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Male hormone analysis for men. How to raise testosterone levels in men (natural ways to increase). How to reduce male hormones

Male hormones (androgens) are integral part of any organism, both men and women, and are responsible for the normal physiology of the body. Together with other hormones, they perform a regulatory function, and changes in hormonal levels often cause infertility. Our article will help to cope with problems, as well as improve the quality of life.

The most common ways

This emerging association between testosterone and its effect on erectile function in older adults is also supported by animal studies that long-term androgen therapy alone will improve erectile dysfunction seen in older animals.

Despite the limited role of these tests in assessing a patient's impotence, the determination of serum testosterone levels is controversial. The literature review shows the following. Testosterone probably has a physiological role in erection potentiation, possibly due to its effect on various stages in the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. The presence of decreased libido and atrophic testicles does not accurately predict hypogonadism, and screening based solely on symptoms will fail to diagnose the proportion of patients who will benefit from therapy. Most specialists perform directed diagnostic testing only in the most difficult cases erectile dysfunction. The presence of decreased libido and atrophic testicles does not accurately predict hypogonadism, and screening based solely on symptoms will fail to diagnose a number of patients who would benefit from therapy. Although the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia is low, 30% of patients with low serum testosterone have an associated increase in serum prolactin. Hypogonadism can be a complaint of a more serious disorder of the pituitary gland. . Is routine endocrine testing required for impotent patients?

The main male sex hormones allow normal development male body, are responsible for the formation of primary sexual characteristics and support reproductive function up to the mark. slightest violation hormonal background leads to serious pathological changes, adjust and improve low rates very hard.

Effects of testosterone administration on sexual behavior and mood in men with erectile dysfunction. Testosterone supplementation for erectile dysfunction: results from a meta-analysis. Effect of castration and androgen replacement on erectile function in a rabbit model.

Dihydrotestosterone is an active androgen in maintaining nitrogen-mediated penile support in the rat. Androgen and pituitary control of penile nitric oxide synthase and erectile function in the rat. Age-related trends in serum testosterone and other hormones in middle-aged men: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study.

In particular, the hormones of the male gonads are necessary for:

  • creation and growth of seminal vesicles, epididymis;
  • the appearance of libido;
  • body development (height, muscle mass) according to the male type;
  • the formation of secondary sexual characteristics (hair growth in typical "male" places, Adam's apple, voice timbre).

The list of the most important hormones that are found in the blood of men is as follows:

Since it will happen, it will happen sharp increase age-related health problems, including cancer, strokes, heart disease, and hormonal deficiencies. Although the health risks associated with age hormonal decline in women, called menopause, have been carefully considered, it has now been shown that hormonal changes in an aging man are associated with significant health problems.

Paul Turek at the Turek Clinic, Choice " The best doctors in America for 7 years, has the experience and passion to help patients understand all the issues, good and bad, that surround testosterone replacement therapy in men of all ages.

  1. Testosterone (dihydrotestosterone) is the two most important male hormones produced by the testicles and adrenal glands. Their appearance in the blood provokes aggression, under their influence a beard grows and a bald head is formed. They make the voice “low” and develop the ability of men to navigate in space.
  2. The hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of the functions of the genital organs in men, GnRH is constantly produced there. It stimulates the pituitary gland and LH and FSH are “born”.
  3. Lutropin (LH) is responsible for the stimulation of testosterone in the testicles.
  4. Follitropin (FSH) stimulates the growth of the seminiferous tubules and the formation of spermatozoa.
  5. Estrogens in men are present in the blood in a small amount are synthesized in the testicles.
  6. Estrogens in the blood of men increase with age, this leads to an increase in body weight and more fatty deposits.

Testosterone and human age

To learn more about male hormone replacement, please select one of the following topics. If you are ready to schedule a consultation with the doctor. Observed gradual decline testosterone production in men with age. Although the rate of decline varies widely, general rule is that testosterone levels decline by about 1% per year after age. While the drop in hormone levels doesn't happen as quickly as women go through menopause, it's certainly just as real.

The most important male hormone is testosterone.

It is noteworthy that before birth, testosterone levels in children of both sexes are approximately the same. After birth in boys, it decreases and remains low until adolescence. At the time of the onset of sexual development, testosterone levels are rapidly creeping up and remain so until about 50-60 years of age. Then they decrease again.

This is called male menopause, male menopause, andropause, or more appropriately, partial androgen deficiency in the aging male. Serum testosterone levels in men gradually decrease from the third decade until the end of life, mainly due to a decrease in the cells in the testicles that make the hormone. This decrease may also be due to changes in the hormones and proteins that regulate testosterone production.

