We all know that vitamins are great for our physical health, but did you know that vitamin A has been shown to help with testosterone levels? It’s true!
Vitamin A helps boost your liver’s ability to metabolize cholesterol and convert it into testosterone. It also helps your body use more of the testosterone it makes. That’s why vitamin A is a great addition to any man’s diet.
You can get vitamin A from natural sources like carrots and sweet potatoes, or from foods like eggs, dairy products, and fish. But if you’re looking for an easy way to get more vitamin A in your diet without changing what you eat too much or adding extra calories, try our [product name].
Vitamin A For Testosterone
Objective: To assess the effect of nutritional supplementation on growth and puberty in constitutionally delayed children.
Patients: One hundred and two boys, 13.6-15.5 years of age, who were referred because of short stature and delayed puberty.
Methods: The boys were randomly allocated to one of the following treatment groups: oxandrolone therapy, 5 mg/day for 6 months (n = 15), testosterone depot, 100 mg monthly for 3 months (n = 15) or for 6 months (n = 20), nutritional programme (n = 17), oxandrolone and nutritional programme (n = 15) or passive observation (n = 20). Boys in the nutritional programmes received 12 mg/day iron and 6000 IU/week of vitamin A. Outcome measurements were of height, weight, pubertal signs, dietary intake, serum vitamin A, iron, GH and IGF-1.
Results: Six months of vitamin A supplementation induced growth acceleration similar to that seen in the oxandrolone- and testosterone-treated children, and significantly greater than in the observation group (9.3 +/- 2.9 vs. 4.0 +/- 0.9 crn/yr, P < 0.001). Whereas in the vitamin A-supplemented group, puberty (increase in testicular volume >/= 12 ml) was induced within 12 months. In all testosterone-treated patients, pubic hair was noted within 3 months and a testicular volume of >/= 12 ml was observed 9-12 months after the initiation of therapy. No pubertal signs were noted in the observation group during this time.
Conclusions: Subnormal vitamin A intake is one of the aetiological factors in delayed pubertal maturation. Supplementation of both vitamin A and iron to normal constitutionally delayed children with subnormal vitamin A intake is as efficacious as hormonal therapy in the induction of growth and puberty.
testosterone booster benefits
hat is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that is produced primarily in the testicles for men and the ovaries and adrenal glands for women. This hormone is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. For women, testosterone comes in much smaller amounts. Testosterone production increases about 30 times more during adolescence and early adulthood. After early adulthood, it’s natural for levels to drop slightly each year. Your body may see a one percent decline after you’re 30 years old.
Testosterone plays a key role in your:
- muscle mass and bones
- facial and pubic hair
- body’s development of deeper voices
- sex drive
- mood and quality of life
- verbal memory and thinking ability
See your doctor if you’re concerned about low testosterone. Because it’s natural to have low testosterone as you age, some symptoms such as decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, or erectile dysfunction may be a sign of other conditions.
You may be interested in boosting your testosterone levels if your doctor says you have low levels, or hypogonadism, or need testosterone replacement therapy for other conditions. If you have normal testosterone levels, increasing your testosterone levels may not give any additional benefits. The increased benefits mentioned below have only been researched in people with low testosterone levels.
What are the benefits of increasing your testosterone levels?
1. Healthy heart and blood
A healthy heart pumps blood to the rest of the body, providing muscles and organs with the oxygen needed for peak performance. Testosterone helps red blood cell production through the bone marrow. Low testosterone levels are linked to a variety of cardiovascular risks.
But can testosterone replacement therapy help with heart disease? Study resultsTrusted Source are mixed. Small studies in the early 2000s found that men with heart disease who underwent testosterone therapy saw only slight improvements. Some were able to increase their walking distance by 33 percent. Another study found that hormone therapy only widened healthy arteries but had no effect on angina pain.
A more recent, larger study of 83,000 men found that men whose testosterone levels returned to normal were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack and 36 percent less likely to experience a stroke.
2. Less fat, more muscle
Testosterone is responsible for increased muscle mass. Leaner body mass helps control weight and increases energy. For men with low testosterone, studies showTrusted Source that treatment can decrease fat mass and increase muscle size and strength. Some men reported a change in lean body mass but no increase in strength. It’s likely you’ll see the most benefits when you combine testosterone therapy with strength training and exercise.
3. Stronger bones
Testosterone plays a huge role in bone mineral density. Bone density decreases as men age and testosterone levels drop. This raises the risk of weak bones and osteoporosis. Strong bones help support your muscles and internal organs, which can boost athletic performance.
