How to increase testosterone levels in men
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1. Overview
Testosterone works with follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland to help generate sperm. About half a billion sperm are produced each day. Low levels of FSH and LH can reduce sperm production. The production of sperm in the testes takes around 70 days.
2. Symptoms
Low testosterone levels can cause men to have a lower sperm count.
3. Causes
In men, the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus causes the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. LH causes the release of testosterone. FSH with testosterone promotes the production and movement of the sperm. As sperm production increases, inhibin is released. Inhibin inhibits the release of FSH from the pituitary gland and GnRH from the hypothalamus thereby reducing sperm production.
Men who are vegetarian or vegan or diabetic and on medication, can have lower levels of testosterone, which can reduce sperm production. Those that over-work or who are aging can also have reduced testosterone levels.
4. How to increase testosterone levels
There are several treatment options to increase testosterone levels in men.
Hormone injections
Injections of both these hormones can be given to increase sperm production if testosterone levels are normal. In cases where testosterone levels are low, all these hormones can be given to induce sperm production.
Supplements
In men who want to increase their testosterone levels, they can take supplements such as DHEA 25-75mg and zinc can help to increase testosterone and sperm count levels.
Acupuncture
In research, the group that received acupuncture had increased testosterone levels and increased blood flow to the testicles.
Chinese herbs for male fertility
Research has shown certain Chinese herbal formulas, such as Yi Jing Tang can improve sperm quality in men with oligozoospermia.
5. Foods
Foods that are yang in nature can help to increase testosterone levels, for example:
- Algae, ginseng
- Anchovies, lobster, shrimp, mussels, prawns
- Basil, cloves, rosemary, chive leaf, fennel seed, horseradish, ginger
- Black (English) tea
- Lamb, venison and both lamb and beef kidneys
- Oats, spelt, quinoa, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, chestnut, pistachio, walnuts
- Parsnip, parsley, mustard greens, winter squash, sweet potato, kale, onion, garlic, scallion, red peppers
- Raspberries, cherries, dates
- Rice, corn, buckwheat
