Testosterone is usually considered a sex hormone only; the general perception runs along these lines. We seldom think of testosterone when the conversation turns to muscle mass, cardio fitness, better memory, etc. It is one essential hormone whose effects go far beyond sex drive and performance.
Testosterone is linked with bone health, heart functions, better skin, happiness and contentment, memory and intelligence, and so much more. Low testosterone levels can lead to several problems in the body, including increased body fat and decreased muscle mass.
It's common to experience decreased testosterone levels after hitting your thirties. However, doctors prescribe testosterone replacement therapy for patients in cases where effects are far beyond average.
You can find all the details on the effects of testosterone and the ways to improve its levels naturally in this article.
14 Effects of Testosterone on Human Bodies
Testosterone has several effects on the human body. While some are gender-restricted, others are the universal in nature, irrespective of gender.
1. Puberty in Males
Testosterone is the primary puberty-inducing hormone in boys. Its levels start to increase around the age of 10 and peak at 19 to 20 years. It plays a pivotal role in developing puberty symptoms that include deepening the voice, the appearance of beard and mustache hair, increase in the genitals size, behavioral changes, and increase in muscle mass and height.
2. Speeds Up Metabolism
Adequate testosterone levels ensure a perfect metabolism rate. The hormone helps burn up the body's fat and keeps obesity at bay. Low testosterone levels can lead to weight gain and high-fat content within the body.
Studies show that treating the low level with supplements and medications improves body composition and fat to muscle ratio in the body.
3. Enhances Sex Life
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males and regulates everyday sexual phenomena. It helps keep the libido to a healthy level and ensures proper intercourse.
Disturbance in the average level can lower libido and cause erectile dysfunction and mood swings.
4. Supports Healthy Bones
Testosterone affects the reproductive organs and bones in both men and women. Their average amount maintains the mineral density in bones and keeps them strong and healthy. Artificial testosterone is an effective medical therapy for women with osteoporosis due to its effects on bone health.
Although rare, a decrease in testosterone may also lead to osteoporosis in males.
5. Ensures a Healthy Heart
This one may sound a little offbeat (because we mostly think of testosterone as a sex hormone exclusively) but, science affirms that testosterone lowers cholesterol levels in the body, boosting heart performance.
High cholesterol levels are one of the major contributors to most heart diseases. Doctors also think that adequate testosterone prevents atheromas and acute coronary syndrome. Testosterone is essential for producing red blood cells and is responsible for quite a few heart issues.
Studies show that men whose testosterone levels are optimized will be 24% less likely to have a heart attack.
6. May Induce Impulsive Behavior
Scientists have found relations between testosterone levels and a risk-taking personality. Multiple studies suggest that high testosterone levels induce impulsive behavior that leads to taking risks in personal and professional life. There is still need for more evidence, however.
7. Induces Aggression
Since testosterone is mainly a male hormone, it is responsible for many manly traits. It induces aggression, protectiveness, and the urge to dominate. Females having higher testosterone levels are more competitive sexually.
8. Strengthens Muscles
Testosterone bulks up your muscles and adds to muscular strength. It plays a pivotal role in protein synthesis, and protein is the building block of muscles. It does not just end here: testosterone increases growth hormone levels in the body, which increases the efficacy of your workouts.
It is essential for athletes and even for routine activities. Men with low testosterone can go for hormone replacement to boost muscle building and fat reduction. It will work best if strength training and testosterone booster are used together.
9. Promotes Attraction for Females
What makes a woman attractive to men? Testosterone, maybe? Studies show that testosterone in men's saliva may affect their attraction to women after smelling female axillary and vulvar scents.
Weird as it is, a lot of attention that women receive may just be because of the hormonal composition in men.
10. May Affect Romantic Relationships
To our utter surprise, testosterone levels even affect the nature of romantic relationships. Scientific evidence shows that people involved in a romantic relationship and not interested in finding new sex mates had low testosterone levels. In contrast, those interested in cheating had higher testosterone levels.
11. Increases RBCs
RBCs (Red Blood Cells) make up a significant portion of your blood and play a vital role in transporting oxygen and nutrients to all body parts. Testosterone breaks down into another enzyme, dihydrotestosterone, that increases RBCs formation and keeps up the iron content in the blood.
12. Improves Decision-Making Abilities
Not only is testosterone important for the physical aspects of the body, but it also increases the decision-making ability and affects memory and emotions. Lower levels of testosterone will cause mood swings and depression.
13. Promotes Immunity
T-cells are one of the essential parts of our body's immunity. Testosterone can affect T-cell differentiation and protection against autoimmune diseases.