Research shows that bone density increases with testosterone treatment as long as the dose is high enough. Clinical trialsTrusted Source on the effect of testosterone on bone density found increases in spinal and hip bone density. Another studyTrusted Source of females transitioning into males found that testosterone increased bone mineral density. But it’s unknown if testosterone can help with reducing fracture risk.
4. Better verbal memory, spatial abilities, or mathematical reasoning
Research shows that men with higher ratios of total testosterone have a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. There’s also evidence for a strong correlation between testosterone and thinking abilities such as verbal memory and faster processing speed. Testosterone treatment for men 34 to 70 years old has shown an improvement in spatial memory.
5. Better libido
Testosterone levels naturally rise in response to sexual arousal and activity. Men with higher levels of testosterone usually have greater sexual activity. Older men need more testosterone for libido and erectile function. But it’s important to note that erectile dysfunction is often due to other conditions or medications rather than low testosterone levels.
Studies showTrusted Source that testosterone therapy can benefit your sexual health and performance. It also showsTrusted Source that there is a maximum level of testosterone before there’s no increased response. For men who don’t have hypogonadism, increasing your testosterone may not benefit your libido.
6. Improved mood
Lower testosterone levels are associated with poorer quality of life. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone levels include depression, fatigue, and irritability. But some research showsTrusted Source that this may only be for men with hypogonadism. Men whose bodies follow the normal decrease of testosterone over time didn’t show an increase for depression.
The effects of testosterone replacement therapy on mood can vary. Men with hypogonadism reportedTrusted Source improved mood and well-being, and reduced fatigue and irritability. Research suggests that this treatment may also be an effective anti-depressant treatment.
What are the risks of testosterone therapy?
Prescription testosterone treatments are available as gels, skin patches, and intramuscular injections. Each comes with potential side effects. Patches can irritate skin. Intramuscular injections may cause mood swings. If you use the gel, don’t share the product with others.
Possible side effects of testosterone therapy include:
- increased acne
- fluid retention
- increased urination
- breast enlargement
- decreased testicular size
- decreased sperm count
- increased aggressive behaviors
Testosterone treatment is not advised for men with prostate or breast cancer. Additionally, testosterone therapy may worsen sleep apnea in older people.
Considering testosterone replacement therapy?
Treatment is not necessary if your levels fall within the normal range. Testosterone replacement therapy is primarily beneficial for men with low testosterone levels. Don’t purchase testosterone without a prescription. See your doctor if you think you might have low levels of testosterone. A blood test can determine your testosterone levels and help diagnose underlying conditions.
Doctors and researchers have varying opinions regarding the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy. Most agree that study results are mixed for most conditions.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are necessary for good health and to ensure the maximum effectiveness of testosterone treatment. Follow-up care and monitoring is recommended.
Natural ways to increase your testosterone levels
Some foods, vitamins, and herbs can help boost your testosterone levels. Be sure to talk to your doctor, if you’re concerned about low testosterone. These alternative and natural treatments aren’t proven to be more, or as, effective as traditional testosterone therapy. Some may also interact with any medications you may be taking and cause unintended side effects.
| Herbs | Vitamins and supplements | Foods |
| Malaysian ginseng | vitamin D | garlic |
| puncturevine | dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) | tuna |
| ashwagandha | L-arginine | egg yolks |
| pine bark extract | zinc | oysters |
| yohimbe | ||
| saw palmetto |
You can read more about the research behind the herbs and supplements here.
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Deep: Testosterone Pellets 101
- How pellets work
- Dosage
- Side effects of TRT
- Understanding implantation
- Potential drawbacks of pellets
- For women
- Talk to your doctor
Understanding testosterone
Testosterone is an important hormone. It can boost libido, increase muscle mass, sharpen memory, and bump up energy. Yet, most men lose testosterone with age.
A reported 20 to 40 percent of older men have a medical condition called hypogonadism and need testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). But there are drawbacks to TRT, including the potential for heart disease, high red blood cell count, and other conditions.
Successful hormone therapy involves getting just the right dose by the right delivery method for your individual needs. There are patches, creams, injections, and testosterone pellets.
Pellets may be a good option for those seeking a consistent, long-term dose. Your doctor can discuss these options to find the right method for you.
Testosterone pellets
Testosterone pellets, such as Testopel, are small. They measure 3 millimeters (mm) by 9 mm and contain crystalline testosterone. Implanted under the skin, they slowly release testosterone over the course of 3 to 6 months.
A short, simple procedure is performed in your doctor’s office to implant the pellets under the skin, usually near your hip.
These pellets are a long-acting form of testosterone therapy. They should deliver a stable, steady dose of testosterone, typically providing the needed level of hormone for 4 months.
