How to increase testosterone levels quickly

As we age, our testosterone decreases, which can play havoc with our bodies for various reasons. One of the most common symptoms of low testosterone is a lower sex drive which can mean erectile dysfunction or even infertility. It can also lead to low self-esteem and seriously affect our mood. 

It’s normal to want to get those levels back up as quickly as possible, but can it be done quickly and safely?

What are the most common symptoms of testosterone deficiency? 

There are several things to look out for if you feel you may have low testosterone levels. These are the most prevalent ones.

1. Low or non-existent sex drive…

Low libido is one of the most common symptoms of low testosterone. Loss of sexual appetite and erectile dysfunction are the most reported symptoms, as testosterone receptors in the brain receive less desire to perform sexually. 

You may also experience difficulty getting turned on by your partner. As testosterone helps you to achieve an erection, the chemical reaction in your body needed for this to occur will be disrupted.

2. Difficulty building and maintaining muscles…

Testosterone is essential for building muscle as it puts your body in an anabolic state in readiness for protein, which helps to build and maintain muscle. Without it, your body turns catabolic, and the muscles are broken up instead. If you’re hitting the gym, you could likely get injured if you push things too hard, and any muscle mass you build will probably be small. 

Often, with low testosterone, you are likely to lose muscle mass, no matter how hard you work out. Your energy levels are at an all-time low, so you may lack the motivation to go to the gym or perform any physical exercise.

3. Weight gain…

As if it wasn’t bad enough that your muscle mass decreases, your body fat is likely to be very much on the increase with low testosterone. This can lead to other health complications as fat can form around your organs and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. 

A recent U.K. study found that men with low testosterone were likelier to die from heart disease than men with normal levels. Lack of motivation is one of the key reasons people with low testosterone tend to put on weight and become less healthy, as they feel less inclined to perform physical activity. Even when you do, it doesn’t have the same effect as it did previously.

4. You may suffer hair loss…

Testosterone is an essential hormone for hair growth; without it, the process grinds to a halt. You may also find that your hair starts to thin, and you’re making fewer trips to the barbers. 

For those who like to sport a beard and a decent head of hair, this can come as a significant psychological blow.

5. Your mood will change…

A knock-on effect of being unable to perform in the gym or bedroom is that your mood is likely to drop. Sleep apnea is unlikely to help your mood. Low testosterone can cause this, but not feeling up to your best will make you feel even worse. 

Deficient testosterone can lead to depression because your weight has increased, you are losing your hair, you don’t look or feel as fit as you did, and you can’t perform specific tasks that you used to take in your stride.

Can I increase testosterone levels quickly?

The quick way to raise testosterone is through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone therapy is a method of increasing testosterone levels relatively quickly by taking a prescription form of testosterone. 

It is only available by prescription and tends to be offered in extreme cases only. The method helps restore the hormone levels in the blood to help reverse the symptoms caused by low levels. 

Some - but not all- people notice an improvement in sexual function, mood and energy levels. 

Unfortunately, as with most prescribed drugs, there are added risks. It's particularly dangerous for those who already have underlying health conditions.

What are the risks of TRT?

Testosterone replacement therapy has been associated with many side effects, some more common than others. These include insomnia, acne, potential cancer risks, enlarged male breasts, infertility issues, shrinking testes, blood clots, and cardio issues.

The long list of side effects is one of the main reasons doctors tend to be selective in who they prescribe TRT to. The risks associated with it must be balanced against the benefits for the end user before even considering it.

How to increase testosterone naturally.

Increasing testosterone production quickly comes with the apparent risks you would typically associate with ‘playing against nature’, but other ways to naturally boost testosterone naturally are much safer. 

One of the main reasons people tend to think of TRT is because they panic and think there’s no going back once they start to lose the hormone in their system. This isn’t necessarily the case, so the best way to increase testosterone is to do it slowly and safely. 

It’s not a sprint to the finish- all you need to do is turn the tide. There are three critical areas to concentrate on if you want to maintain healthy testosterone levels, and they all center around leading a healthy lifestyle.

1. Exercise

“Use it or lose it” is the best way to describe getting older, and it certainly sums up the way to go if you want to keep your testosterone levels in check. Maintaining your energy levels and muscle mass can be challenging, but combined with other factors, you can help bring the levels back up. 

One popular form of exercise for increasing the hormone level is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). A study showed that if you combine high-intensity and strength training, it can lead to an increase in testosterone levels. This cardio workout is also great for your heart and reducing excess weight.

2. Check your diet

A nutritious diet should be one of the primary focuses if you want to get your levels up. Eating the right food with a decent nutritional value is a great way to improve your testosterone levels. Concentrate on whole foods with complex carbs and lean protein and cut out sweet items. 

Your fat intake should come from healthy fats such as nuts and olive oil. Alcoholic consumption should be kept to a minimum as too much can reduce testosterone levels quite quickly and have an adverse effect on your overall personal health.

3. Don’t skimp on sleep

Sleep promotes heart health, brain function, and good metabolism. It’s a great testosterone booster as your body will produce the hormone while sleeping, but lack of sleep can have the opposite effect. Lack of sleep may result in chronic stress; the more your cortisol levels increase, the lower your testosterone levels will be.

Noticing when your testosterone levels are low is the first step to getting into the driving seat and working them back up again. There are no safe shortcuts, but the rule of nature is that if you look after your body and take responsibility for it, it will look after you. The right diet, exercise and sleeping patterns will set you on the right track and help you to turn the tide.

Is it safe to boost your testosterone levels quickly?

So, yes, you can boost your testosterone levels quickly using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), but only if your levels are considered medically low enough for a physician to prescribe it. 

Otherwise, it’s essential to implement lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise and introduce supplements that will help elevate your testosterone levels naturally.