It's a lesser-known fact that some men go through a version of menopause, described on the Discovery Health website as "puberty in reverse." Also known as andropause, this phenomenon, which occurs between the ages of 40 and 55, is related to a decline in the body's testosterone levels. Symptoms of this condition include decreased libido, low energy levels, depression, irritability and erectile dysfunction, Discovery Health reports. You might opt to speak with your doctor about testosterone replacement treatments, or you can seek natural approaches.
Step 1
Take vitamins. Cardiologist and anti-aging medicine specialist Steven Sinatra on the Discovery Health website suggests that men who notice signs of flagging testosterone take zinc and vitamins C and E in order to prompt a natural testosterone boost.
Step 2
Avoid grapefruit. Although grapefruit is a healthy food under most circumstances, it acts as a catalyst for the body's aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen, Sinatra reports. This could counteract your attempts to naturally boost your testosterone levels.
Step 3
Try herbal approaches. There are several herbs that boost the body's testosterone naturally, the Mayo Clinic reports. Often marketed as male sexual enhancement supplements, these herbs can also improve libido. The Mayo Clinic cites the natural supplement DHEA, and the herbal remedy, epimedium, as possibly having testosterone-boosting mechanisms. According to Sinatra on the Discovery Health website, the herbs muira puama, L-Arginine and ginkgo biloba are also useful for men with low testosterone. However, as with all herbs or natural supplements, please make sure to consult your physician before using these remedies at home.
Step 4
Decrease alcohol and increase your exercise. Because alcohol and fat in the body both activate the aromatase enzyme, thus converting testosterone to estrogen, men experiencing low testosterone should avoid alcohol as much as possible, Sinatra explains on the Discovery Health website.
Tips and Warnings
- Get a blood test. If you feel you have a serious testosterone deficit, talk to your doctor about a blood screening. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is the most common means of diagnosing low testosterone.
- Know the risks of prescription testosterone therapy. The Mayo Clinic notes that testosterone replacement therapy is considered controversial due to potential risks, such as sleep apnea and heart disease.
