Testosterone

Question 1

Testosterone

Answer 1

A steroid sex hormone under hypothalamic and pituitary gland control.

Produced: In men >95% from the testes by Leydig cells , with the remainder mostly from the adrenals

Functions: Male sexual characteristics facial hair, deepening of voice, development of penis and testes, libido and sperm production. Skeletal muscle growth and increases bone density.

Circulation: Circulation:~60% is weakly bound to albumin and ~40% tightly bound to SHBG . ‘Free testosterone’ accounts for ~1-2%. ‘Bioavailable testosterone’ = free + albumin bound testosterone.

Question 2

Low testosterone: Signs and symptoms

Answer 2

Central weight gain
Low energy
Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Infertility / low sperm count / motility
Osteoporosis
Hair loss
Fatigue
Loss of muscle bulk and strength
Mood changes

Question 3

Low testoterone: Causes/risk factors

Answer 3

• Ageing
• Chronic stress
• Elevated SHBG
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Zinc deficiency
• Increased aromatase
• Environmental toxins
• Sleep deprivation
• Medication

Question 4

Low testosterone: Natural approach

Answer 4

• Address the cause
• CNM Naturopathic Diet
• Exercise
• Sleep hygiene
• Support liver detox
• Mitochondrial support

Question 5

Low testoterone: Supplements

Answer 5

Zinc
Vitamin D
Magesium
D-chiro-inositol
B complex

Question 6

Low testosterone: Zinc

Answer 6

Dose: 15-30mg/d

Supports testoterone production, and promotes spermatogenesis

Question 7

Low testosterone: Vitamin D

Answer 7

Increases Leydig cell testosterone production and
supports a health testosterone / oestradiol ratio.

Question 8

Low testosterone: Magnesium

Answer 8

Dose: 200 - 400mg/day

In combination with zinc and B6 shown to improve testosterone levels in athletes.

Question 9

D-chiro-inositol

Answer 9

Dose: 600mcg/2xd

Modulates aromatase

Question 10

Low testosterone: B complex

Answer 10

50-150mg/day

Mitochondrial support

Question 11

Low Testosterone: Herbs

Answer 11

• Ashwagandha
• Mucuna pruriens
• Tribulus terrestris
• Shatavari

All increase testosterone

Question 12

DHT

Answer 12

Produced: From testosterone by 5a-reductase.

Activity: The more potent androgen approx. 2-5x stronger than testosterone. It binds more strongly to androgen receptors and does not aromatise into oestrogen.

Increased DHT levels: Associated with acne, male pattern baldness, mood (anger), prostate disorders.

Question 13

Causes of increased 5a-reductase activity

Answer 13

• Inflammation (i.e., poor diet gut health etc.,)
• ↑ insulin
• obesity
• low zinc status
• pesticides,
• SNP

Question 14

Lowering DHT

Answer 14

Inhibiting 5a-reductase

• Address inflammation
• Stabilise blood glucose levels and support insulin sensitivity
• Reduce adiposity
• Eat organic.

Question 15

Inhibiting 5a-reductase: Supplements

Answer 15

Zinc: 15-30mg
Saw Palmetto: 500-1000mg
Stinging Nettles: 300-600mg

Question 16

Erectile Dysfunction

Answer 16

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse.

‘Occasional ED’ is common it is often experienced during times of stress, anxiety or relationship problems. ‘Frequent ED’ can be a sign of an underlying health problem.

Question 17

ED: Causes/risk factors

Answer 17

• Low testosterone
• Stress, anxiety
• Poor diet
• Diabetes mellitus
• Medication induced (beta blockers, anti-depressants)
• CVD
• Neurogenic

Question 18

ED: Natural approach

Answer 18

Address the cause
CNM Naturopathic Diet
Moderate Exercise
Emotional support
Adaptogens: Ashwaganda, Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng
Bach Flowers
Support CVD health -> beetroot juice

Question 19

ED: Supplements

Answer 19

Arginine: 1500-5000g NO
Vitamin D: NO
Ginkgo biloba: 60-120mg/2x Improves blood circulation