The doctor told how to suspect low testosterone and increase it without medication

Low testosterone affects well-being, libido and the general condition of a man. Russian surgeon-oncologist Alexander Dzidzaria explained how to check the level of the hormone, what mistakes are made when taking tests and what helps to normalize it without drugs.

According to the doctor, the first and most common mistake is incorrect preparation for the test. Many people live in their usual rhythm: they sleep little, work a lot, actively train, and on the day of taking testosterone suddenly get enough sleep and come to the laboratory by 7-8 in the morning. As a result, they get inflated numbers.

- You need to give in the conditions in which you live and in which there are problems. And preferably not at 7 in the morning, but at 10–11 hours. If testosterone is normal, but at the lower border or lower, after 1-2 weeks, the analysis should be repeated - you need to confirm that there is a problem, said Alexander Dzidzaria.

He also advises to clarify how the laboratory tests the hormone. The method of mass spectrometry is more accurate, while on an enzyme analyzer the error can reach 30-40%. In addition, it is important to take not only total testosterone, but also free, as well as SHBG.

- Imagine that testosterone is money in your pocket. Only some of them are yours and you can use them, and some are someone else’s. SHBG determines how much you can spend. Sometimes, a person looks at total testosterone - it is normal, and calms down. And SHBG is high, and there is almost no free testosterone left. That is, there is a lot of hormone, but there is practically no worker from it, the doctor explained.

At the same time, he stressed that high SHBG in itself does not mean anything. Only those who have clinical manifestations should be treated.

- Our goal is not to bring someone’s norm in tests, but to restore the quality of life. Therefore, if the doctor prescribes a bunch of tests and hormones, and you have no complaints, you should ask the question: “Why?”.

The doctor advises to conduct self-diagnosis using questionnaires that are available on the Internet. The first is AMS, a questionnaire on men's aging. The second is IPSS, which shows how well urination works. The third is a classic questionnaire on the quality of sexual life. You can fill them in ten minutes at home.

Also, Alexander Dzidzaria listed external signs that may indicate a testosterone deficiency: the nature of fat deposition, abdominal obesity, when the stomach is large, and there is almost no subcutaneous fat, folds on the lower back. However, he said, people with good testosterone levels may look the same, so tests and questionnaires are important.

- If you do not have complaints about libido and potency, it is not necessary to take a test for testosterone. Even if it is low, but there are no clinical manifestations, there is usually nothing to do. So you have enough, Alexander Dzidzaria emphasized.

He explained that testosterone deficiency is of two types. Primary hypogonadism - when the testicles do not cope, LH and FSH are elevated in the tests. In this case, only testosterone in different forms helps. Secondary, or functional, hypogonadism – when LH and FSH are normal or low. Here, the testicles are healthy, but “sleep”, and they can be stimulated with drugs.

- This often occurs with chronic fatigue, heavy load, responsibility, shift schedule, heavy psycho-emotional work. I call it the phenomenon of a thundercloud: a man came home, and above his head like a cloud. In such cases, most young men can return testosterone to normal, just by looking at their lives from the outside.

What helps boost testosterone naturally:

Regular physical activity. Usually enough three strength training per week for an hour and a half, but without exhaustion.

Sleep. If you regularly lack sleep for two hours, the level of testosterone will be like a person 10-15 years older. You need to lie down and get up at the same time, in silence, darkness, coolness and with airing.

Quitting alcohol and smoking.

Competitive sport. The doctor notes that after starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his own testosterone level increased.

Cold treatments. A cold shower and the gradual introduction of cold into life.

Sauna with caution. Overheating of the testicles harms, so before entering the bath should be covered with a cold towel.

In nutrition, the doctor identified foods that help maintain testosterone levels:

Oysters, crabs, shrimp, squid. Rich in zinc: in 100 grams of oysters - about 600 % of the daily norm.

Eggs. They contain vitamin D, selenium and the necessary fats.

Red meat and offal. The liver and kidneys are rich in iron and B vitamins, especially B12, which Leydig cells need to synthesize testosterone.

Fat fish. Omega-3 reduces systemic inflammation and SHBG.

Brazilian nuts. Two or three nuts a day cover the norm of selenium.

Pumpkin seeds. Contain phytosterols and zinc, useful for the prostate gland.

Grenade. The study showed a 24% increase in free testosterone in saliva after 2-3 weeks.

Olive oil. It is rich in polyphenols, but it is important to choose a quality one.

Avocado. A source of vitamin E, but not superfood.

Garlic. Allicin helps reduce SHBG and stabilize cortisol.

Cruciferous. Broccoli and others contain indole-3-carbinol, which lowers estradiol levels.

Ginger. Improves microcirculation in the testicles.

Honey. It contains boron, which helps to reduce SHBG.

Dark chocolate from 85% cocoa. Protects cells from oxidative stress.

Berries and fruits. Rich in antioxidants.

Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir. Support the intestinal microbiome, on which hormone metabolism depends.