Male Health Archives | Page 14 of 27 | Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and its Natural Alternative

Abstract

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a widely used Treatment for Hypogonadism and this can be seen with declining age in men. The gradual decline the bioavailable testosterone can affect both the physical and emotional state of a person. Steroids and therapies to increase the levels of testosterone in males can suppress the condition but will leave you with many side effects. Although for natural management, it is better to adopt healthy habits and avoiding incompatible food habits. (3)

What is Testosterone and its Role?

Testosterone is considered as a primary male sex hormone secreted by a pituitary-gonadal gland which is responsible for the development of sex characteristics, sex differentiation, and fertility. This hormone is responsible for masculinity i.e. regulates secondary male characteristics. Secondary sex characteristics include hair growth and patterns, vocal variation and deepening of the voice. Generally, the level of hormones get lowers with age, this is the reason why men older in age have higher chances of having lower testosterone levels. (1)

Male Hypogonadism

What is Male Hypogonadism (MG)?

Male hypogonadism is a condition that is characterized by the failure of testis in secreting an adequate amount of sex steroids and sperms. Though this usually occurs with aging which hampers the testis functioning which ultimately results in an imbalance in follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH). According to the studies, low testosterone levels result in decreased morning erections, sexual thoughts, and erectile dysfunction. This condition leads to the need for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the affected person. (1)

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)? (العلاج باستبدال التستوستيرون)

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) focuses on restoring healthy testosterone levels and is also known as androgen replacement therapy. There are some potential benefits of TRT such as improved sexual desire, bone mineral density, enhances muscle mass and strength which changes body composition and all over improves the quality of life. (2)

Who Should not Get Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

There are Some People for Whom TRT Can be a Risk are

People with a medical history of prostate or breast cancer
Severe or untreated sleep apnea
Erythrocytosis
Thrombophilia
Cardio-vascular disorders
Those who are planning for a child because this will suppress spermatogenesis.

What are The Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels?

Low testosterone levels can be caused due to various medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, hormonal disorders, and some medications. There are some signs and symptoms which includes-

Disturbed sleep patterns
Low libido
Infertility
Sexual dysfunction
Reduced strengths
Sudden weight gain
Reduced muscle bulk
Depression

Low libido

Diagnosis of Testosterone levels

The low levels of Testosterone may range from 300 Nanograms per deciliter and the higher limit is 1000-1200 ng/dl. These fluctuations can be clinically diagnosed by some hormonal tests for analyzing the levels of LH, GnRH, and Testosterone in males.

Side effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

Some of the Severe Side Effects of the Testosterone Replacement Therapy may Include

Infertility
Shrinking of testicles
Calcification of blood vessels
Increased acne which may lead to oily skin
Increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.
Stroke or onset of any cardiovascular disease

Ayurvedic Aspect for lowering of Testosterone Levels(مستويات التستوستيرون)

It is mentioned in Charka Samhita that vitiated Vata and Pitta Dosha are the reasons for defective semen and it is suggested that semen disorders should be treated properly by involving dosha and dhatus after the examination. As impotency caused by the defect in semen is cured by the elimination of the defect itself. It is believed that intake of cold, rough, uncooked food and incompatible food, as well as deficiency of rasa (dhatus), exertion, anxiety, fear, grief, etc., causes impotency due to loss of seed (semen).

Ayurvedic Treatment by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is offering a wide range of herbal supplements for the management of healthy testosterone levels in males. They have formulated a TRT care pack that includes these herbal medicines i.e. Male Support Capsules, Tribulus power capsules, Musli Strength capsule, Atirasadi Churna, and Amalaki Rasayan. All these formulations are 100% pure, natural and vegetarian. All the manufacturing is done in a totally sterilized environment and is strictly supervised by MD Ayurveda.

Product Description

1. Male Support Capsules

Male support capsules is a unique herbal formulation from Planet Ayurveda which contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shilajit (Asphaltum) and Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris). This natural remedy supports overall male reproductive health and provides strength. It also increases stamina, boosts up energy levels and beneficial in the loss of libido. These capsules effectively boost the testosterone levels by stimulating pituitary glands; responsible for hormone secretion.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after meals.