How to increase the level of hormones in the male body

One problem with testosterone that complicates matters is the fact that it exists in several different forms in the blood, and each form has a different hormonal activity. "Free" or unbound testosterone is a fully active hormone, but protein-bound testosterone is only partially active or sometimes completely inactive. What is usually measured in a blood test is total testosterone, which is a combination of free and bound protein forms. An analogy to explain this is to think of total testosterone like all the cars in a parking lot.

What is allowed and what is not

Most of the laboratories conducting the study of the body on hormonal background, take as the norm the value of testosterone in the blood in men 11-13 nmol. A sufficient amount of the main male hormone allows for proper sexual development, good physical form and normal functioning of the nervous system.




It is important to note that only cars that can run or drive are useful or active. Free testosterone includes all cars that can be started and retired, but protein-bound testosterone includes those machines that may or may not start and those that may or may not be eliminated. Thus, the complex physiology of testosterone balance often clouds the interpretation of age-related declining levels of the hormone.

Table number 1. The norm of the male hormone depending on age

Age/years, yearsAmount of testosterone (nmol/l)
From birth to year0-17.1
1-6 0-1.51
6-11 0.39-2.01
11-15 0.48-22.05
18-50 5.76-30.43
Over 505.41-19.54

Why is a low level of hormonal levels dangerous and can it be increased? Poor functioning of the sex glands provokes the development of serious pathological conditions. To prevent this, it is important to pay attention to the primary symptoms:

The role of testosterone in men

Testosterone affects the function of many organs in the body. In the brain, it affects libido or sex drive, male aggression, mood and thinking. Testosterone may improve verbal memory and visual-spatial skills. It also showed a reduction in fatigue and depression in men with low levels. It is responsible for muscle strength and growth, and also stimulates stem cells and blood cells in the bones and kidneys. Penis growth, erections, sperm production, and prostate growth and function are all dependent on testosterone.

Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

It also causes body hair growth, baldness and beard growth. Thus, testosterone makes us who we are and influences how we look. Table Effects of testosterone in normal man. In men with low testosterone levels, testosterone can improve bone mineral density and reduce bone fractures, which is similar to the effect found in postmenopausal women with estrogen replacement. It is important to note that hip fractures are 2-3 times more likely to kill an older person than a woman of the same age, and 40% of older patients with hip fractures die within 1 year of injury.

  • high timbre of voice (female type);
  • lack of hair on the body according to the male type;
  • effeminate figure;
  • unstable nervous system and soft character;
  • the predominance of adipose tissue over muscle.

If such symptoms are observed, it is important to conduct a blood test as soon as possible and find out what the amount of androgens is and why there was a violation of their production. Be sure to check the work of the sex (endocrine) glands. It is possible to normalize the hormonal background, it is only important to pay attention to the characteristic symptoms in time and increase the quantitative indicators of androgens to normal.

Testosterone leads to an increase in body mass, possibly strength, and may decrease fat mass. By stimulating erythropoietin, testosterone increases the amount of blood. Seems to improve lipid profiles and expand blood vessels in the heart, but data has not yet shown that it reduces heart attacks or strokes. Recent work has shown that men with chronically low testosterone levels have a 2-3 times higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome and a 40% greater risk of death than men with normal testosterone levels.

Why Androgen Deficiency Shouldn't Be Ignored

The level of hormones in the blood can only be shown by laboratory tests.

Poor work of sexual and endocrine glands in itself is pathological condition, which poses a threat to the normal existence of man. Symptoms indicating a low amount of male hormones indicate a serious malfunction in the body. Violation of the production of testosterone can lead to the development of:

Sexual function also improves with the use of testosterone. Most studies agree that sex drive is improved with testosterone. Penile erections can be improved with testosterone, but only in men with low testosterone levels. Important, isolated low testosterone is unusual reason erection problems in older men, as lower sex drive and age-related changes in the penis are much more common.

Low testosterone symptoms and diagnosis

To make an accurate diagnosis of low testosterone, the symptoms or findings must be accompanied by a blood test showing low testosterone. This combination makes the treatment worthwhile. Symptoms include decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction, mood changes associated with fatigue, depression, and anger, and decreased memory and spatial awareness. On examination, there may be a decrease in lean body mass with reduced muscle volume and strength and an increase in abdominal girth.

  1. atherosclerosis.
  2. Diabetes.
  3. Inflammatory processes in the prostate.
  4. Obesity.
  5. erectile dysfunction.

