Testosterone is not only the hormone of male sexuality and fertility. It is little known, but it is essential in the body on many levels. What is its role in men and women? When should it be measured and how?
Testosterone in utero
It is thanks to testosterone that a baby that has just been born is truly masculine in appearance. Indeed, early in intrauterine life, before the production of testosterone, the foetus has the same external appearance. In the male fetus, testosterone is produced during antenatal life and plays a key role in the masculinisation of the genitals.
Immediately after birth, testosterone continues to be produced for three to six months (this period is called “minipuberty”) and then production stops for over 10 years. It finally starts again at puberty. Testosterone is secreted by the Leydig cells in the testicles. In much smaller quantities, it is produced by the adrenal glands, which is negligible in men but important in women.
The hormone of masculinity
During puberty, testosterone allows the appearance of certain specific male characteristics such as the development of hair, the development of the male genitalia and muscles, the appearance of libido, the change in the tone of voice, etc. In addition, at the sexual level, this hormone plays a local role in the testicle which is essential for the maturation of spermatozoa. Testosterone remains, in a way, the hormone of male sexuality and fertility.
It also plays a role in the pubertal growth spurt of adolescents. It makes the bones stronger in general (prevention of osteoporosis). It also induces an increase in muscle mass, hence its (dangerous and frequent) use in sports doping.
Testosterone to be optimised
Sexual signs such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction or infertility can often point to a low testosterone level in men. Sudden hair loss may also occur.
In adolescents, a small penis and/or testicles may be one of the reasons to look for a disorder in the secretion of male hormones like testosterone.
The slightest doubt can be quickly and easily confirmed by a simple blood test to measure your testosterone level of nmol/L.
As testosterone is not very common in women, testosterone problems should be looked for in women with a very high level of hair in areas that are usually hairless (chin, chest, back, etc.) or in the event of an unexplained drop in sexual desire.
Things to know
- Testosterone is a male hormone secreted by the adrenal glands (above the kidneys) and sex organs.
- Testosterone circulates in two forms in the blood: total and bioavailable.
- Women also have testosterone.
- In women, normal values of testosterone blood levels are 10 times lower than in men.
- Testosterone is sometimes taken by athletes to increase their muscle mass.
How to optimise your testosterone?
Whether you are a man or a woman, imbalance can be a factor in mood swings or mood swings. It is important to regulate it correctly for optimal secretion.
There are several natural solutions for this:
ダイエット
It is necessary to eat enough calories (kcal) every day to maintain the body’s needs. On average, it is said that you need to eat 40 kcal per day and per kilo of body weight.
The right fatty acids
Testosterone comes from the breakdown of cholesterol, so we should look for the right fatty acids. Conversely, fatty acids from industrial products or saturated fats should be avoided as much as possible.
Prefer fatty fish (sardines, salmon, etc.), good oils (olive, flax, rapeseed, walnut), nuts of all kinds (a handful of nuts every day is enough), seeds (sesame, flax – which should always be eaten mixed beforehand otherwise they are not assimilated, chia, etc.). You can also take omega-3 as a supplement.
亜鉛
Zinc is also an important element in the body’s production of testosterone. It helps maintain a normal level of testosterone in the blood.
A diet rich in zinc will therefore be beneficial. A balanced diet is normally sufficient in zinc. Eating seafood, a few dairy products in reasonable quantities and nuts should be enough. If in doubt, a doctor can check your zinc level.
Protein
Protein helps to build muscle mass and contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. A deficit, especially a regular one, in protein and amino acids will disturb the rate of secretion of the male hormone. A ratio of 0.8 to 1g of protein per kilo of body weight is recommended every day.
Cruciferous vegetables
They stimulate testosterone through their phytonutrients. They also have the ability to decrease estrogen (female hormones). Eat broccoli and cabbage regularly.
Phytotherapeutic contributions
高麗人参
Ginseng could optimise the body’s natural testosterone secretion, increase a natural endogenous testosterone, increase the number and motility of spermatozoa and finally, improve sexual libido and erectile function.
マカ
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp. or Lepidium peruvianum L.) helps to maintain sexual performance and energy. It naturally contributes to healthy sexual function. It is also called Peruvian Ginseng. This root is consumed as a food supplement, liquid extract or drink.
ジンジャー
Ginger promotes sexual desire and sexual capacity. It is a plant traditionally used to enhance sexual desire in both men and women.
イチョウの葉
Ginkgo has been shown to increase testosterone levels and to support the reproductive functions in men and women.
TestoUltra is a food supplement that contains all those plants and many other vitamins and minerals. It is a way to correctly regulate testosterone for optimal secretion. Try it: TestoUltra オリジナル.