2. Musli Strength Capsules

Musli strength capsules are a pure herbal formulation contains medicinal herbs like Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris). These herbs in combination regulate hormonal balance and strengthen the complete reproductive system. Gokshura is enriched with various phytochemicals, the precursor of male hormone i.e. DHEA which is responsible for increasing the testosterone levels and supports male sexual function. Safed Musli is a traditional herb and is commonly known as herbal Viagra. In this herbal combination, musli plays a significant role in increasing sperm count.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules one or two times a day after meals with plain water.

3. Tribulus Power Capsules

Tribulus power capsules contain standardized extracts of Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris) which is known for its aphrodisiac property and stamina enhancer. These capsules improve muscular strength, weakness, low stamina, and premature ejaculation. This herb supports overall male health and the healthy functioning of male sexual organs. Overall, this herbal remedy is very beneficial in increasing testosterone levels.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules one or two times daily after meals with plain water.

4. Atirasadi Churna

Atirasadi churna is an herbal formulation which contains Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kali Musli (Curculigo orchioides), Semal Musli (Salmalia malabarica), Gokshura ( Tribulus Terrestris), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum), Vidari Kand (Pueraria tuberosa), etc. These herbs in combination work efficiently in enhancing stamina and libido, reduces stress and anxiety. This herbal blend is beneficial in relieving weak erection and premature ejaculation.

Dosage- 1 teaspoonful two times a day after meals with plain water.

5.Amalaki Rasayan Capsules

Amalaki Rasayan is an amazing herbal remedy that contains pure extracts of Indian gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis). This herbal formulation is a great rejuvenating and aphrodisiac agent. Amla is a cooling, expectorant, anti-oxidative agent and along with this, it supports a healthy reproductive system in males.

Dosage- 1 tablespoon of this powder two times a day with plain water or milk.

Conclusion

Hence with the detailed discussion on testosterone replacement therapy, it can be concluded that all the ailments depend on the Aahar and Vihar of person. The elimination of the root cause according to the dosha can result in a healthy life without modern therapies and side effects.

References

What Are The Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties of Ashwagandha Powder

Overview

King of Ayurvedic herbs, commonly known as Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful natural herbs that has huge importance in the field of Ayurvedic and Herbal medicines. The botanical name of the plant is Withania somnifera. It is very beneficial in increasing strength. It increases testosterone levels and also improves glucose metabolism. Various parts of the plant are used in the formulation of various kinds of medications, but the most common in nutritional supplements is an extract of Ashwagandha roots.

The Ashwagandha has been used for more than 5000 years in Indian cultures, for the treatment of different kinds of body’s ailments such as Constipation, Hormone balance, Weakness in old age, Insomnia, Nervous conditions, Joint inflammation and many more. Traditionally, it is used in the form of powder, which is mixed with honey and hot milk for regulating a person sleep as well as wake cycles.

Benefits of Ashwagandha Powder

Benefits of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Powder

An Ancient Herb:

Ashwagandha is one the most Ancient as well as Important Medicinal herb, which has been used for more than 3000 years to treat the disorder of stress and to improve the concentration. In Sanskrit language Ashwagandha means the smell of the horse referring to its both unique smell and also its ability to enhance strength. Powder prepared from the root and the leaves of Ashwagandha plants are used to treat a variety of diseases.

It is often believed that many of its health benefits are mainly due to the high concentration of Withanolides, which have been very beneficial to fight inflammation and tumor growth. Because of these things, Ashwagandha is considered as one of the most prominent herbs in Indian Ayurvedic medicines and also become a popular supplement because of its health benefits

The name of the disorders is as follows

Lower Blood sugar level:

Ashwagandha has Hypoglycemic activity, it is used traditionally to treat many medical problems including diabetes. The demonstrated therapeutic activity in different kinds of animal models as well as in diabetic patients shows that it is a wonderful agent to reduce high blood sugar levels. In recent years scientists have conducted test-tube studies, After completion of that study, they found the conclusion that it has the potential to enhance insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity in the muscle cells. Apart from this, in case of schizophrenia if a patient is taking Ashwagandha tablets, then reduction of high blood sugar levels (fasting) is more as compared to those, patients that are on Placebo.

