What is Low Testosterone

Testosterone is the hormone that makes men—men. Testosterone is considered as the most essential of all sex hormones. It is a steroidal hormone that is primarily secreted by the testes in males and in ovaries in females. Females also have small amounts of this hormone in their system because it is a precursor to estrogen. In men, it is responsible for bone and muscle development. As stated, testosterone is essential in male sexual health because it stimulates spermatogenesis and influences the development of male secondary characteristics like facial hair and deep voices. This hormone is also responsible for mental sharpness and sex drive. Some medical reports suggest that testosterone is important in the development of self-confidence and social success.Other functions and roles of testosterone may include the following: Promotes muscle strength and enduranceIncreases libido Increases bone densityDecreased fat in tissues Promote overall health and well being. Overproduction of testosterone in males may lead to aggressive puberty in men and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period) in women. Recent medical studies suggest that testosterone levels in the United States are lower today than they were several years ago. Some of the possible factors that are responsible for this decline are explained in this article. Excess weight and obesity One possible explanation for testosterone decline is: men are more overweight than ever. Medical studies suggest that obesity is a significant predictor of low testosterone. These studies add that gaining ten percent in one's appropriate Body Mass Index (BMI) may lead to decreased testosterone levels by about ten percent. Because of this, fat or over weight individuals may have up to 25 percent less total testosterone than their fit counterparts. SmokingCigarette smoking may damage the cells in the testes—male reproductive organs located in the scrotum which produces sperm and testosterone. Smoking-induced damage may hamper testosterone production and cause problems in male sexual health. It may also interfere with the body's efficiency and effectiveness in building muscles. High blood pressure In the long run, high blood pressure may damage the lining of the blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the blood vessels. Because of this development, less blood which carries oxygen and nutrients flow to the penis. For a lot of men, decreased blood flow may cause difficulties in achieving and maintaining erections. High blood pressure may also interfere with ejaculation and reduce libido. Many medications used to treat high blood pressure may also bring similar adverse effects.Making lifestyle changes are essential in maintaining the right testosterone levels and overall health. A man's testosterone levels will have a decline once he reaches the age of 40. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle and nutritious diets may slowdown this decline and maintain optimum sexual health. If these things fail there are medical methods available that may be used to improve one's testosterone levels. Undergoing testosterone replacement therapy and using testosterone supplements may improve one's testosterone levels. Individuals who want to engage in these methods should seek the approval of medical professionals.

As you explore the various supplements designed to help you achieve greater results with your bodybuilding efforts, you are sure to be confronted with the great testosterone supplement debate. Do you need testosterone supplements? Are testosterone supplements safe?This debate has been going on for some time now. There are testosterone supplements that are safe, but they are typically made of all natural ingredients, and do not contain anabolic steroids. All bodybuilding organizations ban the use of anabolic steroids, and the FDA bans over the counter supplements that contain anabolic steroids as well. When using natural testosterone supplements, there are no side effects - under the right conditions. You see, you can have a testosterone level that is normal, low, or high. If it is low or high, there is a negative impact on your health and your bodybuilding efforts. Bodybuilders should strive for a normal testosterone level, and the level of your testosterone can only be determined by a visit to your doctor, with a simple blood test. It is important to realize that a high testosterone level does not result in bigger muscles or better performance. Only a normal level of testosterone can accomplish this. When excess testosterone is detected by your body, it stops production of its own testosterone. It also turns the excess testosterone into DHT, which is responsible for baldness and leads to prostate problems. The body can also turn excess testosterone into estrogen, which is a female hormone, which can result in an appearance that a male bodybuilder definitely does not want. It does all of this, and you get absolutely zero bodybuilding rewards from it. Typically, when a bodybuilder is using testosterone supplements, without even knowing if he has a low testosterone level, it is because he has been misinformed concerning the benefits - or lack of benefits - of an increased testosterone level. If you aren't sure whether you need a testosterone supplement or not, you should first visit your doctor for that blood test. Talk to him about your bodybuilding efforts, and how testosterone affects the building of muscles - and how too much and too little testosterone have a negative effect on your efforts. If you are in your teens or twenties, you can probably save yourself some money on that doctor's visit. This is when your testosterone production is at its highest, and you most likely have a normal level of testosterone. However, if you are over thirty, and you are serious about bodybuilding, a visit to your doctor for that blood test to determine whether you need a testosterone supplement is definitely in order.

If you are a male bodybuilder, and you want to build muscle faster and make your workouts more effective, you might consider taking a testosterone booster. When you take any kind of supplement or booster, however, your first question should be is this safe? So, are testosterone boosters dangerous?There has been a great deal of controversy on this topic, as with any other supplement that is used by body builders. There will always be those who are all for it, and those who are completely against it - and this is usually because they have their own agenda. In the case of testosterone boosters, any testosterone booster that contains anabolic steroids should be avoided. Anabolic Steroids are controlled substances, and are not approved by the body building organizations. In fact, the FDA will quickly ban a supplement that contains anabolic steroids. The best option is to use a natural testosterone booster. These are made from all natural ingredients, and other than allergies, no side effects have ever been reported. The two most popular natural substances for building testosterone are Eurycoma Longifolia and Tribulus Terrestris. Both substances should be available at your local health food store, and both can be ordered online as well. The question remains: Do you actually need a testosterone booster? You do if your testosterone level is low. This is often the case with body builders, because they put so much into their workouts, and they are burning up hormone levels faster than the hormones are being produced in many cases. Also, if you are past your twenties, the chances are good that you need a testosterone booster. While there are no negative side effects of natural testosterone boosters, there are definite advantages. These include an increased sex drive, better workout performances, and increased muscle size because of the enhanced workout performances. It has also been reported that natural testosterone boosters actually help you to think clearer. While there are no known side effects to testosterone boosters, you must remember that your body is unique. Therefore, if you start to notice negative things, such as anger, low sex drive, reduced energy, depression, or increased irritability, it is important to stop using anything that you are using, and consult your doctor. Testosterone boosters are safe, if they are used correctly. Talk to your doctor and have your testosterone levels checked. This is a simple blood test. If you can use a testosterone booster, ask your doctor to recommend one, or go with a well-known brand. Make sure that you drink plenty of water. Be sure to discuss the proper dosage with your doctor as well - taking too much of anything isn't healthy.