How can I boost my testosterone after 50?
Testosterone is the hormone that primarily controls male sexual characteristics and functions. It also helps to maintain bone density, red blood cell production, and muscle mass. Testosterone levels naturally decline as we age; this process begins in our late 20s or early 30s. As a result of low testosterone levels, men may experience changes such as: decreased sex drive (libido), erectile dysfunction (ED), depression, weight gain around the middle section of their body (central obesity) and loss of muscle mass. These symptoms are associated with hypogonadism which is caused by an abnormality in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland that regulates hormones like estrogen and testosterone.[1] There are many ways to increase your natural level of testosterone including: dietary supplements,[2] medication,[3] food choices[4], exercise[5], cardiovascular disease prevention [6][7][8]. The most effective way for men over 50 years old to increase their natural level of T-levels would be through dieting because it will help them lose weight while maintaining lean muscle tissue.[9][10]
What is the safest and most effective testosterone booster?
50?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any of these products as safe or effective. However, there are a few supplements that have been shown to increase testosterone levels in some people. These include D-aspartic acid, zinc, vitamin D3, fenugreek extract/fenuginol [1], Tribulus terrestris [2], maca root extract [3] and ashwagandha powder. Some research suggests that these substances may be able to help with erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.[4]
[1] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-824–d%20aspartic%20acid#details_tab=summary&id=12056&src=syn|title: WebMD – What You Need To Know About Testosterone Supplements | FDA Warnings & Approved Treatments For Low Testosterone Levels
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm….pubmed/?term=(Tribulus+terrestris)|title: NCBI – Effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris on Erectile Dysfunction in Rats
What foods can help boost testosterone?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any food or dietary supplement for boosting testosterone. However, some foods may be able to increase the amount of this hormone in your body. For example, eating soy protein-rich products like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk could raise levels of estrogen in men which would lead to an increased production of testosterone. Foods high in zinc such as oysters, red meat and pumpkin seeds are also good choices because they can stimulate the release of more luteinizing hormones which will result in higher levels of testosterone being produced by the testes.[1]
Some doctors recommend that obese patients with low libido should eat less sugar so their insulin levels decrease; this is because when blood sugar increases it causes a decrease in sex hormones including testosterone.[2] Hypogonadism is a condition where there is insufficient production or function from one or both gonads due to aging or injury. A doctor might prescribe medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), leuprolide acetate injections (Lupron Depot) or goserelin acetate implants (Zoladex). These drugs work by stimulating ovaries for women who have been through menopause but do not produce enough estrogens on their own anymore while increasing sperm count for males who suffer from hypogonadism.[3] Gynecomastia refers to enlargement breasts caused by excessive amounts of estrogen circulating around the body whereas type 2 diabetes refers to elevated glucose concentrations resulting from reduced sensitivity towards insulin leading to impaired glucose uptake into cells causing hyperglycemia
What medications are available to treat low testosterone?
There are a variety of treatments for low testosterone. The most common is medication, such as Androgel and Testim. These medicines help the body produce more hormones that it needs to function properly. Other treatment options include dietary supplements like Tribulus terrestris or Tongkat Ali extract, which may increase libido and improve mood in some men with lower than normal levels of testosterone; hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using estrogen and progesterone; exercise programs including weight training; or surgery if there is an underlying medical condition causing the problem.
Are there any side effects of taking these supplements or medications?
There are many testosterone boosters on the market that claim to be safe and effective. However, it is important to understand that a supplement may not always have the desired effect. In fact, some supplements can even cause more harm than good if they interact with other medications you might be taking for another condition. For example, anabolic steroids taken by athletes often lead to liver damage as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels among other things (Kane). The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements so it’s difficult to know what exactly is in them without doing research beforehand which could take hours of time out of your day just trying to find something safe enough for you (FDA). If someone has a health issue such as diabetes or heart disease then they should consult their doctor before using any type of supplement because it could worsen their condition instead of improving it.
Is it possible to lose weight and increase my testosterone levels simultaneously by exercising more often and eating a healthy diet including less sugar, alcohol, caffeine and processed food ?
It is not easy for an individual to lose weight while increasing their testosterone levels. It would be best if you could find a way of losing the excess fat without decreasing your T-levels. If you are able to do this then there is no reason why you can’t have both results at the same time. The key thing here is that it will take longer than just changing your diet or exercise habits alone in order to see these changes happen. You need patience as well as dedication when trying something like this out because it may take months before any significant difference occurs with either one of these things being done on its own let alone combining them together.[1]