Saw Palmetto and Testosterone Levels
/Male menopause or "andropause" is a very real condition that men may face later in life, but unlike menopause which can occur at a predictable time, male menopause which is a decrease in testosterone levels at different ages and speeds.
As we age, an increase in the production of fat cells causes an elevation in an enzyme called aromatase which converts testosterone to estrogen in the body.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW T ARE:
- Increase in belly fat
- Weight gain
- Low to no sex drive (we certainly can't have that)
- Fatigue
- Risk of depression
- Irritability
- Mood Swings
- Low energy
- Bone density
- Increased risk of diabetes
Fighting Low T the Natural Way
The good news is there are natural ways to fight male menopause, however it's important to be cautious if looking to vitamins or supplements. It's quite simple, the most important thing you can do to increase testosterone levels is lose weight.
Yes, losing weight is the real secret to improving your testosterone levels and fighting male menopause. As men gain weight and raise their risk of obesity, testosterone levels can dramatically decrease. All that fat sucks in your testosterone, converts it to estrogen and the result may be low libido, no energy and even man boobs.
Saw Palmetto and Low T
Some evidence in recent studies has pointed to the herb Saw Palmetto helping increase testosterone levels. Saw Palmetto is a low growing plant, resembling a palm tree. Some doctors use it to treat issues men face such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). The American Cancer Society even has stated that Saw Palmetto can be used for prostate health, bladder and other urinary issues. But the use of it is somewhat controversial.
But Saw Palmetto does have an effect on testosterone levels. It helps stop the convergence of testosterone into estrogen, therefore retaining higher levels of the hormone. It may help regulate body weight, maintain a more positive mood and improve sex drive. The American Cancer Society has stated that the chemicals in saw palmetto berries prevent the body's natural response to testosterone. Now in the case of preventing or stemming the growth of prostate cancer cells, this could be useful since we know the disease feeds off the hormone. But researchers don't fully understand how the chemicals actually alter a man's testosterone levels.
This interference can have an effect on a man's sex drive. Some men take it in hopes that it will increase testosterone levels even to improve fertility. But despite decades of research, scientists still aren't sure.
Side Effects of Saw Palmetto
Minor side effects have been reported after using saw palmetto such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue or upset stomach. It's important to talk with your doctor about your particular issue related to testosterone levels or even your risk for diseases like prostate cancer and BPH. Saw Palmetto comes in many forms such as dried berries, powders, capsules, tablets, teas or extracts.