15h. Men's Health - Androgens Flashcards
Where in a man’s body is testosterone produced?
Testes (Leydig cells) - 95%
Adrenals - 5%
What are the functions of testosterone in men?
Male sexual characteristics
Facial hair
Deepening of voice
Penis/testes development
Libido/sperm production
Skeletal muscle growth
How does testosterone circulate around the body?
60% bound to albumin (weakly)
40% bound to SHBG (tightly)
Signs and symptoms of low testosterone
Central weight gain
Low energy
Hair loss
Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Infertility
Loss of muscle bulk/strength
Causes and risk factors for low testosterone
Ageing
Chronic stress
Elevated SHBG
Thyroid dysfunction
Zinc def
Increased aromatase activity
Environmental toxins
Sleep deprivation
Medications
Why is chronic stress a risk factor for low testosterone?
Cortisol and adrenaline have inhibitory effects on testosterone release
Why is elevated SHBG a risk factor for low testosterone?
Binds too much testosterone
What are some of the things that can cause elevated SHBG?
Medications - metformin
Liver disease
Anorexic states
Overtraining
Impaired SHBG detoxification
Why is Zn def a risk factor for low testosterone?
Supports testosterone production
What can drive increased aromatase activity?
Obesity
Insulin resistance
Excess alcohol
Inflammation
Why are environmental toxins a risk factor for low testosterone?
BPA can bind to androgen receptors
Why is sleep deprivation a risk factor for low testosterone?
Testosterone is mostly made during sleep
Why can medications be a risk factor for low testosterone?
E.g. opioids inhibit GnRH
Natural approach to low testosterone
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
Nutrients to support mitochondria
B vits
CoQ10
ALA
Se
Glutathione
Supplements to support low testosterone
Zn
D
Mg
B complex
D-chiro-inositol
Why is Zn good for low testosterone?
Supports testosterone production
Promotes spermatogenesis
Dosage of Zn to support low testosterone
15-30mg/day
Why is vit D good for low testosterone?
Increases Leydig cell testosterone production
Why is Mg good for low testosterone?
Shown to improve testosterone levels
(in combination with Zn and B6)
Dosage of Mg to support low testosterone
200-400mg/day
Why is a B complex good for low testosterone?
Mitochondrial support
Methylation support
Dosage of B complex to support low testosterone
50-150mg/day
Why is D-chiro-inositol good for low testosterone?
Modulates aromatase
