Low testosterone
A natural approach to treating low testosterone (Low T).
Are you looking to discover the functional medicine approach to treating low testosterone (Low T)? This page covers:
Understanding your condition
What is Low T?
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a vital role in supporting cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, vascular, and immune health. This powerful hormone protects against age-related declines in muscle, ligaments, joints, tendons, bones, and skin. Moreover, it boosts sex drive and performance while elevating mood and energy levels.
When we’re young, our bodies naturally produce high levels of testosterone, which fuels our energy, focus, and physical strength. This testosterone boost helps us stay mentally sharp, physically energized, and powerfully built during our prime years.
However, as men age, their testosterone levels gradually decline. This natural condition, known as andropause, commonly affects middle-aged and older men. As testosterone decreases with time, men lose the protective benefits this crucial hormone provides. Testosterone is essential for maintaining various bodily functions and defending against many age-related diseases, making it a powerful ally for the aging male.
Low T
A natural treatment for low testosterone.
Our functional medicine Low T expert takes a personalized approach to helping men navigate their testosterone journey. Our practitioner can use functional hormone testing to pinpoint your levels. This allows us to identify your unique symptoms and situations, so we can determine the best personalized plan for you.
What causes Low T?
Testosterone levels in men have dropped significantly over the past few decades. This decline stems from a complex mix of factors, including lifestyle changes, diet, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins. While the causes are multifaceted, these shifts in modern living have contributed to the overall decrease in average testosterone levels among men.
Imbalances in certain hormones, such as the stress hormone cortisol and the sex hormone estrogen, can often be the culprit behind low testosterone levels.
Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, can trigger inflammation and suppress testosterone production. Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, and chronic stress can lead to excessive cortisol.
Additionally, elevated estrogen levels can also disrupt testosterone. This can stem from having too much body fat, as well as other lifestyle influences like diet and exposure to environmental toxins.
By addressing these hormonal imbalances through diet, stress management, and other lifestyle changes, it’s often possible to naturally restore healthy testosterone levels.
Other causes.
Other causes of testosterone deficiency include:
- Nutrient deficiencies, such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D
- Certain medications like statins and antidepressants
- Chronic inflammation
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Liver disease
By addressing the root causes of low testosterone – whether that’s nutrient imbalances, medications, inflammation, or something else – a functional medicine practitioner can help men achieve optimal health without relying solely on synthetic hormone supplements. This functional medicine approach can prevent testosterone issues from arising in the first place.
What are the signs and symptoms of Low T?
The most common symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Decreased energy and strength
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Disrupted sleep quality
- Sexual dysfunction, such as low libido and erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
- Lack of mental clarity and brain fog
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling lethargic and unmotivated
- Gynaecomastia: fat redistributing to your midsection, creating a larger belly, or even developing “man boobs.”
Conventional Low T treatment approach.
Conventional testosterone therapy typically involves testing complete blood count, testosterone levels, and PSA, and supplementing natural testosterone levels with synthetic hormones. This treatment can be delivered in several ways:
- Intramuscular injections
- Gels or creams applied to specific areas of the body (with care taken to avoid transferring any hormone to a family member or partner)
- Transdermal patches
- Implanted pellets beneath the skin
While these conventional treatment options are available for low testosterone, they do come with certain risks.
At BionwoRx, our functional medicine expert frequently recommends bioidentical hormone therapy to address low testosterone. This integrative approach is favored for its more natural interaction with the body and reduced side effects.
The BionwoRx functional medicine approach.
Natural treatment for Low T.
The functional medicine approach aims to identify and address the underlying causes of low testosterone. This means that simply prescribing synthetic testosterone may not be the best solution for all men with low testosterone levels. Instead, a functional approach may involve dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and the use of targeted supplements to help restore optimal testosterone levels – before or in addition to testosterone therapy.
To get a comprehensive picture, it’s important to first measure both free and bound testosterone through functional lab testing. Another useful test is for bioavailable testosterone, which is the portion that the body can readily use. From there, your functional medicine practitioner will tailor a personalized protocol to support the specific symptoms you’re experiencing, including:
- Mood support
- Reducing inflammation
- Enhancing sexual health and libido
- Nutritional support
- Promoting healthy sleep, rest, and relaxation
The treatment plan may include:
BHRT.
