15h. Men's Health - Androgens Flashcards
Where in a man’s body is testosterone produced?
Testes (Leydig cells) - 95%
Adrenals - 5%
What are the functions of testosterone in men?
Male sexual characteristics
Facial hair
Deepening of voice
Penis/testes development
Libido/sperm production
Skeletal muscle growth
How does testosterone circulate around the body?
60% bound to albumin (weakly)
40% bound to SHBG (tightly)
Signs and symptoms of low testosterone
Central weight gain
Low energy
Hair loss
Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Infertility
Loss of muscle bulk/strength
Causes and risk factors for low testosterone
Ageing
Chronic stress
Elevated SHBG
Thyroid dysfunction
Zinc def
Increased aromatase activity
Environmental toxins
Sleep deprivation
Medications
Why is chronic stress a risk factor for low testosterone?
Cortisol and adrenaline have inhibitory effects on testosterone release
Why is elevated SHBG a risk factor for low testosterone?
Binds too much testosterone
What are some of the things that can cause elevated SHBG?
Medications - metformin
Liver disease
Anorexic states
Overtraining
Impaired SHBG detoxification
Why is Zn def a risk factor for low testosterone?
Supports testosterone production
What can drive increased aromatase activity?
Obesity
Insulin resistance
Excess alcohol
Inflammation
Why are environmental toxins a risk factor for low testosterone?
BPA can bind to androgen receptors
Why is sleep deprivation a risk factor for low testosterone?
Testosterone is mostly made during sleep
Why can medications be a risk factor for low testosterone?
E.g. opioids inhibit GnRH
Natural approach to low testosterone
Address cause
Naturopathic diet with low GI foods, healthy fats, Zn-rich foods
Exercise
Sleep hygiene
Balance gut microbiome - to lower SHBG/oestrogens
Support liver detox
Mitochondrial support
Nutrients to support mitochondria
B vits
CoQ10
ALA
Se
Glutathione
Supplements to support low testosterone
Zn
D
Mg
B complex
D-chiro-inositol