Finding the right dose
It can take time to find the right dose for improving your symptoms of low testosterone. Too much testosterone can trigger dangerous side effects, including a rise in your red blood cell count (RBC). Research shows there are other risks for too much testosterone, too.
Finding the right dose may be a challenge for some people. You can work with your doctor to find the right dose for your body, which may also help you find the right method as well.
Highs and lows of testosterone dosing
Creams, gels, buccal tablets, nasal spray (natesto), underarm solution (axiron), and patches are all easy to self-administer, but they have to be done daily.
You also run the risk of accidentally exposing women and children to contact with excessive amounts of testosterone.
Injections can last longer and don’t present the contact problems these other methods do. However, irritation can occur at the injection site. You have to go to a healthcare provider or learn to inject yourself.
Some of the negative side effects of TRT are due to the highs and lows of testosterone dosage with conventional administration methods.
With testosterone injections in particular, testosterone levels can start off very high and then become very low before the next injection occurs. This can result in a rollercoaster-like series of changes in mood, sexual activity, and energy levels.
These high peaks of testosterone exposure can lead to testosterone being broken down and converted into estradiol, an estrogen. This excess estrogen can potentially lead to breast growth and tenderness.
Other side effects of TRT may include:
- sleep apnea
- acne
- low sperm count
- enlarged breasts
- testicle shrinkage
- increased RBC
Implantation of pellets
Implantation is a simple procedure that typically takes only 10 minutes.
The skin of the upper hip or buttocks is thoroughly cleaned, then injected with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. A small incision is made.
Tiny testosterone pellets are placed under the skin with an instrument called a trocar. Typically, 10 to 12 pellets are implanted during the procedure. The effects generally last around 4 months, after which the procedure will need to be repeated.
Potential drawbacks of pellets
Pellets do provide a long-term dosing solution for those with low testosterone, but there are drawbacks.
Occasional infections can occur, or the pellets can be “extruded” and come out of the skin. This is rare: Research reports 0.3%Trusted Source to 0.4%Trusted Source of cases result in infection, while approximately 0.3%Trusted Source to 1.1%Trusted Source of cases result in extrusion.
It’s also difficult to change the dose easily, because another surgical procedure is required to add pellets.
If you choose to use testosterone pellets, it may be a good idea to first use other forms of daily testosterone application, such as creams or patches, to establish the correct dose of testosterone for your body. Your doctor can help you with this.
Once you have an established dose where you can see the benefits without a rise in RBC or other negative effects, you’re a candidate for testosterone pellets.
Testosterone pellets for women
Although it’s controversial, women are also receiving testosterone therapy. Postmenopausal women have been receiving TRT, with or without additional estrogen, for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Results have included improvements in sexual desire, orgasm frequency, and satisfaction.
There may also be evidence for improvement in:
- muscle mass
- bone density
- cognitive performance
- heart health
However, it’s currently difficult to provide the low-dose therapy that women need. While testosterone pellets have been used in women, there have yet to be consistent studies done to evaluate the risks, especially for the development of certain cancers.
The use of testosterone pellets in women is also “off-label” use. This means that a drug that’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for one purpose is used for a different purpose that hasn’t been approved.
However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. That’s because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use drugs to treat their patients. So, your doctor can prescribe a drug however they think is best for your care.
Talk with your doctor
Talk with your doctor about whether you need testosterone therapy. Once you’ve established a dose that works with your body, you can consider the best method that works for you.
TRT is a long-term commitment. Testosterone pellets mean more doctor visits and potentially more expense. But there are also benefits to consider, such as the freedom from daily administration and avoiding the risk of other people coming into contact with testosterone.
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Is Low Testosterone Dangerous to Your Health?
- Why testosterone is needed
- Why levels drop
- Symptoms
- Complications
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- When to see your doctor
Low T
Low testosterone, also known as “low T,” is a common condition in men as they get older. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. In their 60s, roughly 20 percent of men have low testosterone, according to the Urology Care Foundation. Among men in their 70s, that number rises to 30 percent. And by the time men have reached their 80s, about half of them have had a drop in testosterone levels.
Why men need testosterone
Testosterone is a sex hormone that is produced in a man’s testes. When a male baby is developing, this hormone helps the sex organs form. During puberty, testosterone plays a key role in the physical development of boys into men. It makes hair grow on the face, builds muscles, and causes the voice to deepen. Later in life, testosterone also plays an important role in a man’s sexual function.
Why do testosterone levels drop?
