testosterone levels, so work to achieve a balanced body weight. The more stored fat you have, the greater your natural testosterone disruption. It is therefore advisable to shed any extra pounds you may be carrying in an effort to get closer to the weight established for your age, height, and build. Obesity not only reduces testosterone levels, but it also elevates estrogen levels which cause further exacerbates the problem.

Never starve yourself when trying to lose weight because the consumption of too few calories inhibits testosterone production. Be sure to stay away from crash and fad diets - those which guarantee immediate results, and those that severely restrict macronutrients (fats, carbs and proteins). Don't ignore carbohydrates because your body requires them for energy, just make smarter carb choices. Similarly, eliminating fats can cause both decreased stored body fat utilization, and a plunge in testosterone levels. Be sure to maintain a balance between macronutrients similar to the ratios here: fats 15-20%; carbs 40-55%; and proteins 25-45%.

Don't permit long gaps between meals, instead, try to consume 5- 6 small meals a day. This will keep your blood glucose levels up (energy), help promote elimination (regularity), and help sustain optimal testosterone production. It's not easy to stick to a schedule, so just keep your meals light, and you'll naturally find yourself seeking food every 2.5-3.5 hours. Just be sure you have something quick and easy that's readily available like sandwiches, fruit, bars, nuts, shakes, lean cuisines, etc.

Alcohol consumption has been shown to adversely affect testosterone levels. If you drink, try to reduce your overall consumption, and try not to drink throughout the day, but rather a single time on drinking days.

Low Testosterone in Women

Research has conclusively demonstrated that testosterone does effectively boost sex drive and resolve peripheral sexual problems within certain women with sexual dysfunction. Because estrogen is a woman's primary sex hormone, TRT is usually prescribed only for those women who have sufficient estrogen levels. Most physicians don't consider TRT appropriate for women who:

Are post menopausal
Can't or choose not to take estrogen
Have a history of breast or uterine cancer
Have cardiovascular or liver disease
TRT for women might be appropriate if they:
Have reduced sex drive
Have depression and fatigue after surgically-induced menopause and estrogen therapy has proved ineffective
Are postmenopausal, receiving estrogen therapy, and have a decreased sex drive with no other identifiable causes

TRT for women is most often prescribed in the form of a gel, patch, or cream. Oral tablets may be, but are rarely prescribed for women.

Although testosterone deficiency contributes to sexual dysfunction in women, other factors are more integral including: decreased estrogen levels; chronic health conditions; vaginal dryness; conflict; mood concerns; lack of emotional intimacy and; medication side effects. It should be duly noted that no commonly prescribed testosterone preparation has been approved by the U.S. FDA for female usage.