Dear valetudoguy78,
Please read the Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this page and
bear in mind that nothing I have to say is an adequate substitute for
the advice of a qualified professional such as a doctor or dietician.
However, I am pleased to offer you the results of my search for
background information on the connection between serum testosterone
and impotence.
To put it succinctly, I have found several sources in favor of the
idea that low testosterone levels contribute to erectile dysfunction,
but almost all of them state clearly that low testosterone is not
commonly a cause of sexual impotence. Instead, the process of aging
results naturally in lowered testosterone at the same time that sexual
activity decreases.
As for raising your testosterone level, it is possible that you can do
so by non-pharmacological means. The advice I have found generally
argues for ample exercise and a diet heavily weighted toward fresh
fruits and vegetables. I did find a statement to the effect that zinc
supplementation has been shown to raise testosterone levels. Several
other sources claim that the use of certain oils in your diet will
promote the production of testosterone. Among the herbal treatments
advertised on the web, I have found mention of chrysin, nettle roots,
and muira puama.
The one sure way to raise testosterone is to have it administered
directly on a doctor's prescription. On the other hand -- and I think
this is the most important point -- it is not at all evident that you
are lacking in testosterone.
A testosterone level of 336 ng/dL falls within the normal range for
adult males. According to an article on WebMD reviewed by medical
doctors, the normal testosterone level is "Men: 300?1,000 nanograms
per deciliter (ng/dL)".
WebMD: testosterone
http://my.webmd.com/hw/mens_conditions/hw27307.asp
A website devoted to the subject of testosterone has the following to say.
"Knowing what the normal testosterone level is for a man is quite
difficult to do as what is low and what is high varies from person to
person. But the general consensus of experts is that a normal level of
testosterone for a man will range from the low 200s to more than 1200
ng./dl."
Testosterone Online: Testosterone Levels in a Man
http://www.testosterone.uk.net/testosterone-level-man.htm
An article by Dr. Ken Goldberg states the following.
"Normal levels are considered to be anywhere between 300 and 1,000
micrograms per deciliter, and low readings ought to be confirmed by a
repeat test."
Male Health Center: "Testosterone: The Fountain of Youth?"
http://www.malehealthcenter.com/Columns/testost.html
In the same article, Dr. Goldberg tells us:
"In general, low testosterone levels are not a common cause of sexual
difficulty. Among men who see me for erection problems, only about 5
percent have significantly low testosterone levels, although some
studies have shown an incidence as high as 15 percent."
As you'll see below, there is plenty of material to support this
contention. Here is a discussion of low testosterone and impotence,
although it's not clear that it applies to your situation.
"In men, mid-life hormone changes usually begin without notice,
especially after the age of forty. Unfortunately, the only obvious
result may be the gradual assumption of the appearance of 'an old
man.' Andropause, a condition in which the testosterone level slowly
declines with age, also decreases a man?s ability to enjoy sex. In
addition to experiencing a decrease in sexual desire and erectile
function, men with a lowered testosterone level may also notice
changes in mood and emotions, a decrease in body mass and strength due
to loss of muscle tissue, and an increase in body fat."
Seek Wellness: low testosterone
http://www.seekwellness.com/andropause/low_testosterone.htm
The phenomenon of andropause in men is comparable to menopause in
women, which comes at a later stage in life as part of the general
trend of aging and bodily decline. It is no surprise to me, anyway, to
read that sexual energy decreases in old age. As far as I can tell,
andropause is not applicable to a healthy twenty-something man.
To get a better idea of whether you truly suffer from low
testosterone, consider the following list of indicators and
counter-indicators. An indicator is a symptom that argues for the
presence of a medical condition, while a counter-indicator argues
against it.
First, the indicators.
"Symptoms - Aging
Health declining with age
"Symptoms - Hair
Reduced underarm/pubic hair growth
"Symptoms - Metabolic
Low energy/stamina
...
"Symptoms - Mind - Emotional
Impatient/hostile disposition
"Symptoms - Mind - General
Being unmotivated
"Symptoms - Skeletal
Morning stiffness
Joint pain/swelling/stiffness"
Diagnose Me: Low Male Testosterone Level
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C15002.html
And now the counter-indicators.
