libido | The PrimAGE 2/4

Low Testosterone Levels: Free vs. Total Testosterone

4 min read

If you're a man over 40, then you know that your testosterone levels are slowly declining every year. You may not feel it yet, but it's happening. Your libido isn't what it used to be and you're starting to put on a few extra pounds around the waist. It's hard to stay motivated at work and in the gym. You feel like you're losing your edge.

It's critical to understand that low total and free testosterone can contribute to your symptoms and overall health. This article will look at the differences between free and total testosterone.

It's critical to understand that both low total testosterone and low free testosterone can contribute to your symptoms and overall health. In this article, we'll look at the differences between free and total testosterone.

What is Low Testosterone?

Most men are familiar with the concept of testosterone, even if they don't know exactly how it works. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. The prominent role of testosterone is to maintain male reproductive tissue, including the testes and prostate, as well as stimulate secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle mass and bone density.

Testosterone levels decline with age, beginning at around age 40. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Fatigue
Reduced libido
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased muscle mass
Mood changes
Unexpected weight gain

As you can see, the symptoms of low testosterone can have a significant impact on your life. Furthermore, low T levels can put you at risk for a variety of other health problems, including obesity, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Many people are unaware that doctors can test for two types of testosterone levels: total testosterone and free testosterone. If either is low, you may develop symptoms and health complications.

Total Testosterone

Total testosterone is the amount of testosterone in your blood. It’s made up of two types: unbound (free) testosterone and bound testosterone. Bound testosterone is attached to proteins like sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Unbound testosterone is not bound to any proteins and circulates freely in the blood.

Total testosterone is important to look at if you have low testosterone symptoms because it provides a comprehensive picture of overall testosterone production. If you have low levels of total testosterone, your body may not have enough to perform important functions such as red blood cell production, sex drive regulation, and muscle mass growth.

Free Testosterone

Free testosterone is the portion of circulating testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood, including sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to testosterone, making it unavailable for use by the body. Typically, the amount of free testosterone in your body ranges between 2% and 5% of total testosterone. Low free testosterone levels can also cause testosterone deficiency symptoms.

You Can Have Low Free Testosterone Levels While Having Normal Total Testosterone Levels.

ree — pic source: www.healthyhormones.us/shbg-test/

As you might expected, if you have low total testosterone levels, you tend to have low free testosterone levels as well.

However, you can also have low free testosterone while having normal total testosterone levels in your blood. This is usually caused by high levels of SHBG in your blood. Total testosterone production declines as we age, while SHBG rises.

This can put you at risk for low-free testosterone symptoms, even if your total testosterone is at the normal level.

Low Testosterone: How Do Doctors Diagnose It?

There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose someone's testosterone levels. The most common method is to do a blood test. This is usually done in the morning because testosterone levels are typically highest then.

A physical examination may also be performed to look for signs of low testosterone, such as small testicles or thinning hair. They may also use the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire to inquire about symptoms such as low sex drive or difficulty getting erections.

Low Testosterone: How Do Doctors Diagnose It?

Blood Tests: Total Testosterone vs. Free Testosterone

When it comes to testosterone blood tests. It is important to test for both total testosterone and free testosterone levels.

So why does this matter? As we mentioned in an earlier section, you can have normal total testosterone and low free testosterone due to high SHBG levels. It's the free testosterone that's available to bind to receptors and exert its effects on things like muscle mass and strength, sex drive, etc. That's not to say that total testosterone levels don't matter - they do!

Treating Low Testosterone Levels

One key factor in managing low testosterone is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This means eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use can also help improve testosterone levels.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help improve these symptoms and restore quality of life. TRT involves delivering testosterone into the body through injections, patches, gels, or implants. While TRT is generally safe and effective, it's not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor about whether TRT is right for you. One side effect of long-period usage (>6 months) of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is testicular atrophy, also referred to as testicular shrinkage.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the difference between free and total testosterone levels in order to ensure proper health. Total testosterone levels can be affected by a number of factors, including age, weight, and health conditions. However, normal total testosterone doesn't mean one will have a normal "free" testosterone level. Speak with a doctor if there are concerns about either form of testosterone.

