Testosterone is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body. It is produced in small amounts in the adrenal cortex for both sexes and in the testes for males and ovaries for females. Low levels of testosterone can be determined by a simple blood test and treated with hormone replacement therapy. For a more natural approach, a few herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine can help to treat the symptoms and supplements that may increase your body's production. Always talk to a doctor before using herbs for any condition.
Description
Testosterone is a sex hormone that is produced in the male testes. It also is made in a female's ovaries and adrenal glands, but at a much smaller quantity. While the testes produce the hormone, the information to trigger production originates through the hypothalamus, in the brain, via the pituitary gland. The information is transmitted and received by other hormones in the body. About 40 percent of the testosterone produced is bound to sex hormone binding globulin proteins and therefore are not available to be used by tissues.
Causes of Low Testosterone Production
As men age, levels of testosterone begin to decline, as does the need for procreation. When levels are extremely low, or decline prematurely, it is called hypogonadism and can be caused by several factors. Diseases that affect the hypothalamus and pituitary glands can prevent the production of testosterone, as well as testes that fail to produce because of injury, inflammation, cancer or certain medications. Symptoms of low production include a lack of libido, erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, increase in breast size and depression.
Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels
If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy that may include testosterone pills, injections or patches. According to MayoClinic.com, some herbs and supplements may increase testosterone production. DHEA, Dehydroepiandrosterone, is a building block for testosterone and is available as a supplement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, horny goat weed, ginseng and ginkgo are commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. Taking a zinc supplement may also help, if there is a pre-existing deficiency. The University of Buffalo states that obesity may be a cause for low testosterone levels and adopting a weight loss program that includes dieting and exercise may eliminate that problem.
Testing Levels
A test for testosterone levels is done by a blood test from the arm. This test is normally done to determine if testosterone levels are off in boys during puberty, to determine infertility in males and when woman have excess hair growth or abnormal menstruation. Normal levels in males is 300 to 1,200 ng/dL and in females it is only 30 to 95 ng/dL, according to Medline Plus.
Warnings
Testosterone replacement should not be used by those who have male breast cancer, prostate cancer, bleeding disorders, high cholesterol, liver or heart disease. It should also be avoided by women who are pregnant. Before taking any herbs or supplements to increase testosterone production naturally, you should first speak to your physician.
References
- Drugs.com: Testosterone Information
- The Patient Education Institute: Low Testosterone
- MayoClinic.com: Male Hypogonadism
- MayoClinic.com: Erectile dysfunction herbs: A Natural Treatment for ED?
- University of Buffalo: Male Obesity Linked to Low Testosterone Levels, Study Shows
- Medline Plus: Testosterone