BHRT is a way to fight aging and balance your hormones. It does this with the use of chemically and biologically identical hormones. Men who use bioidentical hormones often notice impressive results, such as a better mood, increased sex drive, more energy, reduced pain, greater strength, and even weight loss. In short, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can provide men with a wide range of benefits in a friendly and approachable way.
Food and nutrition.
The foods we consume can profoundly impact our health at the cellular level. During andropause, your food choices can either alleviate or aggravate your symptoms. While it may be tempting to reach for comforting yet unhealthy options like processed snacks, these can worsen inflammation in your body. Instead, this is the perfect time to nourish yourself with anti-inflammatory whole foods – think fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy fats from fish, nuts, and seeds. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are especially beneficial, as they contain compounds that naturally support hormonal balance.
Supplements.
Targeted nutrient supplements can provide real therapeutic benefits for men dealing with low testosterone levels. For instance, magnesium has been shown to naturally boost men’s anabolic hormone levels, including testosterone. Research also indicates that taurine can help increase testosterone production without also raising estradiol levels, which can interfere with sperm production. In fact, a recent study revealed that supplementing with taurine actually stimulates testosterone production. Additionally, another study found that men with lower vitamin D levels tended to have lower total testosterone levels. According to a 2011 study, men who are deficient in vitamin D can effectively raise their low testosterone levels by taking an appropriate vitamin D supplement.
Herbal medicines.
Herbal medicines can provide excellent therapeutic support during andropause. For instance, ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen that reduces neuroinflammation, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote sleep. Fenugreek, a versatile herb, has been studied for its ability to naturally boost testosterone levels. It contains compounds called furostanolic saponins, which are believed to stimulate testosterone production. Several studies suggest that taking fenugreek supplements may help improve testosterone levels and alleviate symptoms associated with low testosterone, such as diminished sex drive. Overall, these natural remedies offer a gentle and effective way to manage Low T symptoms.
Lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes to boost low testosterone may include:
- Exercising regularly. Resistance training like weightlifting and cardiovascular exercise such as running or swimming can increase testosterone levels.
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet. Limit sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed foods. Instead, focus on protein, healthy fats, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
- Getting enough quality sleep each night.
- Reducing stress through relaxing activities like meditation, music, prayer, and hobbies.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Losing excess pounds can help boost testosterone production.
- Avoiding harmful habits. Steer clear of tobacco, excessive alcohol, and opioid pain medications.
- Addressing any underlying medical conditions that may be lowering your testosterone.
Remember, these are just a few possibilities – the key is to identify your unique symptoms and situation to determine the best approach for you through functional medicine. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so stay open-minded and focus on what works best for your body and lifestyle.
FAQs.
What are the signs of Low T in men?
Low testosterone can trigger a range of troubling symptoms, such as fatigue, low sex drive, trouble building muscle, and mood swings. Plus, many men also struggle with erectile dysfunction and weight gain when their testosterone levels drop.
What are the potential benefits of testosterone therapy?
Potential benefits include:
- Rise in energy levels
- Weight loss
- Improved sex drive
- Improved sleep quality
- Increased stamina
- Enhanced muscle mass
- Improved mental clarity
- Improved mood
- Enhanced clarity
How soon can I expect to see results from testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy can deliver a range of benefits, though the timeline may vary. Many men start to feel improvements in their energy, mood, and sexual function within just a few weeks. However, it can take a few months of consistent treatment to see the full effects, such as increased muscle mass and fat loss.
Is testosterone therapy safe for long term use?
Testosterone therapy is safe when your healthcare provider closely monitors it. Regular checkups and blood tests are essential to keep your hormone levels balanced and minimize any potential risks, like elevated cholesterol or blood pressure.
Can testosterone help with erectile dysfunction?
Testosterone replacement therapy can help men with low testosterone levels regain their erectile function. By raising testosterone levels, many men notice a boost in their sex drive and other positive benefits.