Testosterone is associated with your sex drive but it does so much more than this.
In fact, it is essential to your weight lifting regime; you simply cannot generate the physique you want without it!
You are probably already aware that testosterone is an essential trigger for the process of protein synthesis; which enables muscle repair and growth. But you may not have realized that it does so much more.
This hormone regulates your libido, improves cognitive function and helps to ward off cardiovascular disease.
At the same time it keeps your muscles and bones strong and aids your ability to remember things.
Everyone has different levels of testosterone but they should fall within an acceptable level. Below you can find a table that shows acceptable levels by age.
All you need to do now is understand what your level is and how you can maintain or improve it.
Production of Testosterone
Your body first starts producing testosterone when you are in the womb; this is what creates your male sexual organs and gives you male characteristics.
However, too much testosterone in the womb has now been linked with autism; it is a delicate balancing act!
Your testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood; this is particularly apparent as you go through puberty.
It is responsible for creating the typical male look; broad shoulders, facial hair and your personality.
Puberty is also when you will start to notice better muscle growth and definition. Then, as you age the levels start to fall, as demonstrated by the reference table below.[1]
This gives you a detailed look at what your levels should be depending on your age from low to optimal.
Testosterone Level Ranges by Age
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you fall within the range 300-1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng.dl) then your doctor is likely to tell you that you are healthy and fine.
However, you should be aiming to be at the optimal part of your range, not the low end.
There is a simple reason for this; testosterone plays a vital part in the efficiency of your body.
It aids muscular growth, helps to maintain healthy organs and even minimizes belly fat while stimulating strong bones.
Having optimal levels of testosterone is also desirable as it has been linked with a decrease in your likelihood of contracting a range of diseases; including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.[2]
Total Testosterone vs. Free Testosterone
To fully understand what is defined as normal for your testosterone levels you need to know the difference between free T and total T.
Total testosterone is simply all the testosterone you have in your body. It is produced by the Leydig cells in your testes and pushed into the bloodstream to circulate round the body.
Your muscles and organs can then access it as required.
Unfortunately two proteins, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and albumin are also in the bloodstream and bind to the testosterone cells.
As soon as they do this the testosterone is not available for use by other body tissues.
The part which is not bound to these proteins is available to use and is known as free testosterone. It will be approximately 3% of the testosterone you produce!
Note that the albumin binding is a looser and therefore scientists have suggested it might have some slight bioavailability for cells.
Regulating Testosterone in Your Body
The control of testosterone levels in your body is handled by a process known as the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonodal-axis (HPG).
The HPG consists of two parts, the hypothalamus which is found in your brain and the pituitary glands; which are also located in your brain.
Whenever your body appears to be low on testosterone a signal is sent to the Leydig cells in your testes. At the same time your hypothalamus receives the information and confirms the decision.
A signal is then sent to your pituitary gland which will start producing luteinizing hormone as well as a follicle stimulating hormone.
These hormones are released into the bloodstream and sent back to the testes; which tells them to start testosterone production.
As soon as enough testosterone has been produced the Leydig cells will send a fresh message to the hypothalamus.
This triggers a message to the pituitary gland to reduce or stop the supply of the two hormones.
This process is undertaken many times throughout the day as your body carefully and precisely self-regulates its testosterone levels.
What is not clear at this stage is how the body decides what level is appropriate.
Defining Normal Levels
As mentioned, testosterone levels peak in early adulthood and start to decline once you hit your 30’s.
However the level of testosterone in your body will also vary with the time of day and the activity you have been doing.
Testosterone levels are usually highest first thing in the morning; making this the best time to assess your levels.
This is where the real issue actually comes into play!
When you have your testosterone levels checked you will need to have them assessed by a lab.
They can then advise whether you fall within the normal range or not. However, the normal rage is exceptionally wide.
In fact, it is impossible to say whether your result is normal compared to a fit, weightlifting 20 year old or an 80 year old diabetic!
It is therefore better to take your testosterone levels and compare them to what a man of your age should have.
You will need to study the T level age chart in this guide to see how closely you fit; this is not something that is usually supplied with you test results.
You must do this comparison, you may be normal according to your doctor despite showing symptoms of low testosterone.
But, when you look at the chart you will realize that you are only normal compared to the 80 year old diabetic, not others your own age.
The figures on these charts are averages, if you fall within the range for your age group then your testosterone levels can be considered normal.
But this does not mean you cannot increase them to the optimal part of the range!
You should be aware that optimal means having the same level of testosterone as the top end of the scale for your age range; not simply maximizing your testosterone level.
If your T levels are too high you can experience undesirable side effects.
Types of Testosterone Test
You can test at home but you will still need to send off for your results. There are three main methods of testing your T levels:
1. Saliva
This type of test can be ordered online. All you need to do is spit into the vessel provided and send it back to their lab. You should get results within 2 weeks. This will show your total testosterone level.
2. Urine
The urine test is just as simple and can be completed at home and posted although a special courier service is required.
3. Blood
Unfortunately both the urine and saliva tests are not very accurate. The best approach is to test your blood; although the cost of this is more expensive.
It is important to note that there are different types of blood test and some are more accurate than others; it is advisable to use the most accurate one possible; preferably one recommended by a friend or medical professional.
Blood tests also provide you with the opportunity to have total or free testosterone checked:
- ECLIA – this stands for Electrochemiluminescent. It is one of the most common methods as it is largely automated and cost effective.
- LC/MS – This method uses Liquid Chromatography mass spectrometry and is extremely accurate. It is more expensive and you will wait longer for your results.
- RIA Direct – This measures free testosterone but is not exceptionally accurately
- Equilibrium Ultrafiltration – This is much more time consuming and accurate but expensive and few labs offer this facility to measure your free testosterone.
You do not need to visit a doctor to have a test done. You can order a test online and then visit the local lab at the approved time to have the test completed. You should get your results within a few days.
It is important to have more than one test undertaken; your level can fluctuate and that can adjust your approach to treatment.
Issues with Low T
If you want to get the most out of every workout and be in the best possible health you need to make sure your testosterone is at the upper limits of your normal range.
But getting your T level right is more important than just your workout results. Low testosterone can lead to the following issues:
- Belly Fat increases rapidly
- Decreased strength and muscle mass
- Libido takes a nose dive
- Cardiovascular disease becomes more likely
- Your cognitive powers will start to diminish
- Testicles and even your penis will shrink
- Extreme fatigue will become normal; you will struggle to have the energy to start your workout!
- You are more likely to become depressed or anxious and suffer from mood swings
- Getting a good night’s sleep will be virtually impossible
- Bone strength will diminish increasing the chance of injuring yourself during a workout or as a result of a fall.
Fight Back
You don’t need to let low T levels take over your life.
Exercise, the right diet and a T-booster can help to ensure your body has all the testosterone it needs; without going to excess.
Not only can you continue to build muscle as you age but you will be able to hang onto your youthful vigor for many more years.
If you have any of these symptoms or are just curious, get tested today. Start boosting your testosterone production and then retest.
You will be surprised and pleased with the results!
Find out for yourself the top 5 natural T-boosters currently available on the market right now.
These are the best choices if you want to...
- Build Muscle Quickly
- Rapid Strength & Size Increases
- Promote Fat Loss
- Increase Energy
- Enhance Sex Drive
Click Here to See the Full List!
References
[1] https://www.menshormonalhealth.com/normal-testosterone-levels.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19011291
Leave a Reply