Also, androgen deficiency in the blood often provokes myocardial infarction. That is why periodic examination of the body is necessary at any age, this will help to avoid many health problems and prevent the development critical situations. Do not think that the poor functioning of the sex and endocrine glands can only be in old age, symptoms of a lack of the main male hormone can also be present in young people under 25 years old. If this is clinically confirmed, then it is necessary to normalize the hormonal background and increase the levels of androgens.

You may also notice a decrease or thinning of facial hair and chest and skin, such as increased facial wrinkles and pale-appearing skin indicative of anemia. Turtles may also be present that have become smaller or softer. Finally, low mineral density bone tissue with osteopenia or osteoporosis may also indicate a problem.

Not all of this data needs to be present at the same time in order to diagnose a problem. In fact, many of these symptoms can be explained simply as a natural and inevitable consequence of aging. For example, brittleness can be caused by many causes, some of which include the loss muscle strength, bone fractures, decreased mood and impaired cognition, symptoms typical of testosterone deficiency. However, the association of such symptoms along with low testosterone certainly implies this as a problem.

Ignoring test results often leads to male infertility and other diseases. If the level of male hormones is below normal, then you need to quickly contact a specialist.

What to do

If the study of blood parameters in men turned out to be uncritical, then in such situations it is possible to normalize the hormonal background with the help of simple actions.

By these criteria, it is estimated that only 10% of men with low testosterone levels are currently diagnosed. Since testosterone is found in several forms in the blood, there is debate about which test is best to diagnose testosterone deficiency. Usually total testosterone is ordered first. Turek then follows the algorithm in the figure.




Currently, the measurement of testosterone levels by-products such as dihydrotestosterone, estradiol, and dihydroandrosteindione is not helpful in making a diagnosis. Although not used in all cases, a blood test showing anemia can help make the diagnosis. Bone density assessments may also be performed periodically during testosterone replacement to assess bone response to treatment.

To do this, the following conditions must be met:

  1. Quit smoking completely.
  2. Exclude alcohol.
  3. Normalize sleep and healthy eating.
  4. Use physical activity enough.

Provided that the hormonal background is seriously disturbed, it can be increased and normalized with the help of replacement therapy. It is impossible to independently establish the work of the gonads with the help of various dietary supplements that promise increased production of androgens. For the body of men, this can be a strong shake-up, as a result of which the hormonal imbalance will worsen even more.

Treatment for low testosterone levels

Ideal testosterone therapy maintains normal hormone levels without significant side effects. Several types of hormone replacement are currently available at Turek Clinic, including oral, injectable, transdermal, and buccal mucosal systems, as listed in the table.

Monitoring Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone replacement is generally considered long-term therapy and patients should be monitored regularly as indicated in the table. A month or two after starting treatment, symptoms and testosterone levels should be assessed. During the first year of therapy, patients should be monitored regularly for clinical response. After the first year, patients who are stable may undergo yearly follow-up. Bone density and psychological assessments can be made depending on root causes treatment.


When diagnosing hormonal deficiency, special medications.

Medications that can increase hormones in the blood to the desired levels are prescribed only by a doctor.

It is important to remember that prolonged hormone deficiency, especially in young men, can lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, if symptoms appear that indicate a problem in the work of the sex and endocrine glands, you should immediately seek help from a specialist and restore their functions.

Having restored the functions of the sex glands, it will be possible to observe the following positive aspects:

  1. Cartilage and bone tissue is strengthened.
  2. The strength and volume of muscle tissue increases.
  3. The fat layer decreases, the hairline is formed according to the male pattern.
  4. The voice becomes low, the timbre is pleasant.
  5. Psychological stress resistance increases significantly.

With a natural age-related drop in the amount of male hormones, an adjustment is needed so that the indicators remain within the normal range for as long as possible.

Symptoms that indicate a lack of male hormones are different. But one of the main ones is the decrease or complete absence of sexual desire. This process can be observed for a long time, many men try to increase their androgen levels the "old-fashioned way" or with highly advertised stimulant supplements on the Internet. Ultimately this leads to sad consequences and complete reduction work of the sex glands.


Hormonal imbalance can cause whole line diseases in men.

Without lab tests to show real level androgens in the blood, it is impossible to start any therapy.

What causes androgen deficiency

  • Hypogonadism, or a low amount of male hormones. Such a diagnosis is often not immediately made, since it tends to disguise itself as other diseases. As a rule, such a diagnosis is made after 50 years, but sometimes a low amount of male hormones can be observed at 25 years and at an earlier age.

