Testosterone is a primary sex hormone in males, essential for developing male characteristics, sperm production and overall male health. It plays a crucial role in regulating sex drive, muscle mass, bone density and fat distribution. There is a great deal of media attention being placed on preserving and even enhancing testosterone as we age and this is more easily said than done.
Naturopathic Approaches to Testosterone Testing and Treatment Limitations in Ontario
Seeing a naturopathic doctor is a great way to get your testosterone levels tested and if levels are low or suboptimal, working with an ND is a great way to address this. However, naturopathic doctors in Ontario are not able to prescribe testosterone. In fact, many medical doctors are reluctant to do so due to the many safety concerns that arise with this prescription.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is probably the most important thing a man can do to preserve their testosterone levels.
Understanding Testosterone Changes, Risks of Supplementation and the Importance of Healthy Weight Management
Hormones change as we go through the life cycle. What is normal for a 20-year-old is not the same as usual for a 60 year old. Although low testosterone ("low T") is a diagnosis being promoted by the makers of testosterone medications, it is not as simple as just prescribing hormone replacement. A low testosterone level can be due to many factors. A clinician must also take care not to add testosterone too quickly without exploring other therapies first, because once external testosterone is given, it inhibits the body's natural production of testosterone.
Testosterone supplementation is also not without risks and in terms of long term use, there is much about safety that we do not yet know. Maintaining a healthy body weight is the most important thing a man can do to preserve their testosterone levels. As belly fat increases, there is an increase in activity of the enzyme "aromatase," which converts testosterone in the fat cells to estrogen. This reduces testosterone and increases estrogen, which can increase fat deposition in typical female areas (breast, hips, thighs) and increase the risk of enlargement of the prostate and even prostate cancer. With every one point drop in your body mass index (BMI), your testosterone level will increase by approximately 1 point. In fact, managing obesity may prevent the decline in total testosterone in the aging male.
Age | Total testosterone (nmol/L) | Total testosterone (ng/dL) |
|---|---|---|
20-24 | 14.2-19.3 | 409-558 |
25-30 | 14.9-19.9 | 413-575 |
30-34 | 12.4-17.3 | 359-498 |
35-40 | 12.2-16.5 | 352-478 |
40-44 | 12.1-16.4 | 305-473 |
Key Factors in Maintaining Healthy Testosterone Levels
Developing diabetes increases the risk of having a total testosterone level of less than what is considered normal. Over a 10-year period, the risk for developing abnormally low testosterone levels more than doubles in diabetic individuals. Also, a combination of aerobic (increase in heart rate) and resistance (weightlifting) training has been found to increase the production of testosterone.
This also helps prevent the most common diseases that men are most likely to die from, heart disease and cancer. Overtraining in endurance sports such as American football and weight class wrestling and excessive exercise with calorie restriction can cause testosterone deficiency as well. And finally, most of the body’s testosterone is made during deep sleep when a person is in Rapid Eye Movement (REM). A disrupted sleep cycle with less time spent in REM has been associated with low testosterone levels.
In addition to the lifestyle and self care practices that can preserve testosterone levels, there are some botanical medicines and nutritional supplements that can assist with testosterone metabolism and these can be appropriately recommended by a Naturopathic Doctor.
Hormones change as we go through the life cycle. What is normal for a 20 year old is not the same as usual for a 60 year old
The Naturopathic Approach to Men’s Hormonal Health
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is a multifaceted process that extends far beyond simply seeking hormone replacement. While testosterone naturally declines with age, this doesn’t mean it must fall to dysfunctional levels, especially when key lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise, body composition and blood sugar regulation are addressed.
Naturopathic Doctors can play a vital role in identifying and supporting the root causes of hormonal imbalance through personalized care, targeted testing and evidence based natural therapies. By focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes and safe, effective interventions, men can optimize their hormonal health, enhance vitality and reduce the risk of chronic disease, all without rushing to replace what the body may still be capable of producing naturally.
Ready to take charge of your hormonal health? Book a consultation with Aspire Natural Health today. Our expert naturopathic doctors will help you assess your testosterone levels, identify root causes of imbalance and develop a personalized, evidence based plan to optimize your vitality naturally and safely. Start your journey to better health now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can naturopathic doctors in Ontario prescribe testosterone for low levels?
No, naturopathic doctors in Ontario cannot prescribe testosterone. They can, however, assess hormone levels, recommend lifestyle changes and suggest evidence based natural therapies to support healthy testosterone production.
2. What are the safest and most effective ways to maintain healthy testosterone levels?
The most effective approaches include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular aerobic and resistance exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, managing blood sugar and minimizing stress. These strategies are strongly supported by clinical research and can significantly impact testosterone levels.
3. Are there natural supplements or botanicals that help with testosterone?
Certain supplements like zinc, vitamin D, ashwagandha, ginger and Tongkat Ali have some evidence supporting their role in testosterone metabolism. However, not all “testosterone boosters” are effective or safe, and some may contain banned or untested substances. It’s best to consult a qualified practitioner before starting any supplement regimen.
4. How does sleep affect testosterone production?
Most testosterone is produced during deep REM sleep. Poor or insufficient sleep can significantly lower testosterone levels, so aiming for 7 9 hours of quality sleep each night is crucial for hormonal health.
5. Can diabetes or obesity impact testosterone levels?
Yes, both diabetes and obesity are linked to lower testosterone levels. Managing weight and blood sugar through diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent or reverse testosterone decline in many cases.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels requires a comprehensive and individualized approach that goes far beyond hormone replacement. While testosterone naturally declines with age, men can often optimize their levels by focusing on key lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, weight management and blood sugar control.
Naturopathic doctors play a vital role in identifying root causes of hormonal imbalance and supporting men with evidence based natural therapies, targeted testing and sustainable lifestyle changes. By prioritizing these foundational elements, men can enhance their hormonal health, vitality and long term well being, often without the need for prescription testosterone, which carries its own risks and limitations.