"Symptoms - Metabolic
...
High energy/stamina
"Symptoms - Mind - General
...
Being highly motivated"
Diagnose Me: Low Male Testosterone Level
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C15002.html
So if you're an energetic, highly motivated male who does not suffer
from andropause and does not complain of morning stiffness, joint
pain, hostility, or the other indicators listed above, the odds appear
to be slim that you're suffering from low testosterone level.
The same article has some interesting advice for those who do suffer
from low testosterone and low sperm count.
"Studies support the use of zinc supplementation in the treatment of
low sperm count especially in the presence of low testosterone levels.
Both sperm count and testosterone levels rose in men with initially
low testosterone levels. Zinc status should be evaluated in men with
decreased serum testosterone levels."
Diagnose Me: Low Male Testosterone Level
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C15002.html
I have seen zinc supplements at my local drugstore, but if you plan on
taking them or pursuing any other treatment, I urge you to consult
your pharmacist or doctor first.
As for the connection between low testosterone and impotence, an
article on Senior Health has the following to say.
"Impotence usually has a physical cause, such as disease, injury, or
drug side-effects. Any disorder that impairs blood flow in the penis
has the potential to cause impotence. The incidence of impotence is
higher in men with diabetes, high blood pressure and smokers than in
others. Low testosterone is also being looked at as a cause."
About: Senior Health: "Do low testosterone levels cause impotence?"
http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/FAQ/blqa40.htm
Note that this advice is directed toward elderly men, who may well be
suffering from andropause, as per the material I mentioned earlier.
Here is some more information arguing against low testosterone as a
common cause of impotence.
"Blood testosterone (male hormone) level can be measured. However, it
is unusual for impotence to be caused by a low testosterone level, so
the result is usually normal. The exception is when there has been a
reduced sex drive for some time before any problem with erections; in
this situation a testosterone test is worthwhile."
Embarrassing Problems: Impotence
http://www.embarrassingproblems.com/pages2/impotence3.htm
In other words, reduced sex drive is an indicator for low testosterone
level as well as for impotence.
A great many websites specializing in herbal medicine and other
natural approaches to health will name certain organic substances as a
treatment for low testosterone. I don't know whether I, on my own
behalf, would put much stock in such cures. As a representative sample
of this school of thought, one article recommends the herbs chrysin,
nettle root extract and muira puama. Note that here, too, low
testosterone and impotence are described as an effect of aging.
"Enhanced sexual enjoyment is of paramount importance to a great many
people, increasingly so as we age. An enormous amount of published
data documents the libido-enhancing effects that occur when
testosterone is restored to a youthful level."
Health-n-Energy: Information on Herbal Testosterone Enhancement
http://www.health-n-energy.com/ARTICLES/chrysin.htm
A website devoted to discussion of testosterone, and to which I have
already linked above, has the following to say about the
testosterone-friendly diet.
"So is there a diet that will specifically increase testosterone?
Well, not specifically, but there is a type of food that has been
found to promote the production of testosterone in the body. Or more
specifically, a type of fat. Monounsaturated fats are called that
because the presence of one carbon bond in the carbon chain means that
the fatty acid does not get ?saturated? with hydrogen. Monounsaturated
fats are found in Canola Oil, Olive Oil and Peanut oil."
Testosterone Online: Testosterone Diet
http://www.testosterone.uk.net/testosterone-diet.htm
To recapitulate, a diet featuring monounsaturated fats, certain herbs,
and supplemental zinc may have beneficial effects on your testosterone
level. However, low testosterone is generally seen to accompany
impotence in older men, beginning at the age of 40 and become more
prevalent between the ages of 50 and 70. Finally, based on the test
result you have reported, your current testosterone level is within
the generally accepted normal range.
If you feel that my answer is incomplete or inaccurate in any way, please
post a clarification request so that I have a chance to meet your needs
before you assign a rating.
Regards,
leapinglizard
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