Related Article: 7 Foods to Boost Immunity
14. Lower Levels May Indicate Prostate Cancer
Their testosterone levels are abnormally low whenever someone has prostate or adrenal cancer. Although the association is not yet confirmed, a lower testosterone level may indicate something wrong with the body.
What are Testosterone Boosters?
Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts may opt for a testosterone booster, especially in the case of lower testosterone levels. A testosterone booster is any natural or artificial medication, supplement, or therapy that can boost the level of testosterone in the body.
These include:
- Injectable replacement therapy
- Transdermal testosterone
- Oral capsules
- Testosterone boosting supplements
The testosterone booster by DMoose can bring back all the fun and excitement that age seems to have taken away. There is no need to feel old already; boost your confidence with this natural supplement that improves performance, increases libido, boosts muscle strength and size, and keeps depression out of the equation.
It is a natural formula made up of organic ingredients proven to optimize testosterone levels in the body. There are no dangerous side effects here because the formula strictly adheres to quality standards and contains only natural ingredients.
How Can I Increase Testosterone Naturally?
After the levels peak at age 18-20, testosterone starts to lower down in the body. The lower levels may cause deficiency leading to a decline in overall health. Many people go for its replacements via medicines, it is better to keep the levels up naturally through the following methods;
1. Exercise and Weight Lifting
The most effective way to naturally increase testosterone levels in the body is through exercise and lifting weight. High-intensity interval training or HIIT is the most fruitful for this purpose. Other than that, muscle building through lifting weights leads to the natural release of testosterone from the body.
So starting working out after you hit your twenties is always a good idea to keep T-issues at bay.
2. Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Getting suitable amounts of all nutrients is necessary for staying healthy and getting a steady supply of testosterone. Your diet should include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and all vitamins. Never deprive your body of a nutrient entirely.
Good fats are healthy and help in producing hormones like testosterone.
3. Sound Sleep
Our bodies produce testosterone when we are asleep. That's why ample and undisturbed sleep is a natural booster for testosterone. A proper sleeping routine helps improve our brain functions, metabolism, and general body health.
Related Article: Why is Sleep Important for Your Health?
4. Avoid Stress
Research shows that high cortisol leads to low testosterone. When our bodies are under stress and anxiety, the adrenal gland produces high cortisol, a stress hormone. This hormone eventually lowers testosterone levels by increasing weight gain and obesity.
5. Exposure to Sunlight
Our bodies produce Vitamin D naturally when our skin receives sunlight. Vitamin D is a natural testosterone booster. Doctors recommend that elderlies go out in the sun to increase the body's calcium and vitamin D or take supplements as they are essential in bone health and maintaining testosterone levels.
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6. Avoid Alcohol Abuse
High alcohol consumption leads to lower testosterone levels. Men should not consume more than two glasses a day, while more than one glass is harmful to women. Alcohol abuse leads to cancer and several other disorders too.
7. Mineral Supplements
Some vitamins and minerals boost testosterone production in the body, so taking their supplements is a good idea.
Some of these supplements include;
Among the above minerals and vitamins, Vitamin D and zinc are the most effective in boosting natural testosterone levels. Athletes take zinc supplements to produce testosterone in the body.
Herbs and Supplements
Some natural supplements and herbs are also believed to increase testosterone production in the body. These herbs are;
- Horny Goat Weed increases testosterone levels by optimizing your body's production or utilization of testosterone. The active ingredient in horny goat weed, aka icariin, works just like the amino acid L-arginine, which leads to an increased release of growth hormone and stimulates testicles to produce more testosterone.
- Fenugreek is a component of many natural supplements. Studies show that it may help in boosting the testosterone levels in the body. However, more confirmation of the fact is required.
8. Avoid BPA, Parabens
Harmful chemicals found in many plastic objects like BPA, paraben, and phthalates act as artificial estrogen-like compounds and disrupt our endocrine system. Our body mistakes them for natural estrogen and lowers the production of natural hormones including testosterone.
Avoid plastics, detergents, and other personal care products containing these harmful products as they are unhealthy for our bodies and environment.
The Bottom Line
Testosterone is one essential hormone for our body: its effects go far beyond managing sexual functions. From muscle mass to a happy mood, everything is impacted by testosterone. Testosterone will come naturally with exercise and strength training, but you can boost its levels with supplements if you are trying to build muscles and lose fat fast. It gives the energy required to increase muscle endurance and perform better at workouts.
Reading List
These 5 Natural Herbs Will Boost Your Libido | Scientifically Proven
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