Get the Max Out of Your Manhood: How to Increase Testosterone Naturally

3 min read

Every man wants to be the best that he can be. He wants to have more energy, feel more confident, be in peak physical condition, and have a good intimate relationship that rivals that of any Hollywood A-lister.

But as men get older, those things can start to seem out of reach. You might not feel like you have the same drive or energy that you used to. You might not be able to put in long hours at the gym like you used to. You’re not alone. Age, stress, poor diet choices, and environmental factors can all lead to low testosterone levels.

The hormone crucial for men's health: why testosterone is important?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair.

Testosterone also has important effects on brain development and function. Studies have shown that testosterone levels influence cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Low testosterone has been linked with poor memory and depression. Testosterone also plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Overall, testosterone is essential for proper male development and function. It influences a wide range of physical and psychological traits. Low testosterone can cause serious health problems so it’s important to maintain healthy levels throughout life.

How to increase testosterone levels naturally?

If you are looking to increase your testosterone levels naturally, there are a few things you can do. These include: getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and supplementation.

Have a good 8 hrs sleep

Lacking sleep can take a toll on your testosterone levels. In fact, not getting enough sleep is one of the main causes of low testosterone.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who slept for 5 hours or less per night had lower testosterone levels than men who slept for 8 hours or more per night.

If you find it difficult to get enough sleep, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep quality. First, establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Second, create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep.

[Realign your sleep with this corn leaf extract >>]

Start exercising

The benefits of exercise are well-known. But did you know that exercising can also increase your testosterone levels? That’s right – by doing some resistance exercise, you can give your testosterone a natural boost.

Research has shown that short-duration, high-intensity exercise is most effective for increasing testosterone levels. This type of exercise includes activities like sprinting and weightlifting.

Eat healthily

A healthy diet is vital for maintaining good testosterone levels. There are certain foods that can help to boost testosterone production and maximize its effects. For example, zinc-rich foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, and beef are great for boosting testosterone. Vitamin D-rich foods like eggs and fatty fish are also important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. In addition, a diet that is high in protein and healthy fats will help to promote muscle growth and support healthy hormone levels.

Supplement

Looking to boost your testosterone with a supplement? Testofen®, a clinically tested supplement, has been shown to help increase testosterone levels. The key ingredient in Testofen® is fenugreek, which has been used for centuries to help treat various issues like diabetes, low libido and inflammation.

The benefits of increased testosterone

Testosterone is the male sex hormone that plays a vital role in many areas of men’s health. It is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testes and prostate, and also fuels the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as increased muscle mass and bone density.

There are a number of potential benefits of healthy testosterone levels, including:

Healthy sexual function
Healthy muscle mass and strength
Prevent the loss of bone density
Maintain a healthy body fat ratio
Maintain good mood

Maintaining healthy testosterone levels requires perseverance

In conclusion, there are many ways to increase testosterone levels naturally. Some methods may be more effective than others, but all of them require patience and consistency. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and stick with it.

"I'm Not Having a Heart Attack!": The Hot Flashers of Menopause

4 min read

Are you feeling like your body is betraying you? Do you sometimes feel like you're having a heart attack when all you're experiencing is a hot flash? You're not alone. Millions of women go through menopause every year and they all share your pain.

Hot Flashes: Why Menopause Means More than Just Change of Hormone?

When we think of menopause, we often associate it with the changes in hormone levels that women experience. However, menopause is so much more than that. It's a time of change for your whole body, both physically and emotionally.

The most noticeable change is the hot flashes. Hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth that can last for several minutes or even hours.

