Everybody knows testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and that it’s related to how men behave sexually. In truth, however, testosterone is involved in a variety of bodily functions, both in men and in women.
In recent years, the detrimental effects of declining testosterone levels in men have gained much attention. Continue reading to learn about the different effects of testosterone on men and how you can elevate your testosterone levels.
The Many Roles of Testosterone
A lot of men think that testosterone is only important for their sex drive and muscle mass. However, testosterone also plays important roles in regulating bone bass and fat distribution. In fact, testosterone-related osteoporosis is fast becoming a common problem for elderly men.
Testosterone is also essential in the production of sperm cells. In the testicles, the Leydig cells are the ones that are in charge of testosterone synthesis. The Leydig cells are actually located adjacent to the cells that produce and nourish your sperm, which are the Sertoli cells.
Sufficient testosterone production is essential even for infants and young boys. During the first three months after a baby boy is born, his testosterone levels will dictate whether his sex organ and reproductive system will develop in a normal manner.
As for adolescent boys, it’s widely known that testosterone is necessary in order for their sexual maturation. As they go through maturity, their testosterone levels will influence the deepening of their voice, the growth of both facial and pubic hair, as well as the development of their testicles and penis.
Testosterone is also important for erythropoiesis or the production of red blood cells. The primary male sex hormone may also stimulate red blood cell production by altering the homeostasis and metabolism of iron in the body.
The Effects of Low Testosterone
Because it is absolutely necessary for various bodily functions, men who have low testosterone levels tend to suffer from various physical symptoms and medical conditions. With regard to sexual behavior, insufficient levels of testosterone typically result in reduced libido, as well as in poor erectile function.
Testosterone actually helps promote the production and secretion of nitric oxide in the penis. Since nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter that’s very important for erection, low testosterone levels often lead to reduced nitric oxide synthesis. This then results in impaired erectile function.
Low testosterone production can also lead to reduced sex drive. On top of that, the testicular cells that are in charge of producing testosterone may start dying away, which can then lead to testicular atrophy and the shrinking of your testicles.
Aside from the adverse sexual effects of low testosterone levels, you may also suffer several physical symptoms such as loss of facial and body hair. In addition, because testosterone is necessary for the normal distribution of fat mass and for muscle mass and growth, having low testosterone levels often lead to increased fat mass and obesity.
Unfortunately, obesity contributes to reductions in testosterone levels, which further compounds the problem. Obese men tend to have a high rate of circulating testosterone conversion to estrogen. That’s basically due to aromatase which is the enzyme that facilitates the conversion of the male hormone.
When your testosterone levels remain abnormally low, you can start losing bone mass, which then results in reduced bone density and osteoporosis. Enlarged breasts or gynecomastia is also a common consequence of severely low testosterone levels, especially when accompanied by persistently high estrogen levels.
This is not the same kind of breast enlargement that you experience when too much fat accumulates in your breast area. In gynecomastia, your breast glands themselves grow big.
Low testosterone levels also typically result in impaired fertility and reduced sperm production. Since the primary male sex hormone is needed for the sperm cells to mature, insufficient testosterone levels often result in arrested sperm development. This means that your spermatozoa no longer continue to grow into mature sperm cells.
Low testosterone levels can also negatively affect your psychological and emotional well-being. Irritability and poor concentration are both associated with low levels of testosterone. Depression or major depressive disorder is also closely tied to low testosterone levels.
The Dangers of Too Much Testosterone
Just as abnormally low testosterone levels negatively affect your health, having too much testosterone can also cause several physiological problems. For instance, it can lead to acne due to overstimulation of your sebaceous glands, as well as fluid retention and swollen legs and feet.
One of the more serious effects of excessively high testosterone levels is BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. When you have BPH, it means that your prostate has grown in size. The condition can lead to urinary difficulties, which can then result in impaired quality of life.
High cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, increased risks of blood clots, headaches, liver disease, and insomnia are just some of the adverse effects of having too much testosterone.
In young boys, extremely high levels of testosterone can lead to precocious puberty, wherein they reach adolescence way earlier than average. In some cases, boys as young as 8 years old are already going through puberty because of their excessively high levels of testosterone. The problem with this is that their growth may become stunted.
Normalizing Your Testosterone Levels
When you’re afflicted with low levels of testosterone, either due to aging or some other medical, physical, or psychological causes, you can take certain herb-based supplements to help normalize your testosterone levels.
Among the various herbs that are known to have testosterone-boosting effects, Tongkat Ali and fenugreek are some of the most widely used. Fenugreek is an excellent herb for suppressing the testosterone conversion activities of aromatase, whereas Tongkat Ali is extremely effective in stimulating testicular synthesis of testosterone.
When taken in combination, Tongkat Ali and fenugreek can help ensure that your free testosterone levels and total testosterone levels are significantly increased. Plus, you get to enjoy the added pro-sexual benefits of Tongkat Ali which include improved erectile function, increased sexual stamina, as well as increased sperm count and enhanced fertility.
