Testosterone is a male steroid sex hormone (androgen) which is produced in the testes and in smaller amounts in the adrenals. Its production is stimulated and controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. Testosterone works within a negative feedback mechanism: as testosterone increases, LH decreases, whereas increased LH causes decreased testosterone. Levels increase after exercise, but decrease with age. About two-thirds of testosterone circulates in the blood bound to sex-hormone binding protein and slightly less than one-third bound to albumin. A small percent (about 1-4%) circulates as free testosterone. Free Testosterone is Testosterone that is not bound to either Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) or Albumin.
In males, testosterone stimulates the development of secondary sex characteristics, including enlargement of the penis, growth of body hair, muscle development, and a deepening voice. It is present in large amounts in males during puberty and in adult males to regulate the sex drive and maintain muscle mass. Many men who have higher than normal levels of Testosterone tend to be aggressive.
INCREASED TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN MALES CAN INDICATE OR BE CAUSED BY:
- early puberty of unknown cause in boys
- hyperthyroidism
- use of androgens (also called anabolic steroids)
- testicular tumors
- adrenal tumors that are producing Testosterone
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- prostate cancer
- drugs such as anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and Clomiphene
FREE TESTOSTERONE BLOOD LEVELS
The following blood indications of free Testosterone levels are regarded as normal for males aged 20 – 49 (values differ between different laboratories):
– 50 – 210 ng/L
– 174 – 729 pmol/L
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR LOWERING TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
- The herb Vitex Agnus-Castus may help to regulate the Pituitary Gland and LH to decrease the production of Testosterone
- Zinc is a mineral that helps to regulate the conversion and feedback mechanisms of Testosterone
- If your partner is currently taking any herbal supplements please take a look at the ingredients and discontinue use if it contains any of the following herbs which may increase plasma levels of Testosterone. Oats, Fenugreek Seeds, Ginger, Horny Goat Weed, Korean Ginseng, Maca, Nettle, Passionflower, Suma, Saw Palmetto, Tribulus, Velvet Deer Antler and Caterpillar Fungus.