The testes produce testosterone regulated by a complex chain of signals that begins in the brain. This chain is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland in spurts, which trigger the secretion of leutenizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. Normally, the testes produce 4-7 milligrams (mg) of testosterone each and every day.

After puberty, testosterone production increases rapidly, and will decrease rapidly after age 50. Recent estimates show that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency and less than 10-percent receive treatment for the condition, which is growing in cultural acceptability.

Studies also have shown that some men with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension may be twice as likely to have low testosterone levels, though as stated, low testosterone and testosterone deficiency can be caused by taking certain medications, chemotherapy, infections and other basic causes.

Signs of testosterone deficiency depend on the age of onset and the duration of hormonal deficiency. Congenital testosterone deficiency is usually characterized by underdeveloped genitalia, and sometimes even undeterminable genitalia. Acquired testosterone deficiency that develops near puberty can result in enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia), sparse or absent pubic and body hair, and underdeveloped penis, testes, and muscle. Adults may experience diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle weakness, hair loss, depression, and other common mood disorders.

The andropausal symptoms can be helped and even reversed by the right supplementation of testosterone into the body. The idea of testosterone therapy is to restore testosterone to youthful levels to achieve optimal health and well-being. Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays an enormous role in the sex drive of both men and women. It is known to restore healthy sexual excitement and desire, which in turn improves attitude, relationships and well-being. Testosterone, when combined Human Growth Hormone, becomes more effective and has greater effects on the deficient patient.

Testosterone therapy benefits include rapid improvement in physical function, in addition to a marked recovery in psychological attitude and mental alertness. Athletes usually start Testosterone Replacement Therapy to strengthen their muscles. Not only does it minimize the chances of pulling a muscle, testosterone helps heal the pulled or strained muscle faster in such a short period of time. The key to anti-aging is linked to simply replacing hormone levels to what they once were in our youthful days.

Male menopause is referred to as Andropause, and is very common in the average aging male. Most people are under the impression that there is no menopause for men, just women. Symptoms for the male are kept quiet and are said to just be a part of old age. Male menopause does exist and only rarely do men get “hot flashes,” but there is an increase in morning and nightly fatigue and the male’s erections are less often, less firm, and ejaculation takes place less often. Many men who have used Testosterone Replacement Therapy reach a maximum improvement of sexual function within 30 days. Body fat was decreased in many studies, lean muscle strength increased, and better cardiac health overall was reported.

Similarly, low sperm production can be caused by both physical and mental stress, lubricants used with condoms including spermicides, oil and Vaseline, high temperature, smoking, nutrient deficiencies and obesity.

It is important to identify the underlying causes in order to find an effective solution. However, supplementing your diet with certain herbs may be beneficial. Horny Goat Weed, ginkgo, ginseng, puncture vine, Muira Puama, Withania and Damiana are some traditional herbs for improving sexual. performance and sexual desire.

Horny Goat Weed has long been employed to restore sexual fire, boost erectile function and allay fatigue. Ginkgo relaxes blood vessels and boosts circulation to the peripheries to help maintain an erection. Puncture vine has been traditionally used to improve sexual function. Muira Puama helps with lack of sexual desire and the difficulty to maintain erection. Withania is widely prescribed by physicians to both men and women with low libido.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by plaques in the brain formed by the deposition of b-amyloid peptides. Researchers discovered that testosterone was found to decrease the secretion of b-amyloid peptides by 30-45 percent. But some researchers are still wary of androgen supplementation, as it can have harmful side effects, such as the development of prostate cancer in men and endometrial cancer in women.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a naturally occurring protein hormone that are produced by the developing fetus and detected in most home pregnancy kits. In the form of muscle-building supplements, hCG stimulates the development of natural male and female sex steroids. The increase in testosterone levels in males by the use of hCG stimulates muscle development.

Peru’s maca root supplement is made of the best hormonal nutrient herb in the world for natural testosterone production. Maca nourishes glands and helps women with natural production of testosterone hormones to increase strength, energy and sex drive.

The body has several major steroid hormones — cortisol and testosterone in the male, estrogen and progesterone in the female. Many athletes and bodybuilders use testosterone supplements to increase muscle strength by encouraging new muscle growth. They allow the athlete to train harder and longer at any given period of time, which can improve his or her sport. While most are banned in major sports, as well as by the government, there are some safe testosterone supplements that are legal to use, and many are available over the Internet. The key is to find a legal, safe testosterone supplement that works best for you.

The inactive leutenizing botanicals in the testosterone cream stimulate and increase natural testosterone production and release. Included estrogen blockers help inhibit and suppress aromatizing (conversion) of testosterone into estrogen. People apply 1/2 to 1 tsp. of the gel to skin areas such as inner arms or thighs or behind the knees first thing in the morning and prior to bed. For best results, apply to skin with the least amount of hair. For extra benefit apply 1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. 10 minutes to one hour before exercise or sexual activity, or as directed by your qualified health care physician. Women using a testosterone cream should cut the dosage in half.

Of course there are many brands of testosterone cream. Each man’s testosterone need may be different, so it’s important to look at different creams available. This relates to his particular degree of andropause — the decrease in production of this hormone and its effects on his body and lifestyle. When you begin using a testosterone cream, it is formulated to your body based on reliable lab tests. The cream can be adjusted by your doctor until the correct blood levels are met.

Women can use a testosterone cream, too. If a woman has a testosterone deficiency, many physicians start by prescribing a testosterone cream applied vaginally twice weekly. Side effects of testosterone may include: anxiety or irritability, dark hairs on the chin or upper lip, excess body hair, oily skin and acne. If these side effects occur with testosterone therapy, a woman’s dosage can be adjusted.