Testosterone is the most important male hormone responsible for the quality of the sexual life of a representative of the strong half of humanity. The hormone is produced in the gonads, as well as in the adrenal cortex. An important medical indicator - testosterone is common in men. The rate of this hormone varies with age. Deviations in hormonal concentration may indicate a violation in the body of a man. Read more about the significance, normative indicators and consequences of deviations in the review.
Why is testosterone so important for the male body?
Testosterone affects the psychological and physiological state of a representative of a strong half of society. The rate of maintenance in men of general testosterone becomes the basis for the formation of good muscles, "male" nature, affects the degree of attraction to females.
"Male" hormone:
- contributes to better absorption and production of protein;
- performs the function of a powerful stimulator of calorie burning, muscle growth;
- normalizes cholesterol in the body of a man - minimizes the risk of developing cardiovascular ailments, atherosclerosis;
- strengthens bones.
Testosterone is usually called the hormone of the “winners,” because science has proven the fact of increased levels of the hormone in the blood of successful representatives of the strong half of society. The hormone stimulates a man to act, helps him make serious decisions, cope with difficulties, and achieve goals.
What determines the concentration of the hormone in the blood?
What is common testosterone in men? The norm and actual indicator of the hormone depends on the state of the patient's central nervous system, its functional capabilities. The following are the most significant factors that affect hormonal concentration:
- the age of the man;
- the state of the immune system;
- lifestyle (bad habits, physical activity, nutrition);
- existing chronic ailments;
- body mass;
- mental condition;
- genetic composition.
To assess the hormonal level on a reduced scale, it is worth citing several natural facts. The peak concentration of “male” hormone occurs in the morning, by evening it reaches a minimum. Regular exercise stimulates testosterone production. Overwork "slows down" the process of hormone production, bad habits have the same effect. The age of a man is a determining factor. The older the patient, the less testosterone in his blood.
Regulatory indicators of the hormone "winner"
All testosterone in the body of a man is divided into three components: free and two derivatives. In the course of laboratory research, the “free" hormone is taken as a basis, which significantly affects the sex life of a representative of a strong half of society.
The definition of free testosterone in a man is based on age-related indicators. The level of hormonal concentration is relatively stable and regular. For example, at the age of 18 to 50 years, the indicator varies in the range of 5.76-30.43 nmol / L. In the case of men older than 50 years, the concentration of the hormone decreases to 5.41-19.54 nmol / L.
In the second turn, the indicator is measured in lg / fsg - total testosterone. The norm in men also depends on the age of the patient. The standard indicator of the hormone in the blood is determined based on a number of characteristics:
- in adolescence, the concentration of "male" hormone is maximum;
- at the age of 25 years, the average testosterone in a man’s blood is equal to the average value from the established standard;
- after 30 years, the concentration of the hormone in the blood of men is reduced by 1.5% annually;
- after 50 years, the percentage of female germ cells in the patient’s body increases.
How to determine the concentration of the hormone in the blood?
The most reliable way to determine the level of testosterone in the body is a blood test. The procedure is carried out within the walls of the clinic. The material of the study is blood from a vein.
In order to guarantee the most accurate result, experts advise to prepare for the procedure in advance:
- The material is taken in the morning.
- Before the procedure, you should refrain from eating (do not eat 8 hours before analysis).
- It is undesirable to smoke before the fence.
- On the eve of the analysis, it is worth saving your nerves, not to be in stressful situations.
- The day before the procedure, you should protect yourself from burdensome activities in the gym.
- 2 days before blood sampling, it is worth excluding the use of certain medications.
Low blood hormone concentration
In which case can we say that the patient has underestimated total testosterone? Norm in men (mcg / l): 1.6613-8.7766. Accordingly, an indicator below the extreme left border will indicate a reduced concentration of "male" hormone in the blood. This phenomenon is called hypogonadism.
A man whose body lacks testosterone can observe the following:
- insufficiently expressed (absent) hair on the face, chest;
- excess weight;
- muscle weakening;
- breast enlargement;
- excessive sweating;
- problems with potency;
- decreased mental ability.
What can lead to low testosterone overall in men? If the norm of the concentration of the hormone is biased towards decrease over a long time, this can cause the development of a number of diseases. We are talking about diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease, cirrhosis, etc.
How to increase the content of the “winner” hormone in the blood?
Is it possible to increase testosterone overall in men? The norm is achievable!
First of all, the patient should pay attention to their own nutrition. The diet of a man should be enriched with vitamins and minerals. It is especially worthwhile to focus on products containing zinc.
Restore the concentration of the hormone will help a full sleep. During sleep, testosterone levels automatically increase.
In conditions of medical care, the following measures lead to an increase in the concentration of “male” hormone:
- taking oral medications;
- intramuscular injection;
- the use of a testosterone gel or patch.
Such treatments are contraindicated in men suffering from prostate cancer. For this reason, therapy is necessarily preceded by a full examination of the patient.
Overpriced testosterone - is it good or bad?
For example, a patient has overestimated total testosterone. The norm in men (nmol / l = 5.76-30.43) is shifted to the extreme right side. A man who finds himself in a similar situation may suffer from:
- attacks of aggression;
- increased excitability;
- excessive body hairiness;
- a large number of purulent blackheads on the face and body.
For a long time, a large amount of the hormone in the blood of a man leads to a disruption of the cell structure, DNA fragmentation, and testicular atrophy.
In such a situation, the male body tries to "fix" the situation by neutralizing the action of the corresponding hormones. Excessive load leads to the loss of testicular functionality.
How to reduce the hormone in the blood?
When overall testosterone is elevated, the norm in men (ng / ml = 1.6613-8.7766) can only be achieved with the help of specialists. Self-medication will only aggravate the situation.
In addition to drug treatment, doctors advise men to switch to a low-carb diet and reduce the amount of fat they consume. The emphasis should be on unsweetened fruits and vegetables, as well as regular exercise and walking in the fresh air.
Will traditional medicine help?
If the treating doctor is not against the use of traditional medicine in order to reduce the concentration of testosterone in the blood, you can use them.
Below are the most effective ones:
- Drink tea from licorice root (peppermint) in the morning and evening.
- Chew licorice root three times a day for 5 minutes.
- Dry clover flowers (100 g) pour 1 liter of boiling water. Leave on for 120 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times a day for a week.
- Tar root in an amount of 100 g pour boiling water (1 liter). Let it brew for a day and drink half a glass three times a day for 2 weeks.
Testosterone and the opportunity to become a father
Testosterone is common and free in men, the norm is - is this really so important for a representative of a strong half of society? Definitely yes! The level of the hormone in the blood determines whether a man can become a father.
Deficiency of the "male" hormone "inhibits" the process of sperm production, which leads to a deterioration in sperm quality and viability of male germ cells.
However, not only an underestimated rate can cause a man’s infertility, a high testosterone level in the blood also negatively affects spermatogenesis. At risk are athletes who take special medications based on synthesized testosterone. As a result of such therapy to build muscle and increase endurance, a man’s body ceases to independently produce a hormone.
So, the norm of testosterone in the blood of men of different ages varies in the direction of decrease over the years. Preventive measures, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, moderate physical activity, proper nutrition, good sleep and regular sex life, will help to achieve the optimal testosterone content in the blood.