Identify and Treat Low Testosterone Naturally

Testosterone is a vital hormone for both men and women. Responsible for a variety of bodily functions, from building muscle and bone mass to assisting with sperm production and boosting sex drive, testosterone helps us retain strength and vitality. When the body doesn’t make enough testosterone, there can be serious repercussions.

What causes low testosterone?

There are several conditions that can cause low testosterone in men. Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hormonal imbalances, hormonal disorders, and infections can all affect testosterone levels. In addition, if the person has chronic medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease, testosterone levels may lag. Getting the treatment you need when you notice testosterone levels dipping is essential to your overall health and well-being.

What are the symptoms?

A slight decrease in testosterone after age 30 is normal. However, if you’re experiencing some of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away to determine if your testosterone levels are too low. -Insomnia or sleep disturbances -Increased body fat and reduction in muscle mass or strength -Loss of hair -Reduced sexual drive -Erectile dysfunction -Fatigue -Worsening of congestive heart failure -Depression -Worsening of sleep apnea -Infertility

How is it diagnosed?

Low testosterone occurs when a man’s testosterone levels (T-levels) have fallen below a level of approximately 300 ng/dL. Your doctor will use a blood test to determine if testosterone levels are in a healthy range for your body.

How is Low Testosterone treated?

Some natural ways of boosting your testosterone levels include:

• Ruling out other medical issues: Before all else, make sure your decreased levels are not a symptom of an underlying problem. Decreased testosterone production can occur due to various medical issues or severe injury. Go over any medications you are currently taking (or have recently taken) or treatments you are receiving to see whether they inhibit hormonal production.
• Changing your diet: While eating clean and balanced is always helpful in assisting your body with proper functioning, adding foods high in zinc to your diet can specifically assist it in creating testosterone. Snacks high in selenium, including sunflower seeds, are also helpful, as are foods rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to low testosterone levels, so getting this nutrient from natural sources or supplements is essential.
• Adjusting sleep habits: A lack of sleep can affect proper production of hormones in your body, testosterone included. Eight hours is ideal, but try to get seven at the very least. If you have difficulty falling asleep, you may need to consider changing some of your habits to improve this, such as eliminating television an hour before bed, meditating, changing the music you listen to and scheduling physical activity for earlier in the day. It has also been shown that removing ambient light like those produced by phones and chargers can also improve quality of sleep.
• Smoking and alcohol: Removing toxins from your lifestyle improves your health exponentially. The energy spent clearing toxins from your body requires enormous amounts of energy to maintain. Once these toxins are eliminated, your system can begin to focus more energy on regulating your hormone levels.
• Get moving: A sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to the body’s signal system. The more active you are, the more signals your brain sends to the rest of your body that hormone production is needed. Include a few half-hour sessions of cardio and strength training into your week for positive results.
• Get zen: When you are overextended or overwhelmed, your body creates cortisol, a stress hormone. The production of cortisol impedes your body’s ability to create other hormones. Find ways to remove stress triggers in your life and engage in relaxing activities.
• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy: This 100% natural method is a leading method of treating low testosterone, naturally. The difference between bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and synthetic hormone replacement therapy involves the chemical structure of the hormone molecules. Unlike their synthetic cousins, bioidentical hormone molecules exactly match the structure of your naturally-occurring hormone molecules. Using hormones that do not exactly match the molecular structure of the hormones you are replacing can cause unwanted side effects and health problems.

Bioidentical hormones can be absorbed by your body in one of two ways, all available at Water’s Edge Natural Medicine:

• Gels: These gels are applied directly to the skin and are absorbed through it. They are available in single application packages or pre-measured pumps.
• Injections: Testosterone can be administered through direct injections.

Looking for the best method? All of the above! Treating low testosterone involves healing the whole person, from reducing stress and toxins to seeking out natural medical care to replace lost hormones. If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Our physicians at Water’s Edge Natural Medicine are here to help. Contact us today!