Decreased testosterone levels in men. What foods can help lower testosterone levels? Sedentary lifestyle

Androgens are produced not only in the male body - they are also synthesized in small volumes in women.

Testosterone, the main representative of androgens, guarantees the functioning of many systems of the female body.

However, when its concentrations are increased, it is required to lower testosterone in women as soon as possible. Otherwise, there will be dire consequences for women's health.

Concentrations of testosterone in a woman's body are significantly lower than in men.

However, when there is a decrease in this hormone, it instantly affects health and well-being. it is also dangerous for a woman's health.

The most common are the following:

1. Freshly squeezed carrot and celery juice. It is required to consume 1 glass daily on an empty stomach. It is permissible to alternate day after day of carrot and celery juices. The recommended course of admission is 14 days.
2. Black tea with the addition of licorice. Chopped licorice root is added to the tea leaves. 200 ml of tea is consumed before bedtime, the course is 14 days.
3. Flax seed infusion. 1 tbsp. seeds are filled with 100 g of hot water. Consume 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach.
4. Peppermint infusion. 1 tbsp. dry plants are poured with 200g of hot water and left for 20 minutes. It is not recommended to use a composition of more than 400g / day - due to the sedative properties of the plant.
5. Oatmeal jelly. Oat grains need to be poured over 200g of cold water and left to swell for 12 hours. Next, you need to cook the grains for 1.5 hours, adding liquid as it evaporates. Grains are removed from the finished composition, ground and added back to the broth. The permissible daily dose is 3 glasses.

In addition to these compositions, the following medicinal plants and decoctions based on them can have the desired effect:

• marin root;
• evening primrose;
• black cohosh;
• vitex.

You can also use dietary supplements based on phytocomponents. Taking a combination of vitamin D and calcium gluconate is also beneficial.

However, it is better to discuss this step with the treating specialist before taking the drug.

In the event that the required result is not achieved and an increased level of testosterone in the blood persists, one should abandon the use of folk recipes as the main treatment and undergo hormonal therapy.

A decrease in testosterone in the vast majority of cases is a sign of aging in both the male and female body. However, the lack of production of this sex hormone can be triggered by a large number of other predisposing factors.

A similar symptom is accompanied by a large number of additional symptoms, for example, a deterioration in the condition of the hair, skin and nail plates, as well as a violation of sexual functions.

The correct diagnosis can be made based on clinical manifestations and laboratory determination of the level of sex hormones. To correct the disorder, conservative methods of therapy are prescribed.

Etiology

The most common predisposing factors that can lower testosterone in males are:

• the age category is over forty years old - it is after this period that a physiological decrease in such a substance occurs. This is due to the aging of the body and it is not possible to reverse this process;
• inappropriate nutrition - if the body does not receive a sufficient amount of vitamins and micronutrients, then the production of such a sex hormone will be insufficient;
• the presence of excess body weight in a person is one of the most dangerous reasons for this condition. leads not only to a decrease in the concentration of male sex hormones, but also affects the activation of the production of estrogens - female hormones;
• excessive addiction to drinking alcohol, smoking and drugs;
• insufficient physical activity of a person - a moderately active lifestyle helps prevent the appearance of such a symptom and contributes to an increase in testosterone. It is noteworthy that excessive physical activity can also serve as a source of the development of such a disorder;
• abuse of certain drugs;
• genetic predisposition;
• trauma to the testicles and other organs of the male reproductive system;
• carrying a mobile phone in trouser pockets;

Despite the fact that testosterone is a male sex hormone, it is also present in the body of women. It is produced by the adrenal glands and is contained in small amounts.

The reasons for the decrease in testosterone in women:

• entry into the period;
• menopause;
• acute, against the background of which the glands cannot secrete the required amount of this substance;
• indiscriminate intake of certain medications;
• surgical excision of one or two of the ovaries;
• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• severe physical or emotional stress;
• long-term influence of stressful situations.

It follows from this that a decrease in testosterone levels in both sexes is often caused by physiological factors, but sometimes it can indicate the course of a disease that requires medical intervention.

Symptoms

Signs of a decrease in the level of this sex hormone in men and women will be slightly different. Thus, the basis of the clinical picture of such a disorder in representatives of a strong half of humanity is the following symptoms:

• lack of sexual attraction to the opposite sex;
• a decrease in bone density, which makes a person prone to frequent injuries or fractures;
• an increase in body weight and volume of the mammary glands;
• the rarity of hair on the face, pubis and armpits;
• decreased performance;
• frequent mood swings and depression;
• constant fatigue and;
• the formation of wrinkles;
• a decrease in the volume of the testicles;
• erectile dysfunction.

