Did you know that testosterone levels decline as the male body ages? This can start at roughly 30 years old in men, with the hormone diminishing by one percent every year. Though this seems like a minor change in the body, this hormone imbalance can strain overall wellness and relationships. 

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC), testing male testosterone levels is common. Optimal amounts are needed for supporting male physical characteristics and body functions, including:

• • The production of sperm 
  • The growth of both body hair
  • Low vocals during puberty
  • Libido
  • Promoting red blood cell production
  • Muscle formation (strength and mass)
  • Bone strength and growth

The functional medicine model is applied by our clinicians, and it aims to identify the root cause of health issues. In some cases, low testosterone (low T) can surprisingly be the leading source of mood swings, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and other symptoms. 

The goal of this article is to educate you on: why this hormone reduces in the male body; the type of information functional tests can reveal; how herbs can aid hormones; and details about our Toronto-based functional clinic. 

Why do testosterone levels decline?

Everyone is born with testosterone. But in the male body, the hormone is naturally high for fostering masculine features, such as genitalia and muscle mass. 

Though testosterone amounts naturally drop in males due to aging, scientists are underlining an alarming trend: lately, countless low T diagnoses have not been paired with aging, but rather with unhealthy lifestyle factors, including sedentary living, high BMI, unbalanced diets, and chronic alcohol use. So aside from aging, this hormone can decline due to these reasons:

• • Certain health conditions (i.e. obesity, heart disease, sleep apnea, etc.)
  • Side effects from cancer treatments
  • Testicular injuries
  • Substance/smoking/alcohol overindulgence
  • Excessive exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC)

If you’re experiencing unresolved health concerns, consider scheduling a consultation with a TFMC functional medicine practitioner to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and overall hormonal health. Your practitioner may recommend further assessment, where clinically appropriate, and discuss potential next steps based on your individual needs.

Symptoms of low T may include:

• • Erectile dysfunction
  • Mood swings, depression, and poor focus
  • Bone and muscle loss
  • Increased amounts of body fat
  • Insomnia
  • Decline in sexual health
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Facial/Body hair reduction

These potential health implications highlight the importance of understanding testosterone levels and discussing any related concerns with a qualified healthcare practitioner. An individualized assessment may help identify factors contributing to low testosterone and determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.

How we use functional lab tests for hormonal concerns

If we suspect that you have low T, we’d likely mention our lab services. As we adhere to integrative functional medicine principles, our tests are used as tools for individualizing the “next steps” to regulate your hormone balance.   

Laboratory testing may provide additional information about various aspects of your health. At Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our practitioners may recommend testing certain biomarkers based on your symptoms, medical history, and individual health concerns. These results can be reviewed alongside other clinical findings to help provide a clearer understanding of your overall health. Your practitioner can then discuss the findings with you, address any questions, and determine whether further assessment or follow-up may be appropriate.

For scrutinizing low T, the TFMC offers a complete panel called the DUTCH test. This quantifies testosterone, DHEA, estrogen, cortisol, progesterone and other urine metabolites. This testing method is unique because it offers a comprehensive view of a patient’s hormone levels – which cannot be fully captured through blood or saliva testing alone.

The DUTCH dry urine test can be conducted at home. It consists of collecting dried urine samples at different times of the day. When submitted for analysis, the samples are assessed for sex and adrenal hormone metabolites, along with cortisol patterns. The results may provide additional information about hormone metabolism and can be reviewed by your practitioner alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other relevant clinical findings as part of an individualized health assessment.

5 Key herbs for improving testosterone production

Herbal medicine is one of the areas that may be discussed within an integrative and functional medicine approach to health. At Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our practitioners consider a patient’s medical history, current health concerns, and other relevant factors when discussing herbal ingredients and their potential effects on the body. These discussions may also address existing research, possible interactions with medications, and other considerations related to individual health needs.

Below, we’ve listed some herbal medicine options for supporting low T:

• • Catuaba: In Brazil, this is a known aphrodisiac that indigenous tribes have used for centuries. It’s thought to boost blood flow to the genitals, helping to improve sex drive. It may work as a stimulant on the central nervous system, which may potentially reduce anxiety, weakness, and memory loss; it can support energy production without the jittery effects of caffeine. 
  • Chrysin: This is a type of bioflavonoid, which is a plant pigment with antioxidant effects. It may help increase testosterone by inhibiting the functioning of aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme that helps convert testosterone into estrogen. “Several studies have found that bioavailability of chrysin could be boosted by the addition of an extract from black pepper, called piperine, which acts to increase flavonoid absorption in the intestine,” explains a research article from the Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Physiology. 
  • Clavo huasca (Tynanthus panurensis): This wood-like vine originated in South America and contains phenols, saponins, and flavonoids; it may also encourage anti-inflammatory effects. It’s sold in Peruvian markets to help address erectile dysfunction and impotence. It’s been suggested that clavo huasca interacts with certain neurotransmitters that help relax erectile tissue in the genitals. 
  • Nettle: Extracts from the nettle root are jam-packed with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and healthy fats. It may increase free testosterone in the body. Free testosterone is an active form of the hormone found in the blood without proteins attached to it. It’s thought that nettle can block the effects of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG); when SHBG binds to testosterone, it can reduce libido in the male body. It’s been postulated that SHBG may bind to constituents from nettle rather than testosterone, which can optimize the body’s use of free testosterone.  
  • Muira puama: This is an herbal extract embraced by Amazonian tribes. “Rich in sterols … it activates the body’s receptors for hormones like testosterone to heighten libido and enhance performance,” explains a Translational Andrology and Urology article. Muira puama also contains camphor, which may be beneficial for recuperating sexual arousal.

