Should Older Men Take Testosterone Supplements

Abstract

With the increasing age, there are a lot of changes in the body which are seen starting from the degeneration of bones upto the level of hormones which starts decreasing with time like testosterone in males. There is no particular level of testosterone in the body because it keeps on varying throughout the day, nutrition, alcohol consumption, age and illness. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) the normal level of testosterone is considered 300 to 1,000 ng/dL and is considered low when it is below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Here is a brief introduction of low levels of testosterone in the body and how one can prevent or slow down this condition through natural remedies.

Introduction

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. It is mainly known as male sex hormone produced by testicles. It is the primary sex hormone which helps in development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, and facilitates the development of secondary sexual characters. It helps in building muscles and helps in production of sperms. Testosterone level is high at adolescence and then gradually decreases with age. Sometimes low testosterone levels are seen due to hypogonadism which needs to be differentiated from the normal age-related decline of this hormone.

Different effects of testosterone intake on different age group people are found such as

• Men with low testosterone levels have good effects of testosterone administration like improvement in lumbar bone mineral density, erectile function, libido.
• In healthy older men with low-normal to mildly decreased testosterone levels, testosterone supplementation increased lean body mass and decreased fat mass. Upper and lower body strength, functional performance, sexual functioning, and mood were improved or unchanged with testosterone replacement.

Causes Of Low Testosterone

Many of the people develop low testosterone level because of the medical conditions and some develop it by the increasing age:

• Trauma, blockage of supply of blood, infection of testes.
• Chemotherapies for cancer.
• Pituitary gland dysfunction
• Medications like opioids.
• Cirrhosis of liver.
• HIV/AIDS
• Kallman syndrome
• Klinefelter syndrome
• Obesity (increased BMI)
• Sleep apnea
• Ageing
• Hypothyroidism
• Head injury

Symptoms Of Low Testosterone Level In Body

Symptoms of low testosterone depends upon the age of the person

• Reduced muscle bulk
• Decreased bone density
• Reduced sexual desire
• Infertility
• Depression
• Gain of abdominal fat
• Erectile dysfunction
• Difficulty in concentration
• Fatigue
• Irritability

Some other symptoms are

• Body hair loss
• Anemia
• Increased body fat
• Thinning of bone
• Breast development (gynecomastia)

Investigation

The level of testosterone in the body can be diagnosed by Blood test, following are the levels to be noticed in a blood test:

• Total testosterone level
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Blood prolactin level
• Blood haemoglobin or Hgb

Herbs Which Are Having Good Results In Low Testosterone Level

• Musli (Asparagus adscendens) – It helps in improving sexual health and is used as a testosterone booster. It can be given in impotence and relieves stress. It is aphrodisiac and anti-inflammatory in nature. It can be consumed in the form of paste or powder of its roots and seeds.
• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) – it has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory in nature. It can be consumed in the form of decoction by adding 1 teaspoon of powdered Shatavari roots in 8 ounces of water, twice daily helps in improving overall strength and immunity booster.
• Kokilaksha (Asteracantha longifolia) – It helps in correcting sexual dysfunction of male and improves stamina. It can be consumed in the form of powder with honey/ milk after lunch and dinner.
• Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens ) – It reduces excessive prolactin and increases testosterone. It improves reproductive health and boosts energy. It improves sperm count. Its seeds in powder form are consumed per day at 6gm for adults.
• Shilajit (Asphaltum) – A very small portion of Shilajit (pea size) in liquid is drunk 3-4 times for improving overall strength and stamina of the body. It can be consumed in Powder form also. It boosts testosterone levels in the body.

Correlation Of Low Testosterone Level In Ayurveda

Low testosterone level condition is mentioned in Vajikarana chapter of Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 2nd chapter.

In Ayurveda ‘Shukra’ is the name given to the sperms.

In Susruta Sarita Sthana 2nd chapter impure properties of shukra is given as Vataj sukra dosha, pittaja shukra dosha, Kaphaj sukra dosha, Raktaja sukra dosha, foul smell with pus etc in (Su. Sa. 2//3)

A good quality Shukra properties (Prasasta phalprada sukra guna) are given in (Ch. Chi. 2/4//50) that it is of good smell, heavy in nature, white in colour, should be in good volume, and is of sufficient amount to establish a pregnancy.

In Ayurveda, a lot of other herbs are also present which are useful in improving overall strength and stamina of the body. And helps in increasing testosterone in the body some of the examples are Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum), Bala (Sida cordifolia) etc.

Studies have shown that testosterone therapy or supplements are good in hypogonadism but it’s puzzling in older age groups.

Herbal Medicines For Low Testosterone Level By Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is having excellent herbal products for boosting strength of body which are 100% natural products free from all the chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors, yeast, binders, fillers which promotes the immune system of body by maintaining the tridosha (three body energies) of the body. The herbs used are 100% vegetarian formulated by MD Ayurveda doctors.

Planet ayurveda “Tribulus power pack” is an excellent product of Planet Ayurveda having good results in increasing strength of the body and increasing testosterone levels in body.  Tribulus power pack is a set of 4 products with Tribull oil 1 bottle, and Amogh Passion oil 1 Pack free with them. The four products are Atirasadi Churna 1 Pack (200gm), Tribulus power 2 bottles (120 capsules), Chandraprabha vati 1 Bottle (120 tablets), Shilajit capsules 1 Bottles (60 capsules).

Atirasadi Churan

It contains Safed Musli ( Chlorophytum borivilianum), Semal Musli (Salmalia malabarica), Kali Musli (Curculigo orchioides), It helps in maintaining a healthy reproductive system and enhances ‘Sukra dhatu‘ (sex hormone/sperm).

Dosage : Consume 1 teaspoonful with plain water, after meals. Twice daily is recommended.

Tribulus Power

It contains Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) as the main ingredient. It increases sperm count, volume of ejaculation, and sperm movement hence is given in infertility. It increases libido and erections who are infertile due to low levels of testosterone.

Dosage : 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

Chandraprabha vati

It contains Shilajit (Asphaltum), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) Sharkara (Sugar), Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Chavya (Piper chaba), Vidanga (Embelia ribes) It is given in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It stimulates the gonads for the production of testosterone. It is given in the urinary tract infections.

Dosage: 2-3 Tablets twice daily, after meals, with plain water.

Shilajit capsules

It increases stamina and vigor. It is a good source of antioxidants which maintains a healthy body. The main ingredient is Shilajit (Asphaltum).

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after a meal.

Conclusion

With age testosterone levels decrease which can be slowed down by taking natural supplements to support vigor and stamina of the body. A healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, healthy green food, avoiding alcohol and weight management can help testosterone levels decline slowly with age.