Even the word testosterone can have a plethora of different links. For some people, it’s the essential “manly” ingredient that helps you build muscles, drives your sex life and causes you to grow body hair. For others, it’s a problem that is often associated with ageing. However, most men aren’t really clear on what testosterone does or the symptoms associated with low amounts.
Understanding What Testosterone Does
Testosterone is a complicated thing. It affects our entire body and plays an important role in many of our bodily functions. It helps to regulate our sex drive, it helps our bodies distribute fat and it also helps us build muscles. It provides our bodies with many different benefits, but there’s a possibility that we’re not getting enough of it because our body can’t keep up, or we simply produce less because of our age. There’s also a possibility of producing too much testosterone, though the symptoms can be entirely different.
How to Increase Your Testosterone Levels
There are many ways to increase your testosterone levels, and here are just a few examples:
● Strength training. Lifting weights and exercise are two of the most common ways to naturally boost your testosterone levels. Research has shown that physical activity is a sure way for men to boost their testosterone levels, and that short-term resistance training is the best way to achieve this.
● Minerals and supplements. Boosters like Tongkat Ali, vitamin D and zinc are fantastic ways to boost your testosterone levels. However, take care when using supplements and consult a doctor before you start taking them on a regular basis.
● Plenty of rest. When we sleep, our body is still actively taking care of itself, but this restorative state only happens when you’re in a deep sleep cycle. If you interrupt this deep sleep then your body will force itself to stop.
● Avoiding estrogen. Products like soy milk contain phytoestrogen, which is a plant-based estrogen that can reduce the level of testosterone in your body.
● Eat protein, carbs and fat. A healthy diet is the key to maintaining testosterone levels in your body. Overeating or skipping too many meals can interrupt your body’s ability to produce the hormone.
The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Symptoms of low testosterone are varied and it affects people in different ways. Here are just a couple of examples that you should be looking out for:
● Decreased sex drive
● Infertility
● Reduced muscle mass
● Fatigue
● Depression
● Hair loss
● Spontaneous erections
● Increased body fat
● Larger breasts
If you suffer from any of these conditions, then it might be worth visiting a doctor to check if you have low levels of testosterone. These symptoms can be caused by lifestyle factors or other medical conditions, but they all have a link with low levels of testosterone and you should contact your doctor to make an appointment. Without the proper tools and professional advice, it’s difficult to diagnose whether you have low testosterone or if it’s another underlying condition affecting your body.