Menopause is term used to describe the time at which the ovaries cease to produce eggs and release hormones to prepare the uterine lining for the implantation of a fertilized egg. When the ovaries cease to perform their primary function, menstruation no longer occurs. The cessation of menstruation is the most reliable external sign that the body has entered into menopause. After menopause, testosterone levels tend to drop. Dietary changes, however, can help maintain healthy testosterone levels.
Testosterone and Sexual Dysfunction
In women, the ovaries are the main producer of the steroid hormone testosterone. The adrenal glands serve as a secondary supplier. Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy libido in both men and women. After menopause, decreased levels of this hormone can result in sexual dysfunction. Some women opt for hormone replacement, which will trigger the body into "thinking" that the ovaries still perform their primary functions. With hormone replacement, women will continue to menstruate regularly. Many women, however, would prefer to maintain healthy hormone levels without menstruating. To achieve this end, some opt for "aphrodisiac" foods, such as dark chocolate, peanuts, oysters, low fat roast beef and pesto, which can help to maintain proper testosterone levels and prevent sexual dysfunction.
Foods High in Zinc and Vitamin B
Foods high in the mineral zinc normally contain high levels of naturally occurring testosterone. Oysters are a classic food high in zinc and known to increase testosterone levels in both men and women and sperm production in men. Other foods high in zinc include beef, pork, lamb, wild game, turkey and chicken. Foods high in vitamin B can also help increase testosterone levels. Vitamins B-5, B-6 and folic acid are particularly potent in increasing the secretion of testosterone. Eggs are high in vitamins B-5 and B-6, whereas avocados are high in vitamin B-6 and folic acid.
Foods That Indirectly Affect Testosterone Levels
High levels of estrogen can have a negative effect on testosterone. This is one reason that birth control pills with high estrogen can lead to sexual dysfunction. So, it is key to having high testosterone levels to eat foods that lower estrogen levels. Foods that lower estrogen levels include cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli and other whole grain and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods have a positive effect on estrogen levels. They include soy products such as tofu, soy milk and soybeans. Milk that comes from pregnant animals contains high levels of estrogen. So, dairy products, which nowadays ultimately come from pregnant animals, can also increase your estrogen levels. Though it has not been scientifically confirmed, food additives and pesticides may increase estrogen levels. Pesticide-free, organic produce is thus a potentially better food choice for individuals following a testosterone diet. Water bottles that are refilled again and again may also release chemicals that can increase estrogen levels and hence negatively affect testosterone levels.
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