Testosterone Deficiency: What You Need to Know

Testosterone, although commonly associated with men, plays an essential role in the health of both sexes, influencing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. However, this hormone is sensitive to external factors such as stress, diet, sleep, and environmental toxins, which can reduce its levels and cause a variety of symptoms that profoundly affect quality of life.

How Is Testosterone Produced?

In men, testosterone is produced primarily in the testicles, specifically in the Leydig cells, while in women it is generated in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The hormone production system is complex and regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which send signals to ensure that the body maintains optimal testosterone levels.

1. The process of hormone production:

• The hypothalamus releases GnRH, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
• The pituitary gland responds by producing LH and FSH, hormones that stimulate both the adrenal glands and the testicles and ovaries to generate testosterone.
• This process is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis, which is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance.
  

Health Benefits of Testosterone

Testosterone is essential for multiple bodily functions:

• Maintenance of muscle mass and bone density: Helps to preserve strength and physical endurance.
• Sexual function and desire: In both sexes, it influences libido and sexual response.
• Emotional balance: Contributes to emotional stability and helps reduce anxiety and depression.
• Metabolism and body composition: Regulates fat storage and muscle distribution, which impacts body composition

What About Testosterone Deficiency?

The effects of a testosterone deficiency vary between men and women, although both may experience symptoms that affect their well-being. Some common signs include:

In Women

• Decreased sex drive and difficulty reaching orgasm.
• Mood swings, anxiety, and sadness.
• Constant fatigue and lack of energy.
• Increased body fat, especially in the abdominal area.
• Sleep problems, such as insomnia.
• Dry skin, brittle hair and fragile nails.
• Loss of strength in the pelvic floor, which can cause urinary incontinence.
• 
  

In Men

• Decreased libido and erection problems, as well as reduced size of the testicles.
• Loss of muscle mass and increase in abdominal fat, including gynecomastia (breast augmentation).
• Irritability, mood swings, and possible symptoms of depression and insomnia.
• Increased cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Night sweats and osteoporosis.
• Loss of body hair in areas such as the armpits and pubis.

Factors That Reduce Testosterone

In addition to the natural changes that occur with age, there are factors that can significantly reduce testosterone levels:

• Medical conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and liver and kidney problems negatively affect hormone levels.
• Lifestyle: Chronic stress raises cortisol, a catabolic hormone that breaks down proteins and can impact testosterone levels. In addition, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol and tobacco consumption have a profound impact on hormonal health, increasing the risk of damage to the ovaries in women and prostate in men.
• Sleep deprivation: Insufficient or low-quality rest affects testosterone production.
• Medications: Some drugs, such as steroids, opioids, and certain antidepressants, can lower testosterone.
• Extreme diets: Severely low caloric intake, diets very high in protein, or processed foods can negatively affect hormone production.
• Deficiency of healthy fats: A lack of essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and olive oil, can affect hormone levels.

The Impact of Toxins on Testosterone

In the modern world, we are constantly exposed to environmental toxins, known as endocrine disruptors, that interfere with the hormonal system. Some examples include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA): This chemical, present in plastics and resins, acts as a false estrogen in the body, reducing testosterone.
• Phthalates: Common in cosmetics and personal care products, they can disrupt hormone production by affecting Leydig cells in men.
• Pesticides and herbicides: Some agricultural chemicals affect the endocrine system and decrease testosterone.
• Parabens: Present in cosmetics, these can mimic estrogen and affect testosterone production.
• Dioxins: Industrial byproducts that can accumulate in contaminated meat and fish and alter hormone levels.
• Very high protein diets: Too much protein can have negative effects on testosterone production, especially if accompanied by low carbohydrate intake.
• Diets high in processed foods and sugars: These foods can increase inflammation and negatively affect hormone production.

Reducing exposure to these toxins is key to protecting testosterone levels. Opting for BPA-free products, natural cosmetics, and a low-processed diet can help minimize the impact of endocrine disruptors.

How Can Diet Help Maintain Testosterone?

Diet is a fundamental pillar of maintaining healthy testosterone levels. Some key nutrients and foods are:

• Vitamina Vitamin D: Essential for testosterone production; It is found in fatty fish, eggs and sunlight.
• Zinc: Essential for hormone production; It is found in oysters, red meat, and pumpkin seeds.
• Magnesium: Helps balance hormones; Present in almonds, spinach and avocado.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado and nuts are essential for hormone production.
• Antioxidants: Colorful fruits and vegetables help fight free radicals that affect hormone-producing cells.
• Spices and seasonings: 
• Ginger: It has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve circulation. 
• Turmeric: Another powerful anti-inflammatory, rich in curcumin. 
• Garlic: Improves circulation and has antioxidant properties. 
• Cinnamon: It can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. 
• Black pepper: Piperine, a compound in black pepper, can improve the absorption of other nutrients.
• Chili or chili pepper: Capsaicin (the compound that gives it the spicy taste), can have an interesting impact on testosterone levels

Strength exercise can help increase testosterone as a complement to care and diet..

Laboratory Values for Testosterone

If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be helpful to take a blood test to measure your testosterone levels. Normal blood testosterone values can vary depending on age and lab, but the following ranges are generally considered normal:

• Male adults: 300-1000 ng/dL
• Women adult: 15-70 ng/dL

It's important to note that the symptoms and impact of testosterone deficiency can occur even in people whose levels are within "normal" limits. Therefore, a comprehensive and personalized approach can be key to identifying potential imbalances and treating them effectively.

Complementary laboratory studies

• Free testosterone: This is the active form of testosterone, i.e., the one that is available to bind to cell receptors and produce their effects. It is the fraction of testosterone that has the greatest clinical relevance. 
• SHBG: Sex hormone-binding globulin is a protein that binds to testosterone and estrogen, reducing their availability to tissues. It acts as a kind of "transporter" and can influence free testosterone levels.

The values will depend on the laboratory where the analysis is performed.

Other studies to make a comparison and rule out errors.

 
It is always recommended to do a complete hormonal profile analysis and also include a complete thyroid study that includes T3, T4, TSH and TPO and TgAb antibodies.

All these studies will allow us to differentiate whether the problem may be thyroid or if it is a low testosterone.

Recovery of Testosterone Levels

For those suffering from testosterone deficiency, there are treatment options such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which must be done under medical supervision due to potential side effects. Adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and stress management is essential to maintaining optimal hormone levels.

gENiO SAPIENS Bioresonance as Support in Hormonal Balance

gENiO SAPIENS Bioresonance can help balance the hormonal profile, as any hormonal alteration generates a chain reaction in the body, which tries to compensate for imbalances. This approach seeks to restore the body's ability to self-regulate through its own mechanisms, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis, promoting optimal functioning of the endocrine system and the ability of hormones to bind to their receptors and trigger effective cellular responses.

Take Action Now: Prioritize Your Hormonal Health

If you've experienced symptoms of testosterone deficiency or just want to optimize your health, don't miss out on this opportunity. Consult a specialist to perform the necessary tests and obtain a complete evaluation of your hormonal profile. Taking action early can help you regain your vitality, improve your emotional well-being, and strengthen your body.

Remember that a healthy lifestyle, a proper diet, and therapeutic options such as GENiO SAPIENS Bioresonance can make a big difference. Start taking care of your hormonal health today and enjoy a full and balanced life!

Dr. Eduardo González Coeto.