Testosterone is a steroid hormone normally associated with masculinity.  It is responsible for the development of testes, prostate, and also bone mass, muscle mass and the growth of body hair.  Although thought of as a male hormone, it is also made in women. 

In men testosterone is made principally in the testes, and adrenal glands.  In women testosterone is made in the ovaries and adrenal glands.  An adult male secretes ten times more testosterone than an adult female, but females are more sensitive to testosterone. 

As we age testosterone levels begin to decline.  In men testosterone level declines 1% annually after the age of thirty.  In men the normal range of testosterone is 350mg/dl-1200mg/dl.  Studies in the 1940’s showed that the average adult male testosterone level was 700mg/dl, compared to today’s average male number being 450mg/dl. 

In the 1940’s a testosterone level in men below 250mg/dl was unheard of until the age of eighty.  Now it is not uncommon to find such numbers in men in their forties.  Of the men whose testosterone levels I have checked I was shocked to find over 70% with testosterone levels below 350mg/dl.  Their ages ranged from 35-70.

Testosterone Deficiency in Men is associated with:

v     erectile dysfunction

v     decrease in energy

v     prostate cancer

v     dementia

v     osteoporosis

v     hip fracture

v     mood swings, irritability, depression

v     infertility

v     decrease in muscle mass

v     decrease in concentration and memory

v     insomnia

Testosterone Deficiency in Women is associated with:

v     lack of interest in sexual activity

v     tiredness and fatigue

v     mood changes, depression

v     sleep disturbances

v     reduced motivation

v     loss of bone and muscle mass, osteoporosis

v     decrease in memory

v     accumulation of fat, especially around the abdomen

v     increased risk of cardiovascular disease

v     painful sexual intercourse

v     hot flashes

v     sudden absence of menstruation

v     inability to have orgasms

There is not a consensus to what is drastically causing the decline in testosterone levels in both men and women.  It is speculated that it is due to the hormones that are being fed to animals, or the herbicides, or pesticides and other toxins in our environment.  Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with low testosterone levels.

Fortunately there are ways to combat this problem and significantly raise your testosterone level.  It is important that you avoid hormone-laden meats as much as possible.  Try to consume as much organic produce as you can afford.  Exercising and reducing stress has been found helpful at raising testosterone levels.  If you smoke you should stop, and you should limit your alcohol intake.  It is imperative that you take vitamins, minerals, superfoods and herbal products to help boost your testosterone level.

I would not consider using or recommend that anyone use synthetic testosterone supplementation.  They have been associated with prostate cancer and liver disease.  It is best to give the body the herbal or nutritional building blocks to naturally produce testosterone.

In conclusion, testosterone deficiency in women and men is a serious health problem which has been poorly addressed.  It is a hormone which is essential for your overall health and well-being.  It is extremely important for everyone over the age of thirty, or anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of low testosterone, to have their testosterone and vitamin D levels checked. 

To have your levels checked or for further recommendations call the office of

Sheldon T. Ceaser, M.D. at (773) 846-1200 or KMT Nutritional Essentials at (773) 224-7500.