Testosterone Q & A

Questions to Mellissa Waal, Natuorpath (ND.H, Naturopathy)

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone. It differentiates the masculine aspects of a human body. So for example, it creates the distinction of hair growth, muscular development, patterns of male behavior and so on. In short, testosterone differentiates a male body from a female body during normal development.

Women also have testosterone but the ratio of testosterone in a woman’s body does not define female characteristics, oestrogen does. Testosterone dominates the development of male physical attributes.

The normal range for testosterone in men is between 240 and 850. This explains in part the enormous differences between male bodies ranging from Alpha-male type ultra-athletes to the average Joe. Some men are naturally higher than other in testosterone but all men experience a reduction in testosterone by as much as half by the age of 45. From 45-55 they continue to decline.

At the age of 70-80 you only have 70-80% of your natural hormone levels.

What are the benefits of testosterone?

High levels of testosterone help with a variety of conditions:

Muscle building:

Testosterone effects the full hormonal function of your body and allows better. Hormones produce different chemical reactions in the body – when in balance, these chemical reactions allow better assimilation of nutrients and creates a condition of homeostasis which optimizes the growth of healthy muscle development.

Increased drive:

Testosterone seems to function in the male and female body by working in synchronicity with other hormones which produces more of the ‘alpha-male’ effect. All hormones are there to regulate homeostasis in the body and when correctly used can restore sexual, cognitive and metabolic functions. For example, in older men who have waning levels of testosterone may experience depression, which is often treated with anti-depressants, but an increased level of testosterone has led to better results than using anti-depressants.

Improved/restored sexual drive:

Testosterone works in conjunction with oestrogen levels, mood levels, enhanced sleep levels , energy levels which promotes a healthier or balanced outlook on life which can lead to creating a more receptive state for sexual intercourse. In a male with low testosterone (which may be adversely affected by stress), the sex drive is usually lacking.

Features of testosterone deficiency

Many men may be experiencing decreased or sub-optimal levels of testosterone and this manifests in the following conditions: Decreased muscle size and tone and therefore reduced strength. Increased flabbiness because the body is not able to help convert into muscle tone. A big part of this relates to abdominal fat in men particularly. In a man with too much oestrogen he might developed fat on his buttocks, his breasts. A testosterone deficiency may also lead to increased anxiety and irritability. It can also lead to a loss of interest in the opposite sex. Decreased body hair due to higher levels of oestrogen. Decreased aggressive drive. Depression and mental and emotional lethargy.

What is the profile of a person who should increase testosterone?

The normal level for testosterone (free testosterone) is a range of between 240 and 800. If your testosterone levels are below this range then it is probably a good idea to use a testosterone supplement.

Benefits of supplementing testosterone:

A person who could benefit from supplementing testosterone would want to:

• Increase muscle size and tone
• Increase muscle strength
• To reduce flabbiness, particularly abdominal flabbiness – testosterone levels and abdominal fat go hand in hand.
• Increase body hair.
• Increasing stamina.
• Reducing fatigue.
• Increased masculine confidence.
• Increasing your sex drive.

Performance enhancing:

Sportsmen can benefit greatly from improving their testosterone levels within the acceptable range. Increasing performance capacity and stamin, whilst giving greater muscle strength and stronger drive to succeed are all characteristics of increased stestosterone levels.

Male menopause

Andropause is the term used for men who experience declining testosterone levels through the ageing process. This condition arises with ageing and is associated with a decline in testosterone and is characterized with changes in your physical features and cognitive function, including depression and emotional lethargy. Increasing your testosterone levels can help reverse some of the effects of premature ageing or andropause. This can help you to feel a renewed vigour and energy for life and enjoy the physical performance that your body had when it was younger.

Who should not use testosterone supplements?

Men who already have high testoserone levels with ng per dl 850+ should not use a testosterone boosting supplement. Teenagers are particularly sensitive to highly elevated testosterone levels and should therefore always check their natural testoserone levels before using a testosterone supplement. Men who have abnormally high levels of testosterone may experience behavior such as excess aggression, anger and risky behavior .

Possible negative effects of excess testosterone:

Men who have testosterone levels that are too high may be prone to balding (and prostate issues). With increased testosterone levels the body develops higher levels of DHT, which can lead to hair loss. If the body doesn’t convert the testosterone to DHT then it can lead to hair growth.

Managing your testosterone levels:

Men over 45 should routinely check their testosterone levels. The recommendation for taking a testosterone supplement should apply to men who’s testosterone is below 400ng. Natural testosterone levels should naturally range between 240 and 850.