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How Too Little — or Too Much — Testosterone Affects Male Fertility

Today's post is a collaboration with Jennifer Dutton, health and wellness writer.

When hearing the word testosterone, many think about building muscles, growing facial hair, and an overall form of masculinity. While aspects of this are true, the hormone does much more than one might think. Testosterone (also referred to as “T”) is the hormone responsible for aiding in the production of sperm, and when trying to conceive, healthy testosterone levels are a must. Unfortunately, we can’t just consume an abundance of testosterone and call it a day. Testosterone levels are sensitive, and while it can affect sexual performance, it also affects one’s fertility levels. Therefore, achieving healthy testosterone levels means not getting too little or too much of the sperm-producing hormone. Beli’s prenatal vitamin for men is the all-in-one solution when it comes to increasing chances of fertility, balancing healthy levels of testosterone, and improving one’s sexual health and performance in the bedroom.

What Causes Low Testosterone Levels?

Low testosterone, more commonly referred to as male hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testicles are unable to produce enough testosterone on their own. Several factors can cause low testosterone levels, including:

  • Poor Diet/Obesity
  • Stress
  • Smoking Cigarettes
  • Drug Use
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  • Serious Illness
  • Age (at age 50, testosterone levels naturally start to decline)

While having low levels of testosterone can be unhealthy, an overabundance of testosterone can also decrease the body's production of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which helps control the production of sperm. In other words, having too low or too high of levels can result in a reduced sperm count. High testosterone levels can result in tumor growth near hormonal glands or testicles, taking anabolic steroids, and even taking testosterone supplements or testosterone replacement therapy to treat symptomatic hypogonadism. Unfortunately, treating symptoms that may arise like decreased libido and low energy levels can also decrease the FSH levels, causing infertility in some cases. Depending on how long one has been taking part in TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) (in most cases), it can be reversible. If you are currently partaking in TRT while seeking fertility, consult with your doctor first about avoiding or discontinuing this immediately.

How can I increase my Testosterone Levels?

There are several ways for men to naturally increase their testosterone levels:

  • Exercising daily, combining both cardio and strength training.
  • Following a healthy diet-free from processed foods will increase natural levels of testosterone and an overall clean bill of health. An unhealthy diet can result in low testosterone levels, among other negative side effects. 
  • Getting the recommended 6-8 hours of sleep each night is also vital as it keeps one’s stress levels down. 
  • The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal suggests keeping the genital area cool by avoiding hot tubs, saunas, hot yoga, and other “high heat environments.” 
  • To ensure a healthy balance of testosterone levels, Beli Vitality for Men is the best option by far. It has all the vital supplements that men need, including B12, B6, Vitamin C, Folate, and more. The formula is also the first to include Shilajit, a supplement that supports improving men's sperm count and motility. It can also increase energy and endurance levels, which helps with the increased sex drive coming from the nutrients in which supports the sperm production and testosterone improvement. Taking just two capsules per day as directed can help increase levels of both fertility and testosterone in men. 

How do I know what my testosterone levels are?

It can be difficult to tell when testosterone levels are off, but the Cleveland Clinic offers some insight into what to be on the lookout for:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Low sex drive
  • Moody and irritability
  • Depression
  • Loss of muscle mass

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are trying to get pregnant and are having trouble conceiving, it might be time to get your fertility levels checked. A simple blood test from your doctor can determine what your levels are. With your results, they can help you set up a plan using the resources best for your health (and the best options for optimal fertility boosters if you are trying to conceive). Make sure to get your testosterone levels tested in the morning as that is when T levels are at their highest.

While testosterone is one of the main hormones in producing sperm, remember that it takes an overall result of good health from the inside out. It's important to have correctly balanced levels of not only testosterone, but all hormones needed to maintain your reproductive health in the long term.

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