Restorative sleep is critical for testosterone production. Alcohol significantly disrupts sleep, can actually increase cortisol and can directly inhibit testosterone production. A healthy gut promotes better hormone regulation. Chronic stress also contributes to inflammation, further disrupting hormone balance. We are seeing more men in their 20-40s with very suboptimal testosterone levels. In addition, as with other hormonal imbalances, low testosterone may indicate a change in a patient’s overall physiology. Modulating these enzymes may therefore impact the levels of testosterone and estrogens circulating in the body.
Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are similar to those your body naturally produces. We aim to restore balance naturally whenever possible and use bioidentical hormone therapy only when your specific situation requires it. Your hormonal health plan starts with your unique biochemistry and lifestyle. This approach creates a full picture of your hormonal health factors.
A systematic literature review of 42 studies suggests that oral contraceptives may decrease circulating levels of total T and free T and increase SHBG concentrations. Regular strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are known to naturally boost testosterone. The two enzymes, aromatase and 5-alpha reductase, affect the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, respectively. In addition to exercise, nutritional interventions that focus on natural aromatase inhibitors and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may be appropriate in personalized treatment interventions.
Men over 40 don’t get proper diagnosis for their low testosterone symptoms. Join healthcare leaders for live online sessions and Q&A — delivering evidence-based strategies to guide patients toward lasting longevity. A 2021 study demonstrates the importance of vitamin D metabolites related to hormonal regulation in postmenopausal women. One study noted that endurance and resistance exercise may influence testosterone, estradiol, and growth hormone compared to a control group.
Our team has helped countless men connect their symptoms to their hormone levels. The good news lies in proper identification of low testosterone levels. Because the symptoms of a testosterone deficiency could resemble those of other conditions, misdiagnosis and lack of treatment are very common. Zinc supplementation in the intervention group resulted in a significant increase in testosterone levels compared to the control group. It’s important to note that when it comes to exercise for women, moderation is key—frequent or prolonged intense exercise can affect hormonal balance and may impact a woman’s menstrual cycle.
This holistic perspective considers lifestyle, nutrition, stress, gut health, and environmental factors to restore optimal testosterone levels naturally. From a functional medicine perspective, low testosterone levels or a testosterone deficiency diagnosis may be markers for the presence of an underlying physiological imbalance. In the following video, IFM educator Mark Holthouse, MD, FAAFP, IFMCP, discusses the functional medicine approach to optimizing testosterone levels naturally. Maintaining healthy testosterone levels becomes of greater concern as men age. A holistic functional/integrative medicine approach, guided by appropriate lab analysis and provided by a well-trained specialist, can help identify and address the root causes of hormonal imbalances.
While controversy exists regarding testosterone hormone therapy, lifestyle interventions such as exercise and nutrition can support healthy testosterone levels. When it comes to hormone health, particularly testosterone levels, a holistic functional medicine approach can play a crucial role in optimizing overall well-being. If optimizing all lifestyle factors still does not adequately relieve symptoms, bioidentical hormone therapy can bring testosterone levels back into balance.
These symptoms respond well to integrative medicine approaches. Management of low female testosterone is complex and lends itself to a functional medicine approach. A 2021 study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation on testosterone levels and sexual function in postmenopausal women. If you don’t absorb fat well or eat enough healthy fat in your diet, making the proper amount of hormones may be challenging. SHBG is a protein primarily produced in the liver that binds to sex hormones testosterone and estrogen throughout the body and controls the amount in circulation. In a meta-analysis of 29 studies, statins in their cholesterol-lowering function were shown to influence testosterone levels in both men and women. When women undergo bilateral oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), their serum testosterone levels may decrease significantly.
Men who work with us at Serenity Healthcare Center see improvements in many areas of their lives. We look at your full health picture to understand why it happens. Lab testing helps us track your progress during treatment. Better sleep environments and consistent schedules make a big difference.

Gender: Female

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