Decreases in testosterone levels are common as you age. This male sex hormone lessens by roughly 1 percent a year after age 30. The gradual decline in testosterone often leads to an increase in body fat, decrease in muscle mass, loss of bone density and thinning of hair. It's also known to cause insomnia, infertility, depression and mood changes. With all the side effects that can occur with lowered testosterone levels, some men may want to take steps to increase this male sex hormone in the body. However, very few options are available, and some even pose risks to your health.
Step 1
Lose weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity can cause hypogonadism, in which the male body doesn't produce enough testosterone. Losing weight can sometimes increase the production of this male sex hormone.
Step 2
Supplement the diet with tribulus terrestris to increase your luteinizing hormone levels. The luteinizing hormone is a gonadotropin that stimulates the secretion of testosterone in the testes, according to Colorado State University. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Step 3
Take dehydroepiandrosterone to increase testosterone levels. Known simply as DHEA, this steroidal hormone can actually metabolize into testosterone. Daily use has shown promise in increasing testosterone levels in men, so follow the dosage instructions on the packaging for best results.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. For men, this form of treatment entails supplementing the body's production of testosterone with injections, patches, gels or gums containing this male sex hormone, explains the Cleveland Clinic. Your doctor can help determine which method is best for you and your condition.
Things You'll Need
- Tribulus terrestris
- DHEA
- Testosterone