The decrease in testosterone in women is clinically less pronounced than in men. This is due to the fact that such a hormone is not the main one for female representatives.

In such cases, the lack of such a substance is expressed in the following symptoms:

• decrease or absence of sex drive;
• inability to get pleasure during sexual intercourse;
• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• frequent hot flashes;
• dry skin;
• increased fragility of hair and nail plates;
• causeless fatigue and constant weakness;
• decreased physical strength;
• trouble concentrating;
• accumulation of fat in the abdomen, arms and neck;
• changing the timbre of the voice;
• fragility of bones;
• sleepiness during the day and lack of sleep at night.

If any pathology has become the cause of the decreased testosterone, then the symptoms will be supplemented by the clinical manifestations of a particular disease.

Diagnostics

Despite the fact that the lack of male sex hormones is often a completely normal physiological process, sometimes this can be the result of some kind of ailment, which means that patients need to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes:

• study by the clinician of the medical history and collection of the patient's life history;
• conducting a detailed survey of the patient - to identify the time of onset of symptoms;
• carrying out an objective examination;
• laboratory studies of the level of hormones in the blood - will show a direct decrease in this hormone, and also indicate a possible pathological cause of a sharp decrease in testosterone levels in men and women;
• Genital ultrasound.

Depending on individual indicators, additional laboratory and instrumental examination methods may be prescribed.

Treatment

Testosterone deficiency is replenished with the help of such conservative methods:

• taking medications;
• adherence to diet therapy;
• psychotherapy;
• normalization of wakefulness and rest.

Drug therapy is intended only for men and consists in performing hormone replacement therapy, which will help to achieve:

• normalization of male libido;
• normalizing erection;
• restoration of hair growth in the pubic area and armpits;
• increased bone density;
• normalization of muscle strength.

The mainstay of therapy for lowering testosterone levels in women is diet therapy, which is also important for males, but is of secondary importance. The therapeutic diet involves enriching the menu with products that increase the content of such a sex hormone. These ingredients include:

• seafood;
• cabbage and beets;
• green grapes and mango;
• melon and carrots;
• raisins and pineapple;
• oranges and pears;
• prunes and pomegranates;
• zucchini and bell peppers;
• black currants and plums;
• any greens;
• pearl barley, buckwheat and wheat porridge;
• curry and turmeric;
• cardamom and garlic.

Instructions

See your gynecologist to determine the exact cause in the body. These can be malfunctions in the hormonal system, taking certain types of medications, especially anticonvulsants, adrenal and ovarian tumors, estrogen therapy, changes in diet and life, stress, and more. Perhaps eliminating the underlying disease will help solve the problem of increasing the hormone.

Take the necessary test to determine the level of testosterone, which must be prescribed by a doctor. You need to take it on the sixth or seventh day of the menstrual cycle (counting from the first day of menstruation), refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol the day before. Only after the results of the analysis will the specialist prescribe the necessary medicine. Usually, women are advised to take drugs such as Dexamethasone, Cyproterone, Diane-35, Digostin, and others to lower testosterone.

Some oral contraceptives help to reduce the amount of testosterone in the female body, but hormonal medications cannot be taken on their own, as they can cause serious side effects. As a rule, contraceptives are prescribed in conjunction with Androkur. The course of treatment can take several months, depending on how much testosterone is increased. Usually, birth control pills paired with Androkur help to cope with such unpleasant symptoms of high testosterone as acne, excessive hair growth, bleeding between periods.

Along with pharmacy tablets, you can take dietary supplements to reduce testosterone in women, but you should also consult your doctor about them. For example, Dindolimethane, made from broccoli and cauliflower, can help reduce male sex hormones. Another useful food supplement, calcium gluconate, has the same effect, especially if taken together with vitamin D. It is very important not to exceed the recommended daily dose when taken.

Since minerals such as zinc and magnesium have a positive effect on the development of testosterone in the body, women undergoing hormonal treatment are advised to cut back on their food intake. Simultaneously with this measure, physical activity should be increased, ranging from sports to an active sex life (if any).