Consequences of hypogonadism:

  1. Prenatal period - cryptorchidism, hypospadias, microphallus.
  2. Pre-adolescent - lack of puberty, pathology of the development of the bone skeleton, weak muscles and bad hair.
  3. Post-teenager -, small testicles, low ejaculate, slenderness, erectile dysfunction.
  • Prostatitis is one of the most common diseases in men. Doctors think that inflammatory process in the prostate greatly worsens the condition of a man and reduces the quality of life. Modern treatment does not always give the expected effect, and with the traditional use of antibiotics, improvement occurs in about 50% of cases.

Male hormones to some extent perform the functions of antibiotics, but the true mechanism of their action is not fully understood. Androgens are used as therapy in some medical centers, positive results noted, the pathogenic microflora loses its strength under their influence. This proves that to increase the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases genitourinary system It is possible and with the participation of male sex hormones.


- male sex hormone. Its production occurs in the testicles and in the adrenal cortex. Thanks to testosterone, masculine traits are formed, libido and potency are activated, and spermatozoa are also produced. testosterone under the influence various factors can rise or fall, so it is important to know how to normalize hormone levels.

Basically, the production is carried out in the testicles by Leydig cells. In a smaller amount, the hormone is synthesized by the adrenal cortex.

There are 2 forms of the hormone: free and bound testosterone.Free testosterone is a fraction of a hormone not associated with and globulin, while part of the hormone is in free form and does not exceed 2% of the total level.Testosterone can be bound by globulin, albumin, and corticosteroids. In this state, the hormone is inactive and does not affect the body in any way.

Testosterone is an important male hormone. In the male body, it performs the following functions:

  • Participates in the development of testicles, penis.
  • Takes part in the formation of protein.
  • Evenly distributes fat in the body.
  • Provides a normal erection.
  • Stimulates the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics (hair growth on the body, voice timbre, physique, etc.).

Also, the hormone is responsible for the ability to conceive, sexual desire, erection, sperm synthesis. In addition, testosterone reduces concentration, which in turn prevents the development of pathologies. of cardio-vascular system.

Diagnosis: purpose, preparation and procedure


Teenagers and men should be tested for testosterone in the following cases:

  • Functional testicular failure
  • Decreased potency and sexual function
  • Acne
  • Obesity
  • Chronic prostatitis
  • Hair loss
  • Diagnosis of a testicular tumor or
  • Violation of the sexual development of boys

Preparation for the study involves quitting smoking, eating fatty and fried foods, as well as alcoholic beverages. The day before the procedure, it is not recommended to engage in heavy physical exertion and avoid stressful situations.

When using any medications, you should consult your doctor.

It should be remembered that it is impossible to take tests for hormones after, and other similar manipulations.Blood for the study of hormone levels is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Blood sampling is performed from a vein. Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. The maximum concentration is observed early morning. Gradually, the level of testosterone decreases and by the evening reaches its minimum level.

Normally, the concentration of total testosterone in the blood should be in the range of 12-33 nmol / l. The level of biologically active testosterone is 3.5 - 12 nmol / l, and free testosterone- 4.5-42 pg / ml.

More information about testosterone can be found in the video:

Under total testosterone it is necessary to understand the general indicator of all fractions. This indicator, if a man does not have health problems, should always be within the specified limits.If the level of the hormone deviates up or down, then the cause should be established and measures should be taken to normalize testosterone in the blood.

Increasing testosterone levels


With an increase in the male hormone in the blood, hyperandrogenism is diagnosed.Factors provoking an increase in testosterone in the blood:

  • Irregular meals
  • sleep deprivation
  • Irregular sexual relations
  • Increased physical activity
  • Neoplasms in the testicles and adrenal glands
  • Reifenstein syndrome
  • Itsenko-Cushing syndrome
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Not always testosterone above the norm can indicate health problems. An increase in the concentration of the hormone can be observed when using the following drugs: Flutamide, Moclobemide, Danazol, Phenytoin, Nafarelin, etc.

The man becomes aggressive, there is excessive excitability, the appearance of purulent acne, hair growth on the body.

Also, men may complain of insomnia, mood swings, headaches.

With an excess of the hormone, men become impulsive, they have good physical development and sexual activity.Usually hormonal excess is observed in bodybuilders who increase muscle mass by taking steroid hormones. It should be noted that the production own testosterone in this case is violated.

