15h. Men's Health - Androgens Flashcards

1
Q

Where in a man’s body is testosterone produced?

A

Testes (Leydig cells) - 95%
Adrenals - 5%

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2
Q

What are the functions of testosterone in men?

A

Male sexual characteristics
Facial hair
Deepening of voice
Penis/testes development
Libido/sperm production
Skeletal muscle growth

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3
Q

How does testosterone circulate around the body?

A

60% bound to albumin (weakly)
40% bound to SHBG (tightly)

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4
Q

Signs and symptoms of low testosterone

A

Central weight gain
Low energy
Hair loss
Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Infertility
Loss of muscle bulk/strength

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5
Q

Causes and risk factors for low testosterone

A

Ageing
Chronic stress
Elevated SHBG
Thyroid dysfunction
Zinc def
Increased aromatase activity
Environmental toxins
Sleep deprivation
Medications

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6
Q

Why is chronic stress a risk factor for low testosterone?

A

Cortisol and adrenaline have inhibitory effects on testosterone release

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7
Q

Why is elevated SHBG a risk factor for low testosterone?

A

Binds too much testosterone

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8
Q

What are some of the things that can cause elevated SHBG?

A

Medications - metformin
Liver disease
Anorexic states
Overtraining
Impaired SHBG detoxification

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9
Q

Why is Zn def a risk factor for low testosterone?

A

Supports testosterone production

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10
Q

What can drive increased aromatase activity?

A

Obesity
Insulin resistance
Excess alcohol
Inflammation

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11
Q

Why are environmental toxins a risk factor for low testosterone?

A

BPA can bind to androgen receptors

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12
Q

Why is sleep deprivation a risk factor for low testosterone?

A

Testosterone is mostly made during sleep

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13
Q

Why can medications be a risk factor for low testosterone?

A

E.g. opioids inhibit GnRH

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14
Q

Natural approach to low testosterone

A

Address cause
Naturopathic diet with low GI foods, healthy fats, Zn-rich foods
Exercise
Sleep hygiene
Balance gut microbiome - to lower SHBG/oestrogens
Support liver detox
Mitochondrial support

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15
Q

Nutrients to support mitochondria

A

B vits
CoQ10
ALA
Se
Glutathione

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16
Q

Supplements to support low testosterone

A

Zn
D
Mg
B complex
D-chiro-inositol

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17
Q

Why is Zn good for low testosterone?

A

Supports testosterone production
Promotes spermatogenesis

18
Q

Dosage of Zn to support low testosterone

A

15-30mg/day

19
Q

Why is vit D good for low testosterone?

A

Increases Leydig cell testosterone production

20
Q

Why is Mg good for low testosterone?

A

Shown to improve testosterone levels
(in combination with Zn and B6)

21
Q

Dosage of Mg to support low testosterone

A

200-400mg/day

22
Q

Why is a B complex good for low testosterone?

A

Mitochondrial support
Methylation support

23
Q

Dosage of B complex to support low testosterone

A

50-150mg/day

24
Q

Why is D-chiro-inositol good for low testosterone?

A

Modulates aromatase

25
Herbs to support low testosterone
Ashwagandha Shatavari Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean)
26
Why is ashwagandha good for low testosterone?
Increases testosterone
27
Dosage of ashwagandha to support low testosterone
2-5g/day
28
Why is shatavari good for low testosterone?
Exerts testosterone-like effects
29
Dosage of shatavari to support low testosterone
Up to 3g/day
30
Why is mucuna pruriens good for low testosterone?
Increases Leydig cell production of testosterone
31
Dosage of mucuna pruriens to support testosterone
Up to 100mg/day
32
How is DHT produced?
From testosterone by 5a-reductase
33
How does DHT work?
Binds strongly to androgen receptors Doesn't aromatase into oestrogen
34
Signs of increased DHT levels
Acne Male pattern baldness Mood (anger) Prostate disorders
35
Causes of increased 5a-reductase activity
Inflammation Increased insulin Obesity Low Zn status Pesticides SRD5A2 SNP
36
Natural approach to lowering DHT/inhibiting 5a-reductase
Address inflammation Stabilise blood glucose levels Support insulin sensitivity Reduce adiposity
37
Nutrient to support lowering DHT/inhibiting 5a-reductase
Zn
38
Dosage of Zn to lower DHT/inhibiting 5a-reductase
15-30mg/day
39
Herbs to lower DHT/inhibiting 5a-reductase
Saw palmetto Nettle
40
Dosage of saw palmetto to lower DHT/inhibiting 5a-reductase
500-1000mg/day
41
Dosage of nettle to lower DHT/inhibiting 5a-reductase
300-600mg