Monitor your diet. An increase in the amount of testosterone in the body can sometimes be associated with unhealthy diet, when the menu is constantly dominated by animal products. If possible, eliminate from your diet meat rich in unsaturated fats, replacing it with dishes from fish, fresh vegetables and fruits. The latter, by the way, contain sugar - the reason for the production of insulin, which slows down the production of testosterone. It is not worth getting carried away with fruits much, but it must be consumed, if it is not prohibited by a doctor for certain reasons. It is better not to introduce simple carbohydrates into the diet.

Use herbs that help lower androgen levels. Common mint is believed to be effective in reducing testosterone in women. It can be simply added fresh or dried to tea, or used as tinctures in capsule form. To make mint tea, pour 250 ml boiling water over 1 tbsp. a spoonful of the leaves of this plant, after an hour, when the broth is infused, you can drink it. It is advisable to do this a couple of times a day for a week. Licorice also has a similar effect on the body, the root of which is used to prepare an extract or simply put in tea, dwarf palm and cimicifuga, the extract of which is especially popular in Europe. Another plant that helps is momorica charantia, popularly called bitter gourd or cucumber.

Drink flaxseed infusion. To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tbsp. spoon seeds, cover and let it brew for about 40 minutes. Strain and take 100 ml every morning on an empty stomach half an hour before the first meal. In the same way, you can prepare a decoction of untreated oat seeds - it also has a beneficial effect on the stabilization of hormonal levels in the fair sex.

Take a course of acupuncture with an experienced professional. Several studies support the effect of acupuncture on hormone levels in the body. The fact of the relationship between lifestyle and hormonal background has also been known for a long time, therefore, to stabilize it, it is important to pay attention to your body, systematically do gymnastics, go in for swimming, jogging, Scandinavian walking. Yoga has a positive effect on hormone levels if you practice it consistently and correctly, with an experienced instructor. But from training with heavy weight, if they are present, it is better to refuse.

Content

Men's health is a very important factor on which not only harmony in sexual relations depends, but also a person's self-esteem. Reputation, status in the team - oddly enough, to a large extent all this is associated with the level of certain hormones in the body. Low testosterone in men produces a number of symptoms and signs, the causes of which must be established through medical diagnosis. With a timely response, specialists will prescribe the correct treatment and help restore male strength.

What determines the level of testosterone in men

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the testes and adrenal glands of men and directly affects the regulation of spermatogenesis, sex drive, muscle growth, metabolism and secondary sexual characteristics. It is of two types: free and associated with albumin. The normal content of the hormone varies between 12-22 nmol / l. A content of less than 5 nmol / l is a serious reason for contacting a doctor.

Several key factors affect the amount of testosterone in a man's body. The main one is age. Starting at the age of 30, the production of this hormone gradually decreases by about 1-1.5% per year. Its content depends on the lifestyle, general health. The presence of bad habits, alcohol consumption, obesity and weak immunity significantly reduce the level of the hormone. Strong stress has a detrimental effect on men's health. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle help increase the testosterone content in a man's body.

What is low testosterone in men

Hormone problems are often associated with age. The decrease in testosterone in men is justified by androgen deficiency - a clinical and biochemical syndrome that appears in adulthood. Such changes significantly affect the quality of life, sexual activity, therefore, at the first signs of disorders with the hormone, you need to consult a doctor for advice. Low testosterone levels at an early age indicate other problems, possibly related to the reproductive system.

Testosterone deficiency symptoms

For men, this hormone plays a critical role. It affects the condition of the genitals, attraction and general well-being, so any violations will manifest themselves very clearly. Low testosterone levels in men cause an overall decrease in social and physical activity. It is accompanied by a number of symptoms that indicate emerging health problems. Testosterone deficiency is manifested by the following symptoms:

• low libido;
• lack of pleasure from intercourse;
• increased urination;
• physical weakness;
• constant fatigue;
• distraction, memory impairment;
• symptoms of depression for no apparent reason.

Signs of low testosterone levels

Any malfunction of the male hormone in the body immediately affects the physical condition. Signs of low testosterone in men are noticeable with the naked eye - the body begins to look different, masculinity disappears, strength is lost, and excess weight appears. In addition, a man may have problems in his sexual life. The appearance of the following failures should be the reason for contacting specialists.

• decrease in muscle mass, muscle strength;
• an increase in fatty folds on the body;
• erectile dysfunction and erectile dysfunction;
• reduction in the area of \u200b\u200bhair on the body;
• gynecomastia - breast growth that occurs when testosterone levels are severely reduced.