Against the background of an increase in testosterone, dysfunction of the gonads may occur, which can lead to. In addition, an excess of male hormone can cause disorders of the cardiovascular system, resulting in hypertension, heart attacks or blood clots.Danger increased testosterone that it can lead to prostate cancer.

What causes a decrease in hormone levels


The lack of testosterone is most often due to heredity or age-related changes. A decrease in the hormone is observed in most cases in older men. The decline of the male hormone occurs after 30 years.

Factors affecting testosterone deficiency in men:

  • Bad habits (alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking).
  • Strong emotional upheavals.
  • Wrong way of life.
  • Bad environmental situation.

Insufficient physical activity also affects the production of male sex hormones. At sedentary manner life develops obesity, as a result of which the synthesis of testosterone decreases.

To physiological reasons decrease in testosterone in the blood include an increase and, excess weight, infectious processes in the body, shortness of breath, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, osteoporosis, testicular dysfunction, etc.

Men become vulnerable, soft, instability of the nervous system is noted.

A decrease in the concentration of the hormone can be observed with the use of drugs that increase sexual desire, as well as antipsychotropic drugs, antidepressants.If a long time there is no sexual intercourse, then a hormonal imbalance occurs in the body. To avoid this, you should regularly have sexual relations with a permanent partner.

With a decrease in the concentration of testosterone, the voice of a man becomes high, there is no body hair. The figure becomes female type: excess fat deposited on the abdomen, in the thighs and buttocks, sometimes increase in size.Hormone deficiency can cause serious consequences. Perhaps the development, atherosclerosis, erectile dysfunction,. Against this background, there is irritability, depression, slowing down metabolism.When signs of hormonal imbalance appear, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and undergo an examination.

How to normalize testosterone levels


With an excess or lack of testosterone, it must be normalized. Required to lower the hormone drug treatment. You can stop the production of the hormone with the help of drugs that contain luteinizing hormone releasing hormone.

During treatment, it is necessary to active image life, give up bad habits, eat properly. Usage steroid drugs should be stopped.If the increase in the level of the hormone is associated with a tumor of the adrenal glands, then surgery is performed.

Helps normalize testosterone levels folk recipes. At hormonal disorder should use infusions, decoctions of medicinal herbs(These methods are used when testosterone is above normal):

  • To lower the hormone, you need to take 100 g of angelica root and chop. Next, pour a liter of vodka and put in a dark place for 3 weeks. After the expiration date, drink a tablespoon three times a day before meals. Use the infusion for 1.5 months.
  • You can use dry red clover flowers. 100 g of raw materials pour 1 liter hot water and leave for 2-2.5 hours. Use internally 3-4 times for two weeks.

If the hormone level is below 10 nmol / l, then they are used to increase the following drugs containing testosterone propionate, undecanoate (Androxon, Andriol, Panteston, Nebido, etc.).Not only medications will help normalize the concentration of hormones. It is important to give up bad habits, eat right, exercise and give up bad habits.

To work out the right amount hormone requires a full and healthy sleep.

You should sleep at least 8 hours a day. For many, it is enough to sleep 6-8 hours, while they feel vigorous and energetic. It is important to create comfortable conditions for sleep. The air temperature in the room should be within 20 degrees.Overheating of the testicles should be avoided, so it is not recommended to cover yourself with a warm blanket and wear tight underwear. To maintain the desired temperature, it is recommended to douse with cool water. Physical exercise should be moderate.

The required amount of the hormone is important for both women and men. Deviation from the norm can lead to negative consequences Therefore, it is necessary to take timely measures to normalize testosterone in the blood. eif we lead healthy lifestyle life and adhere to these recommendations, then the level of testosterone will return to normal in a short time.


Men need to watch their diet. Some foods increase the concentration of the hormone, while others, on the contrary, decrease it. With this in mind, you need to adjust your diet.

The level of the male hormone is increased by foods such as:

  • fresh vegetables and fruits
  • dairy and dairy products
  • dried fruits
  • seafood
  • eggs
  • onion garlic
  • beef
  • bitter chocolate

The following foods lower testosterone:

  • smoked products
  • beer
  • sweet carbonated drinks
  • vegetable oils
  • fat milk
  • fast food, beans
  • drinks containing caffeine

For the production of testosterone in the body, zinc must be present in sufficient quantities. It is found in seafood (squid, trout, salmon, etc.), as well as in sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Vitamins of groups B, C, F and E take part in the synthesis of the hormone.To increase the concentration of the male, it is necessary to abandon products that reduce its production. Nutrition should be adjusted by a doctor.

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