Decreasing levels of testosterone are a natural part of the aging process. The older a man gets, the lower his testosterone levels may drop. Several causes other than aging can also lead to low testosterone. These include injuries to the testicles as well as chemotherapy or radiation for treating cancer in the genital area. Other causes include diseases of the pituitary gland, and medicines that affect this gland, such as steroids.
How low testosterone impacts your sex life
Low testosterone can have real and important health effects, especially on a man’s sex life. Men with low testosterone may have trouble getting and keeping an erection. The erections they do have may come less often and not as strongly as before. A man’s desire to have sex (libido) also decreases as testosterone drops. All of these factors can lead to less frequent sex. This can have a real effect on partner relationships.
Other effects of low testosterone
Having low testosterone doesn’t only affect your sex drive and your ability to have sex. It can cause other symptoms as well. If you have low T, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- weight increase
- having less energy than you used to
- increased body fat and reduced muscle mass
- feeling depressed
- trouble concentrating
Health concerns
A lack of testosterone can sometimes have long-term, serious effects on the body. In men with very low levels, the bones can become weak, potentially causing a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes people considerably more prone to injury.
One study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Trusted Source also linked low testosterone to a higher risk of death from heart disease and other causes.
Diagnosing low T
If you have symptoms such as reduced sex drive or erection problems, you should see a doctor. The doctor can do a blood test to help determine whether you have low testosterone. Because testosterone levels can rise and fall during the day, you may need to have more than one test. Your doctor may take the blood test in the morning, which is when testosterone levels are highest.
Getting treated for low T
If your levels are low, you may be prescribed testosterone replacement therapy. Most men with low testosterone rub a testosterone gel on their arms or shoulders, according to the Urology Care Foundation. Another method is to get a shot into a muscle, or you can wear a patch that slowly releases testosterone into your blood. There are also pellets that go under the skin. There are oral replacement therapies as well, but these are not recommended for testosterone replacement. Men with prostate cancer shouldn’t take testosterone because it can fuel cancer growth.
Knowing when you need treatment
Over the last few years, many drug companies have started advertising products designed to treat “low T.” Between 2001 and 2011, the number of men over age 40 using testosterone therapy tripled, according to a research letter published in JAMA Internal MedicineTrusted Source. It’s important to get tested if you have symptoms of low testosterone so that you only get treated if you really need it.
Testosterone is a vital male hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of male attributes. Women also have testosterone, but in much smaller amounts.
The Effects of Testosterone on the Body
Testosterone is an important male hormone. A male begins to produce testosterone as early as seven weeks after conception. Testosterone levels rise during puberty, peak during the late teen years, and then level off. After age 30 or so, it’s normal for a man’s testosterone levels to decrease slightly every year.
Most men have more than enough testosterone. But, it’s possible for the body to produce too little testosterone. This leads to a condition called hypogonadism. This can be treated with hormonal therapy, which requires a doctor’s prescription and careful monitoring. Men with normal testosterone levels should not consider testosterone therapy.
Testosterone levels affect everything in men from the reproductive system and sexuality to muscle mass and bone density. It also plays a role in certain behaviors.
Low Testosterone can contribute to DE and low testosterone supplements could help fix your DE issue.
Endocrine System
The body’s endocrine system consists of glands that manufacture hormones. The hypothalamus, located in the brain, tells the pituitary gland how much testosterone the body needs. The pituitary gland then sends the message to the testicles. Most testosterone is produced in the testicles, but small amounts come from the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. In women, the adrenal glands and ovaries produce small amounts of testosterone.
Before a boy is even born, testosterone is working to form male genitals. During puberty, testosterone is responsible for the development of male attributes like a deeper voice, beard, and body hair. It also promotes muscle mass and sex drive. Testosterone production surges during adolescence and peaks in the late teens or early 20s. After age 30, it’s natural for testosterone levels to drop by about one percent each year.
Reproductive System
About seven weeks after conception, testosterone begins helping form male genitals. At puberty, as testosterone production surges, the testicles and penis grow. The testicles produce a steady stream of testosterone and make a fresh supply of sperm every day.
Men who have low levels of testosterone may experience erectile dysfunction (ED). Long-term testosterone therapy can cause a decrease in sperm production. Testosterone therapy also may cause enlarged prostate, and smaller, softer testicles. Men who have prostate or breast cancer should not consider testosterone replacement therapy.
Sexuality
During puberty, rising levels of testosterone encourage the growth of the testicles, penis, and pubic hair. The voice begins to deepen, and muscles and body hair grow. Along with these changes comes growing sexual desire.
There’s a bit of truth to the “use it or lose it” theory. A man with low levels of testosterone may lose his desire for sex. Sexual stim