The Health Diva

Testosterone, is the primary sex drive hormone.

Testosterone functions as an aphrodisiac hormone in brains cells, and as an anabolic hormone in the development of bone and skeletal muscle.

It is, desirable to increase levels of ‘free testosterone’ in order to ignite sexual arousal in the brain.

A hormone that controls levels of free testosterone is called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). When testosterone binds to SHBG, it loses its biological activity and becomes known as ‘bound testosterone’, as opposed to the desirable ‘free testosterone’.

As men age past year 45, SHBG’s binding capacity increases almost dramatically-by 40% on average-and coincides with the age-associated loss of libido.

Some studies show that the decline in sexual interest with advancing age is not always due to the amount of testosterone produced, but rather to the increased binding of testosterone to globulin by SHBG. It should be noted that the liver also causes testosterone to bind to globulin. This liver-induced binding of testosterone is worsened by the use of sedatives, anti-hypertensives, tranquillizers and alcoholic beverages.

Logically, one way of increasing libido in older men would be to block the testosterone-binding effects of SHBG. This would leave more testosterone in its free, sexually activating form.

A highly concentrated extract from the Nettle Root provides a unique mechanism for increasing levels of free testosterone. Recent European research has identified constituents of Nettle Root that bind to SHBG in place of testosterone, thus reducing SHBG’s binding of free testosterone.

Other herbs such as Muira Puama, Tribulus, and Damiana,  are thought to work in a similar way.

A study published in the November 1994 issue of The American Journal of Natural Medicine using Muira Puama, showed After two weeks, 62 percent of patients with loss of libido rated the treatment as having a dynamic effect, while 52 percent of patients with erectile dysfunction rated the treatment as beneficial. treatment led to significantly increased frequency of intercourse for 66% of couples. Of the 46 men who complained of loss of desire, 70% reported intensification of libido. The stability of erection during intercourse was restored in 55% of patients and 66% of men reported a reduction in fatigue. Other beneficial effects included improvement in sleep and morning erections.

Treatment with Muira Puama was much more effective in cases with the least psychosomatic involvement.

Tribulus has been considered to be one of the best male sexual tonics available, tribulus both increases the levels of fee testosterone, and also elevates neurotransmitters in the brain, acting as a natural anti-depressant.

Damiana is probably the best know aphrodisiac herbs its hormone balancing qualities are matched by its ability to work as a relaxing sedative and mood enhancing making it one of the best herbs to use in cases of stress induced loss of libido.

One supplement that should be considered absolutely essential for maintaining a man’s testosterone levels is Zinc.  This busy mineral is involved in almost every aspect of male reproduction, including testosterone metabolism, sperm formation, and sperm motility.  Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of zinc in treating males due to low testosterone levels.7,8  A prime example of the usefulness of zinc was illustrated in a study of 37 men with decreased testosterone levels and associated low sperm counts.9  The men were given 60 mg of zinc daily for 45-50 days.  In 22 patients, testosterone levels significantly increased and mean sperm count rose from 8 million to 20 million.

Dietary factor also have been linked to declining levels of ‘free testosterone’:

Diets rich in Soya and Fish oils, have been shown to help keep SHBG levels in check. Two recent Japanese studies have shown some natural ways in which men can help tilt the ratio back in favor of testosterone.  One study of 97 middle-aged to elderly men found that men with high levels of soya intake had lower levels of estradiol (a form of estrogen) compared to men with lower levels of soya in their diet.4  Another Japanese study examined how the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA (found in high concentrations in fish Oils) affected SHBG levels in men 43 to 88 years of age.5  After controlling for other variables, the researchers concluded that both EPA and DHA decreased levels of SHBG in middle-aged and elderly men.

Adequate dietary Protein is vital to maintaining muscle mass in both men and women, it is also important in maintaining testosterone levels.  A study published in 2000 examined the relationship between diet and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and found that “diets low in protein in elderly men [40-70 years old] may lead to elevated SHBG levels and decreased testosterone availability.  The decrease in bioavailable testosterone can then result in declines in sexual function and muscle and red cell mass, and contribute to the loss of bone density.”[3]

Multiple studies have shown that regular exercise helps keeps a man’s testosterone at optimal levels.  A 1999 study examined how the effects of heavy resistance training in both young (23 to 35 years old) and older (58 to 65 years old) men affected their testosterone levels.1  Both groups saw a statistically significant increase in testosterone levels after exercise.  A more recent study published in 2001 also showed that strength training in middle-aged (44 to 48 years old) men increased levels of free testosterone.[2]