Testosterone levels drop 1.4% every year. Sperm counts have more than halved in the last 40 years.
What are the main causes of falling testosterone levels in men:
- Endocrine disruptors
Chemicals (chemical endocrine disruptors) that have hormone-like effects in the body.
In addition to the chemicals with the famous E numbers, there are also risks that come from the packaging materials, and not just for the environment! Plastics release plasticizers, which we absorb and thus mess up our hormone balance. The disruptors even endanger the development of the child in the womb. In addition, chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are carcinogenic. We find these substances mainly in pesticides, plastics, care products with parabens and benzophones.
The higher the chemicals in the woman’s organism during pregnancy, the lower the child’s testosterone levels.
- Wrong diet (lots of food, few nutrients)
In addition to the chemicals with the famous E numbers, there are also risks that come from the packaging materials, and not just for the environment! Plastics release plasticizers, which we absorb and thus mess up our hormone balance. The disruptors even endanger the development of the child in the womb. In addition, chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are carcinogenic.
Food and fillers are channeled into the body such as: sugar, honey, sweeteners, dairy products, glyphosate hybrid wheat products, torture meat products, tropical fruits, caffeine, sweet beverages, fruit juices, etc. The list is hierarchical but not exhaustive.
- Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety is a testosterone killer. This is due to the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is made from the same substance as testosterone – namely cholesterol. (Another reason why we shouldn’t lower cholesterol). And when cortisol is produced during times of stress, the building blocks for the production of testosterone are missing. In addition, cortisol inhibits the production of testosterone.
- Drug addiction
Medicines that have an antiandrogenic effect are the following:
Opiates, pain relievers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, beta blockers, antidepressants that increase serotonin, and hair loss agents such as finasteride
- Too much estrogen
One main factor is obesity or trunk obesity or, in other words, visceral fat (belly fat). Fat cells activate an enzyme called aromatase. This hormone converts testosterone into estrogen. If you carry around a lot of fat you are the proud owner of an estrogen factory. Ergo more fat – less muscle mass – less testosterone.
Note: When men feminize one speaks of the aromatase process. When women become masculine, one speaks of a virilization process.
- Too little movement
How many hours a day do we spend sitting. The average German sits 7.5 hours a day. Just like muscles grow when you use them – the body also breaks down muscles when you don’t use them. Use it or lose it! Testosterone is stimulated through exercise.
The fact is: testosterone levels in men rise by up to 40% after just three weeks in the gym.
Summary:
As a man, what can you do to keep your testosterone level at a healthy level:
- Avoid stress. Out of the sick nocebo attitude and back to the healthy placebo attitude.
- Eat healthy.
- Start exercising.
