Unlocking the Power of Testosterone Naturally:

Man’s Journey to Optimal Health

What is the importance of testosterone? How does it affect your daily life?

These are questions that many men find themselves asking, and if you haven't already, you are not too late to join the ​party. Testosterone is the male androgen hormone responsible for giving secondary sex characteristics in males. While ​testosterone levels peak around the age of 18, they begin to drop consistently, especially after the age of 30. A healthy ​decrease in testosterone is expected with age, but many men suffer from a greater than average decrease, which can ​lead to various symptoms. In this blog, we will explore the impact of low testosterone and discuss how to address this ​issue effectively.

Understanding the Symptoms

Low testosterone levels can manifest in different ways. A decrease in sexual desire and performance can be a clear ​indicator that testosterone levels are below the optimal range. However, low testosterone can also manifest in more ​subtle ways. Fatigue and irritability are common symptoms that may be attributed to other causes, but they can also be ​linked to low testosterone levels. Additionally, men with low testosterone may experience a decrease in muscle mass, ​increased body fat, and reduced bone density. Collectively, these changes can significantly impact a man's daily life, ​affecting his physical and mental well-being.

Why Testosterone Drops

Several factors can contribute to declining testosterone levels, some of which are well-known, while others might ​surprise you:

• Hypogonadism: This is a condition where the testes produce insufficient testosterone, it can be primary (a direct ​problem with the testes) or secondary (related to issues with the pituitary gland or thyroid).
  
• Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, is estrogenic, meaning its rich in an enzyme called aromatase ​which converts testosterone to estrogen. Losing weight through healthy means can often help restore balance.
  
• Testicular Injury or Infection: Injuries or infections that affect the testes can directly lower testosterone production.
  
• Certain Medications and Treatments: Some medications can negatively impact testosterone levels. For example, ​opioids, corticosteroids, and anabolic steroids can suppress testosterone production. Additionally, treatments like ​chemotherapy and radiation therapy can impair the testes’ ability to produce testosterone.
  
• Poor Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to nutritional deficiencies that ​negatively impact hormone production. Diets lacking in essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D can ​also contribute to low testosterone.
  
• Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels by damaging the ​liver, which plays a role in hormone regulation. Also, similar to fat, it can increase aromatase activity which means ​more testosterone is converted to estrogen. Substance abuse, particularly of drugs like marijuana and opioids, can ​disrupt the endocrine system, leading to decreased testosterone production.
  
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea not only affects your rest but also significantly impacts testosterone levels. Treating ​sleep apnea often involves weight loss, dietary adjustments, and improved sleep hygiene.
  
• Very Low Cholesterol Levels: Cholesterol is essential for hormone production, including testosterone. If cholesterol ​levels are too low, especially due to cholesterol-lowering medications, it can lead to low testosterone.
  

The Importance of Accurate Measurement

If you suspect your testosterone is low, the first step is getting a blood test, taking into account that timing matters, too. ​Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, so it’s best to get tested in the morning, between 8 and 11 a.m or within ​3 hours of waking. To get the full picture, my approach also involves checking levels of other hormones, like luteinizing ​hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and T4 thyroid hormone (thyroxine), DHT (dihydrotestosterone, the ​more potent form of testosterone), and cortisol. I use these results to determine how far off you are from the optimal ​range, not just the healthy range for your age group. This allows us to map out a roadmap and set targets of helping you ​achieve the best version of yourself. It is worth noting that there are different types of testosterone which make up total ​testosterone, these are:

• Tightly bound testosterone: About two-thirds of the testosterone in your blood is bound to sex hormone-binding ​globulin (SHBG), making it unavailable for use by your body.
  
• Loosely bound testosterone: About one-third of the testosterone in your blood is weakly bound to albumin. Once this ​bond is broken, the testosterone circulates as free testosterone in your body.
  
• Free testosterone: A small percentage (1–4%) of the testosterone in your blood floats freely and is readily available ​for your body to use. This free testosterone, along with loosely bound testosterone, makes up your bioavailable ​testosterone, which has a greater impact on your health than total testosterone.
  

Taking a Holistic Approach

It’s tempting to reach for a quick fix when you find out your testosterone is low, but men often overlook crucial factors ​such as diet, lifestyle, sleep, and stress management. Addressing the root cause of low testosterone is essential for ​sustainable results. As a naturopathic doctor, I have had the privilege of working with numerous patients seeking to ​optimize their testosterone levels. By focusing on all aspects of testosterone production and maintenance, such as ​restoring hormonal balance, correcting nutrient deficiencies, and optimizing gut health to ensure absorption, I work with ​patients to create a personalized approach that promotes optimal health and vitality.

Harnessing the Power of Natural Supplements

Natural supplements can be a great addition to a long-term plan, providing short-term support while you make bigger ​changes to your diet and lifestyle. These supplements work with your body’s natural processes to help balance ​hormones and improve overall well-being. They can also help prevent testosterone from being converted into other ​hormones, like DHT, which is linked to male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement. The combination of natural ​supplements, tailored diet, and lifestyle changes provides a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining ​optimal testosterone levels.

By embracing a holistic approach that encompasses personalized strategies, bloodwork measurements, and natural ​supplementation, men can unlock the full potential of their testosterone levels.

If you are interested in my testosterone plan (including complete hormonal testing) and how it can be customized to your ​concerns, book a free 15 minute consultation to get started - limited to current Ontario residents only