Not all herbal ingredients may be appropriate for everyone, as individual health needs and circumstances can vary. Factors such as medical history, existing medications, genetics, and lifestyle habits may influence how certain ingredients interact with the body. Discussing these considerations with a qualified healthcare practitioner can help you better understand potential interactions and other factors relevant to your hormonal health.

Now’s the time to expand your wellness horizons at the TFMC – discover natural ways to add zest into your sex life, vitality, muscle formation, promote healthy longevity through functional medicine in Toronto and more. Reach out to us today.  

Access our functional medicine therapies today

Changes in libido, physical stamina, and overall well-being can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle habits, stress, and underlying health conditions. Understanding these potential influences may help individuals recognize when further assessment is appropriate. A discussion with a qualified healthcare practitioner can provide an opportunity to explore symptoms, review medical history, and better understand the factors that may be contributing to these changes.

Our hormone health assessments start with a review of your symptoms, health history and test results. Our health team also discusses herbal remedies and lifestyle changes. Due to our collaborative process, you can also take advantage of our other health services, including acupuncture, psychotherapy, conventional medicine, and more.

Adjunct IV drips are offered to patients in our IV Lounge for supporting optimal wellness. These may be prescribed for nurturing hydration, energy and nutrient levels, post exercise muscle health recovery, and more. IV therapy should not be considered as stand-alone treatments though. When combined with a regimen of healthy habits and formal health interventions, intravenous drips can contribute to overall well-being and vitality.

Let’s talk about your hormone health. Bring your questions about symptoms and tests to your visit. Simply call us to reserve your session for functional medicine in our Toronto office. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

175. Lim, P. H. (2017). Asian herbals and aphrodisiacs used for managing ED. Translational Andrology and Urology, 6(2), 167-175. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2017.04.04

Golan R, Scovell JM, Ramasamy R. Age-related testosterone decline is due to waning of both testicular and hypothalamic-pituitary function. Aging Male. 2015;18(3):201-4. doi: 10.3109/13685538.2015.1052392. Epub 2015 Jun 15. PMID: 26075536; PMCID: PMC4816459.

Gunnels TA, Bloomer RJ (2014) Increasing Circulating Testosterone: Impact of Herbal Dietary Supplements. J Plant Biochem Physiol 2:130. doi:10.4172/2329-9029.1000130

Jia H, Sullivan CT, McCoy SC, et al. Review of health risks of low testosterone and testosterone administration. World J Clin Cases. 2015;3(4):338-344. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v3.i4.338

Laughlin GA, Barrett-Connor E, Bergstrom J. Low serum testosterone and mortality in older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Jan;93(1):68-75. doi: 10.1210/jc.2007-1792. Epub 2007 Oct 2. PMID: 17911176; PMCID: PMC2190742.

Morales L, Acero N, Galán A, Perez-García C, Alguacil LF, Muñoz-Mingarro D. Bioactive properties of Tynanthus panurensis (Bureau) Sanwith bark extract, the Amazonian “clavo huasca”. J Med Food. 2011 Sep;14(9):939-43. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2010.0171. Epub 2011 Apr 13. PMID: 21488753.

Muehlenbein, M. P., Gassen, J., Shattuck, E. C., & Sparks, C. S. (2023). Lower testosterone levels are associated with higher risk of death in men. Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, 11(1), 30-41. https://doi.org/10.1093/emph/eoac044

Smith, S. J., Lopresti, A. L., M Teo, S. Y., & Fairchild, T. J. (2021). Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Advances in Nutrition, 12(3), 744-765. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmaa134

Srivatsav A, Balasubramanian A, Pathak UI, Rivera-Mirabal J, Thirumavalavan N, Hotaling JM, Lipshultz LI, Pastuszak AW. Efficacy and Safety of Common Ingredients in Aphrodisiacs Used for Erectile Dysfunction: A Review. Sex Med Rev. 2020 Jul;8(3):431-442. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.01.001. Epub 2020 Mar 2. PMID: 32139335; PMCID: PMC7340557.

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“Why Are Testosterone Levels Decreasing?” from the Cleveland Clinic, posted on September 19, 2022, viewed on May 29, 2024.