Causes

Low testosterone levels in men can be caused by factors of three main conditional groups: genetic, age and external. If a low level of the hormone in older men is considered the norm, then early problems (up to 40 years) indicate serious violations. As a rule, we are talking about malfunctions of the endocrine system and dysfunction of the testicles. Several other factors can contribute to testosterone deficiency:

• Pathology of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testicular dysfunction. These violations have a negative impact on the synthesis of testosterone in the body of a man. As a rule, they are congenital in nature.
• Unhealthy Lifestyle. Excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and abuse of junk food does not contribute to the synthesis of the male hormone in the body.
• Lack of sex life and a permanent partner. Abstinence can also cause testosterone deficiency.
• Excess weight. Excess body fat suppresses the production of androgens and promotes the production of the female hormone estrogen.
• Stress. Constant stressful situations and emotional upheavals stimulate the release of adrenaline, which blocks testosterone production.
• Other diseases. Andropause can be brought closer by pathologies of the cardiovascular system, kidneys.

Diagnostic methods

If you suspect an imbalance in the hormone testosterone, you must undergo a comprehensive medical examination. At the first stage, the endocrinologist will get acquainted with the patient's complaints. Further, the patient will need to undergo blood and urine tests, sometimes it is required to examine the bone tissue. To obtain a reliable result, blood sampling should take place in the morning, since at this time the hormone levels are as similar as possible to the real picture. About a day before the diagnosis, experts advise to give up excessive physical exertion.

Treatment

A small revealed lack of testosterone in men can be compensated for in a natural way. To do this, you need to change your lifestyle for a while, limit the use of alcohol and smoking. It is best to stick to a diet without fried or fatty foods. At this time, it is advisable for men to engage in physical activity, sports exercises.

If the problems are more serious, a doctor should prescribe medication. Doctors prescribe drugs to patients that contain the missing hormone itself. Among them, Androgel, Omnadren, Andriol, Nebido are the most popular. These funds are commercially available in the form of a solution for injection, capsules, tablets. Andropause in men is also treated with hormone-free drugs, such as Evo-test, Vitrix, Tribulus. They produce natural hormone production.

The duration of treatment and the dosage of medicines are prescribed by the doctor. After about 2-3 weeks of therapy, the patient should undergo repeated tests. On their basis, it will be possible to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the course, the results achieved, the need to adjust the dosage of the hormone. In rare cases, prescribed drugs have to be taken for life. Without medical intervention, low testosterone in men can lead to sad consequences - male infertility.

Hormonal drugs

Medications containing hormones are prescribed to patients based on test results. Tests should confirm a man's low testosterone levels. The degree of hormone deficiency determines the required medication and dosage, which will help eliminate androgen deficiency. The drugs can be taken as an addition to the course of potency enhancers. Hormonal drugs are available in tablets, gels, capsules, patches, injections, and subcutaneous implants. See below for an overview of the most popular tools.

Androgel is a transparent, colorless gel based on testosterone. The medicine works on the principle of substitution action with a lowered hormone level. The drug is applied to the skin, after which it is absorbed and penetrates into the bloodstream. The action of the gel begins on the first day. The hormone level gradually rises. The main advantage of Androgel is its simplicity and obvious effectiveness. Of the shortcomings, it is possible to note a greater likelihood of an allergic reaction and contraindications. A rash and irritation often appear at the site of application.

Omnadren is a solution for intramuscular injection. It belongs to the pharmaceutical group of androgens. The drug is based on 4 testosterone esters with different rates of action. The medicine is injected into the sciatic muscle in one ampoule at the frequency indicated by the doctor. The main advantage of the drug is its low frequency of use (as a rule, 1 ampoule every 4 weeks). The disadvantage of Omnadren is many side effects. Among them - priapism (prolonged painful erection), fluid retention in the body, oligospermia (decreased sperm count).

Nebido is another hormonal drug from the androgen group for intramuscular injection. The lack of the male hormone is compensated by the testosterone undecanoate substance contained in the preparation. Plus Nebido: injections for men are carried out 1 time in 10-14 weeks, which makes the drug the most long-acting among its analogues. However, the drug also has disadvantages - a number of side effects from almost all parts of the body.

What foods lower testosterone in men

Of course, nutrition in this case plays an important role, but not the main one. Bad habits, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and many diseases are also to blame for the decrease in testosterone.

With a decrease in potency, libido for men, first of all, it is necessary to consult a doctor and take a blood test for testosterone levels. The results will show whether the testosterone level is low, and whether it is worth using special drugs. But pay attention to the diet.