Anti-Cancer Properties:

Ashwagandha tends to have anti-cancer properties. It stops the uncontrolled growth in different ways. In many Animas and Test-tube studies, it is concluded that Ashwagandha induces apoptosis, which means that it has the ability to kill cancer cells also. Ashwagandha works as an anti-cancer agent by performing its action in two ways: 1. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in malignant cells and disrupt their function, 2. It made malignant cells less resistant to the phenomena of apoptosis. It is also used to treat various kinds of cancers like Lung, Breast, Brain, Colon and ovarian cancer. A few years ago, a study on an animal was concluded that when Ashwagandha is given to mice with ovarian tumors along with a combination of an anti-cancer drug then, reduction in growth was 70–80%.

Reduce Cortisol Levels:

Another useful property of Ashwagandha is that it reduces the cortisol levels in the body. Basically, Cortisol is called ‘Stress hormone’ and they are released by the adrenal glands as a response to stress also in those conditions even when the level of blood sugar is very low. In some chronic cases when the level of cortisol reached a very high level, then the blood sugar level also gets elevated, which leads to the storage of fat in the abdomen of the patient. All the studies conducted to check its reducing cortisol activity indicate that adults who take Ashwagandha with other supplements have a greater reduction in cortisol level than the control group.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety:

Stress in medical terms is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension, which leads to underperformance as well as adverse clinical conditions. Researchers have found that Ashwagandha has the ability to reduce stress because it blocks the stress pathway in the brains by regulating chemical signals in the nervous system of humans. Several controlled studies also indicate that it has the ability to treat anxiety as well. When Ashwagandha is given to a patient along with other supplements, the reduction in insomnia and anxiety is much more.

health benefits of ashwagandha powder

Anti-depressant:

Only limited research data is available which suggests, that Ashwagandha may help in reduction of depression. A controlled study which is carried out for 60 days, suggests that a high concentration of Ashwagandha helps greatly in the alleviation of depression in serious cases. However, it works in a similar way as it works in case of stress and anxiety.

Increases Fertility in Men:

Ashwagandha increases the amount of testosterone in the body. Due to the increase in the level of testosterone in the body, it improves reproductive health. In a study when 50 infertile men were treated with Ashwagandha that it leads to an increase in sperm count and motility. The men who take this powerful herb has increased the level of antioxidant in their blood. Apart from this, in stress conditions, if a man is on Ashwagandha medication better quality of sperm.

Increases Mass and Strength of muscles:

Ashwagandha improves overall composition of the body. It enhances the mass as well as the strength of muscles. In a study conducted by researchers in order to find the proper dosage regimen of Ashwagandha, men who take Ashwagandha for 30 days have gained more muscle strength. In persons who have an almost two-fold reduction in body fat percentage and improved muscle gains and size.

Inflammation:

The activity of natural killer cells is increased by Ashwagandha. The natural killer cells are those cells that fight against different kinds of infections. So, Ashwagandha helps a person to stay healthy. Apart from this, it also alleviates the number of markers that cause inflammation, like C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is responsible for an increased risk of heart diseases.

Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides:

Along with anti-inflammatory activity, Ashwagandha also has the ability to reduce the high cholesterol levels cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This activity is very helpful in maintaining a healthy heart. When a study was conducted on animals, to determine the effect of Ashwagandha, results indicated that there is a reduction of fat levels in the blood. In another study, a person was on a high dosage of standardized Ashwagandha. It was exactly found then 11% decrease in triglyceride and 17% decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol was observed, which indicates that Ashwagandha is good cholesterol and triglyceride reducing agent.

Improves Memory:

Memory and brain function problems due to injury and disease are also treatable with the help of Ashwagandha. The antioxidant property of Ashwagandha protects the nerve cells from various harmful free radicals. The pure extract of Ashwagandha has taken two times a day to improve general memory, task performance, as well as attention. In a study conducted in epileptic rat, Ashwagandha showed a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. All these things indicate that Ashwagandha powder improves brain reaction, memory and its ability to perform various kind of tasks.

Safe and Widely Available Herb:

Ashwagandha is safe for almost all the people except pregnant and breastfeeding women. Individuals with disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes should avoid Ashwagandha unless it is prescribed by a patient’s physician. Thyroid hormone levels may increase in some individuals who are taking medicines for thyroid disorders. Sometimes it may reduce blood pressure level so, it is necessary to adjust its dose before taking it. It is recommended to buy it in high quality from retail shops such as health food stores or herbal medicines stores.