If you're one of the millions of women experiencing hot flashes, you know they can be more than just a little uncomfortable. In fact, hot flashes can cause long-term problems, including trouble sleeping and anxiety.

At What Age Does Menopause Usually Begin?

Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility. It's a natural biological process. Although the average age of menopause is 51, the age range is wide, with some women experiencing menopause as early as their 30s or 40s, and others not until their 60s.

The process of menopause doesn't happen overnight. It's a gradual process that can begin several years before menopause, when the ovaries start to produce less estrogen. This transition phase is called perimenopause.

During perimenopause, you may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleep problems. These symptoms are usually most severe during the final two years leading up to menopause (ages 49 to 51). But they can begin earlier and last longer.

Menopause: It's Not Just Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

While hot flashes and night sweats are common menopausal symptoms, there are other less talked about changes that can occur during this time:

Vaginal dryness
Mood swings
Weight gain
Thinning hair and dry skin
Loss of breast fullness
Sleep problems
Irregular periods

Additionally, the risk of developing coronary artery disease increases during menopause. This is because the drop in estrogen levels can cause changes in cholesterol levels and the hardening of the arteries.

Life After Menopause: What to Expect

After menopause, women can expect to experience a variety of changes in their bodies. These changes can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. Additionally, women may also notice a decrease in their sex drive and an increase in urinary problems.

Although these changes can be challenging to adjust to, there are many ways to manage them effectively. With the right support and lifestyle changes, post-menopausal women can still enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

From Relief to Management: How to Minimize Post-Menopause Effects

There are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms of menopause. Some women may need just a few simple lifestyle changes, while others may require more aggressive treatment. However, with the right approach, most women can effectively manage their symptoms and enjoy a healthy, active life.

1. Maintain a healthy weight:

Weight gain is common during menopause. This could be due to a combination of hormone fluctuations, ageing, lifestyle, and genetics.

Excess body fat, particularly around the waist, raises the risk of developing diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, body weight may influence menopausal symptoms.

2. Avoid trigger foods:

What are trigger foods? They’re different for everyone, but there are some common ones to be aware of. caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and spicy foods are all known triggers for menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Keeping a food diary can help you identify your own personal triggers so you can avoid them as much as possible.

3. Exercise regularly:

There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether exercise is effective in treating hot flashes and night sweats.

Regular exercise, on the other hand, has been shown to improve other menopausal symptoms such as relieving insomnia, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It can also help to prevent weight gain and a variety of diseases and conditions.

4. Drink enough water:

During menopause, the body goes through hormonal changes that can lead to dehydration. This is because the body sweating more to cool itself down. Drinking plenty of water can help combat this by keeping the body hydrated and healthy.

In addition to helping with menopause symptoms, drinking water has many other benefits. It helps improve skin health, promotes weight loss, and flushes out toxins from the body. So if you’re going through menopause, make sure to drink plenty of water!

5. Reduce intake of refined sugar and processed foods:

A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and drops, leaving you tired and irritable. This may aggravate menopausal physical and mental symptoms.

Diets high in processed foods may also have an impact on bone health, particularly if these foods replace the nutrients you require from a daily balanced diet.

6. Natural supplements can help you:

There are many natural supplements that can help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Fenugreek is a herb that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of issues. Recently, it's been gaining attention as a possible treatment for menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and lacking of energy.

Early Menopause: The New Normal for Millennial Women?

Early menopause is when a woman experiences menopause before the age of 45. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, health conditions, and certain medications. However, the causes of early menopause is unknown.

Early menopause can have a significant impact on a woman’s health. It can cause problems with fertility, as well as an increased risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. There is also a higher risk for depression and anxiety in women who experience early menopause.

Summary

In conclusion, menopause is a normal part of a woman's life. It is not a disease, and it is not something to be ashamed of. Menopause is a time of transition, and it can be an opportunity for women to learn more about their bodies and how they work. There are many resources available to women who are experiencing menopause, and it is important to seek out support if needed.