There are some foods that have a bad effect on potency and testosterone. Among them:

• Beer comes first. It can lower testosterone levels and cause hormonal imbalances. In men, with frequent use of this drink, the so-called "beer belly" appears.
• Various fast foods, snacks: hamburgers, hot dogs, shawarma, pizza, pies, pancakes, french fries, cheeseburgers, chips. They are high in transgenic fats that can lower testosterone levels.

• Coffee lowers testosterone levels in men and produces estrogens. But, fortunately, coffee is quickly processed and leaves the body.
• Smoked meats are also on the list of foods that lower testosterone in men.
• Various baked goods containing margarine, yeast and sugar. These three ingredients are found in baked goods and cause testosterone to drop.
• An excessive amount of sweets has a negative effect on any organism, including the male one. Of course, it does not cause low testosterone levels as dramatically as coffee or beer, but sweets can lead to the development of diabetes. This means an imbalance of the whole organism. Doctors recommend consuming no more than 50 grams of sweets per day.

• Foods that contain high amounts of bad cholesterol. These include: fatty meats, butter, pates, canned fish, sausages, margarine, red and black caviar, pastries, egg yolks.
• Soy products. There are now many meat substitutes made from soybeans. But it should be borne in mind that soy increases the amount of estrogen and reduces the amount of testosterone in men.
• Salt is harmful in large quantities. It reduces the amount of testosterone and raises blood pressure, retains fluid in the body.

• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages leads to impaired liver function. As a result, hormonal imbalance occurs.
• Nicotine sharply narrows blood vessels and disrupts blood circulation, causing hormone imbalance.
• Coca-Cola leads to a rapid dilation of blood vessels and their subsequent narrowing. This disrupts blood circulation, causes hormonal imbalance.
• Drugs. Even the most harmless of them, such as marijuana, disrupt the balance of hormones in a man's body.

Increased testosterone in women

We figured it out with men, but how to normalize testosterone levels in the beautiful half of humanity? First you need to determine that the level of testosterone in the blood is increased in a woman. As mentioned, there is a natural increase in testosterone during pregnancy.

Also, after forty years and during menopause, an increased content of this hormone is the norm. When using hormonal contraceptives, there is also such a problem. Signs of increased testosterone are:

• the appearance of facial hair;
• hair loss on the head;
• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• infertility.

But if you still have doubts, you need to donate blood for analysis. If it turns out that everything is normal, then it is necessary to adjust the power supply.

Special diet

What foods should be consumed to reduce testosterone in women:

• This is, first of all, a protein diet (meat products, chicken and fish).
• Dairy products: cottage cheese, milk, cheese, sour cream, kefir.
• Vegetarians should be disappointed - they will have to give up completely.
• You need to eat more often, about 5 times a day.
• Scientists have noticed that some foods contain testosterone. These are: beans, eggs, garlic, hazelnuts and almonds. They must be excluded.

• The link between artificial sugar and testosterone has been noticed. It increases testosterone, while natural sugars, on the contrary, lower it. These are: dates, honey, fruits.
• Coffee will help lower testosterone levels. But such a product should not be abused. Drinking too much coffee leads to many heart problems.
• Simple foods such as potatoes, oatmeal, various grains and white bread will help balance hormones in the body.

From all of the above, we can conclude that if you establish proper nutrition, you will not have to resort to expensive hormonal drugs at all.

Bibliography

1. Al-Shoumer K.A.S., Page B., Thomas E., Murphy M., Beshyah S.A., Johnston D.G. Effects of four years ”treatment with biosynthetic human growth hormone (GH) on body composition in GH-deficient hypopituitary adults // Eur J Endocrinol 1996; 135: 559-567.
2. The role of vasomotor and no-producing endothelial function in the development of climacteric disorders in postmenopausal women 2012 / Kolbasova E.A.
3. Rosen V.B. Fundamentals of Endocrinology.
4. Jorgensen J.O.L., Thuesen L., Muller J., Ovesen P., Skakkebaek N.E., Christiansen J.S. Three years of growth hormone treatment in growth hormone-deficient adults: near normalization of body composition and physical performance // Eur J Endocrinol 1994; 130: 224-228.
5. Whitehead H.M., Boreham C., McIlrath E.M. et al. Growth hormone treatment of adults with growth hormone deficiency: results of a 13-month placebo controlled cross-over study // Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1992; 36: 45-52.

Roman is a bodybuilding coach with over 8 years of experience. He is also a nutritionist; there are a lot of famous athletes among his clients. Roman is with the author of the book “Sports and nothing but ..