The Top Solutions for Treating Low Testosterone in Men

From Supplements to Therapy

Testosterone is a critical hormone in the male body that plays a crucial role in muscle growth, bone density, and sexual function. However, many factors can affect testosterone levels in a man’s body, leading to health issues such as low energy levels, decreased libido, and even depression. 

Numerous treatment options are available for combatting this issue - from supplements to therapy. But with so many solutions to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This article will explore the top solutions for treating low testosterone in men.

Whether you want to improve your overall health or regain youthful energy, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover the best ways to boost your testosterone levels and reclaim your vitality.

Understanding Testosterone in Men

Testosterone is an essential hormone in the male body responsible for developing male characteristics such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle mass. Testosterone helps maintain and develop:

• Sex organs and genitalia

• Muscle mass

• Red blood cell levels

• Bone density

• Sexual and reproductive function

• Mood regulation

Testosterone levels in men tend to follow a daily rhythm, which fluctuates throughout the day. In one study, men aged 30-40 had lower testosterone levels at 4 PM than at 8 AM. As men age, that difference can drop, but typically men have higher levels at night and minimal levels during the day.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

The American Urology Association categorizes a man with low testosterone if he has less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (no/dL), although some providers identify 250 no/dL as low. The symptoms of low testosterone can vary from person to person. More specific indicators are:

• Decrease in sex drive

• Erectile Dysfunction

• Fatigue 

• Decrease in muscle mass

• Loss of body hair

• Less beard growth

• Depression

• Obesity

You may have symptoms that are non-specific to low testosterone, such as:

• Low energy levels

• Difficulty focusing

• Poor memory

• Difficulty finding words

• Not doing well at work

Having any specific or non-specific symptoms doesn’t mean you have low T, But if you notice a change in your energy levels and mood or have a low sex drive and difficulty finding words, you might want to have your doctor check you for low T.

Causes

There is some debate about whether certain medical conditions cause low T or if low testosterone motivates that condition. Despite the controversy, there are strong ties between many medical conditions and low-T. 

Medical Conditions 

• HIV

• AIDS

• Chronic liver disease

• Kidney disease

• Klinefelter syndrome

• Noonan syndrome

• Injury to the testicles

• Removal of testicles

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation

• Autoimmune disease

• Some pituitary gland diseases

• Metabolic syndrome

Other Causes

• Obesity

• Aging

• Narcotic pain medications

• Antidepressants

Common Treatments

There are various treatment options available for low testosterone levels. The most common treatments include lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and testosterone replacement therapy.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing your lifestyle can go a long way in managing your testosterone levels. That includes exercise, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Exercise 

• Exercise can help those whose levels are between normal and low. Regular exercise has been shown to have significant health benefits and increases plasma testosterone concentrations. Research has found that strength-training workouts may significantly affect testosterone, especially in the evening. So, scheduling your workout after work instead of in the morning might boost your testosterone.

Sleep

• It’s essential to get good sleep if you’re struggling with low-T. Poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation adversely affect men’s testosterone levels. A 2011 study found sleep fragmentation and obstructive sleep apnea are associated with reduced testosterone levels in older men. Researchers have also found that men with lower-quality sleep and fewer deep sleep cycles also have low testosterone levels. The takeaway? Prioritize your sleep and get your zzz’s. This may help balance your testosterone level, and you’ll definitely feel better just by getting a good night’s sleep.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight and Staying Away from Low-carb Diets

• Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for balancing testosterone levels. Men who are more obese and experience weight gain often have higher estrogen levels, a hormone in both men and women. Elevated estrogen levels can lead to a hormonal imbalance, which may suppress testosterone production in men.

• Excess fat, especially in the abdominal area, can trigger the production of aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen, and this conversion results in a decrease in testosterone levels.

• Also, if you’re experimenting with a low-carbohydrate diet, you might be lowering your testosterone levels. A 2022 review and meta-analysis found that the average decrease in testosterone levels for those on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets was around 37%, suggesting that low-carbohydrate diets can significantly impact testosterone levels in men.

Managing Stress

• Managing stress is essential for balancing testosterone levels in a man’s body. Elevation in cortisol levels can quickly reduce testosterone; testosterone can rise when cortisol lowers. Stress and high cortisol levels can also drive people to eat more, leading to weight gain, which, as we’ve indicated above, can adversely affect testosterone levels.

Dietary Supplements

There is some evidence that supplementation could benefit or raise testosterone in men with low T. The most prominent are:

Vitamin D

• In a small 2011 study, men undergoing a weight reduction program saw significant increases in testosterone after receiving 3,332 IU of vitamin D daily for a year.

Fenugreek

• A study of 60 men aged 25-52 showed that fenugreek supplementation significantly improved testosterone levels and sexual function.

Ashwagandha 

• A 2019 study in the American Journal of Men’s Health found that ashwagandha supplementation significantly increased testosterone levels in 75 men with infertility. 

Zinc

• Many studies have shown a relationship between zinc and testosterone levels. A study published in Nutrition concluded that zinc might play an essential role in modulating serum testosterone levels in average men. Another study found that men 30mg of zinc a day increased testosterone levels in their subjects.

It’s essential to check with your doctor before starting any supplement.

Alternative Therapies

A couple of alternative therapies might also help men struggling with low-T. 

Acupuncture

Although more research needs to be done, particularly with human models, one study on rats looked at the direct effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on testosterone levels. Researchers found a significant increase in the groups that had received both electro-acupuncture and Moxa.

Massage Therapy

No direct evidence suggests that massage therapy can help men with low testosterone levels. However, it is worth mentioning that massage therapy is known for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Since stress can negatively impact testosterone levels, it is possible that massage therapy indirectly helps maintain or improve hormonal balance. However, more research is needed to establish any direct connection between massage therapy and improving testosterone levels in men. 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment that involves replacing testosterone in the body. TRT is generally considered safe and comes in different forms, including:

• Skin gels

• Intramuscular testosterone injections

• Patches

• Pellets

• Buccal tablets

• Nasal gel

• Oral testosterone

Some men may not be able to receive testosterone therapy if they have a history of:

• Prostate cancer, or a current unevaluated lump on your prostate

• Breast cancer

• Untreated obstructive sleep apnea

Side Effects

Although it is generally considered safe, testosterone replacement therapy can have some side effects. Common side effects include:

•  Acne or oily skin

• Swelling or tenderness of breasts

• Fluid retention

• Increased red blood cell production

• Prostate changes

• Weight gain

• Worsened sleep apnea

• Mood swings and anger

• Low sperm production

• Gynecomastia (breast growth in men)

It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of TRT with your doctor before starting treatment.

The Takeaway

Low testosterone levels can lead to various health issues and affect a man’s quality of life. However, different treatment options are available, from lifestyle changes and natural remedies to testosterone replacement therapy. 

If you think you might have low testosterone, book an appointment so Dr. Eric Cerré can get you back on the right path!