Herbal Remedies for Low Bioavailable Testosterone Level

ABSTRACT

Hormones are the body’s messengers which travel in the bloodstream to many tissues and organs. They work slowly and affect many different processes such as in growth, development, mood, reproduction. Endocrine hormones are a special group of cells, major endocrine glands are pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas. In men hormones are produced in their testes. Hormones are powerful and it causes big changes in the whole body. Hormones can be tested in the laboratory via blood, urine and saliva.

Hormones help to coordinate the different functions in our body and by carrying messages through blood to organs and then to skin, muscles and other tissues. Body hormones use two types of communications, the first type is communication between two endocrine glands and second communication is between endocrine and target organs. The body tissues that release hormones are: kidneys, placenta and liver. At birth there are 2 testes that hang in a pouch outside the body below penis and they are part of male reproductive system and produce sperm and hormone called testosterone. Mainly due to low levels of testosterone male undergo infertility (hypogonadism) and these hormones undergo imbalance due to problems related to structure and functions of endocrine gland. In this topic we are going to discuss in detail about its causes, symptoms and its ayurvedic management to treat low testosterone levels in detail

INTRODUCTION

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is made in the testicles. Testosterone hormones maintain normal male sexual development and functions. Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough hormones which plays an important role in musculine growth during puberty and it finally dips after the age of 30 years. It plays an important role in production of sperms and is associated with sex drive and affects bone muscle mass, red blood cell production and affects its mood. Testosterone is secreted by the interstitial (Leydig) cells of testes under the influence of LH from pituitary. FSH is responsible for promotion of spermatogenesis in sertoli cells. High testosterone inhibits LH secretion and causes atrophy of interstitial cells and has weak FSH secretion. The plasma level of testosterone in adult male is 0.3to 1.    

FACTS

1. Testosterone regulates a number of processes in male body
2. Level can drop out as there is increase in age
3. There is Testosterone replacement therapy but it carries certain side effects and risks.
4. Testosterone supplements are prescribed only in certain specific conditions
5. Prohormone supplements do not affect testosterone levels.

TYPES /CAUSES

1. Primary Hypogonadism

This type of hypogonadism is known as primary testicular failure originates from testicles and common causes are-

1. Kleinefelter syndrome
2. Undescended testis
3. Hemochromatosis
4. Mumps orchitis
5. Cancer treatment

2. Secondary Hypogonadism

This type of hypogonadism indicates a problem in the pituitary and hypothalamus, the part of the brain that signals testicles to produce testosterone.

Some common causes are

1. Kallmann’s syndrome
2. Pituitary disorders
3. Inflammatory disease
4. HIV/AIDS
5. Obesity
6. Aging   

SYMPTOMS

Hypogonadism usually begins during fetal development before puberty or during adulthood

1. Foetal Development

If body doesnt produce enough testosterone during foetal development there may be impaired growth of the sex organs, underdeveloped male genitals, ambiguous genitals.

2. Puberty

Male hypogonadism can delay puberty and cause incomplete or lack of normal development it can hamper

1. Development of muscle mass
2. Voice deepening
3. Growth of body and facial hair
4. Excessive growth on legs and arms
5. development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

3. Adulthood

In males hypogonadism causes masculine physical characteristics and impaired reproductive functions

1. Decreased sex drive
2. Depression
3. Decreased energy
4. Osteoporosis
5. Erectile dysfunction
6. Emotional changes

4. Sometimes decreased level of testosterone causes similar symptoms to those of menopause in females such as

• Difficulty in concentration
• Hot flashes

RISK FACTORS

1. HIV/AIDS
2. Aging
3. Obesity
4. Malnutrition
5. Previous chemotherapy

COMPLICATION

1. Abnormal genitalia
2. Infertility
3. Osteoporosis
4. Poor self image
5. Erectile dysfunction

DIAGNOSIS

1. Hormone testing
2. Semen analysis
3. Pituitary imaging
4. Testicular biopsy
5. Genetic studies  
6. Bone testing
7. MRI
8. HbA1C

TREATMENT

Male hypogonadism is treated with testosterone replacement to return testosterone levels to normal. It can help to counter signs and symptoms such as decreased sexual desire, decreased energy, loss of muscle mass and bone density. There are various treatment for testosterone to bring back to normal:

Testosterone replacement therapy which is given in the form of

1. Gel
2. Injections
3. Patch
4. Gum and cheek
5. Nasal
6. Implantable pellets

In somes boys due to delayed puberty there are various testosterone supplementations given in the form of injections for 3-6 months.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Low testosterone level is due to abnormality in the shukra. The shukra has multiple meanings. Shukra is a substance which is responsible for all the systemic body activities and comes out of the body at the time of sexual act and performs functions of reproduction. Shukra is the pitru bhava, and is sthan of kapha dosha, from ras dhatu upto shukra, and this is pervaded in the entire body of living beings. Inadequate or improper functions of the reproductive tissues which are clogged by the ama, shukra imbalance in the form of pathological association of ama which further leads to many disorders.  Any abnormality in the shukra dhatu leads to klaibya, Klaibya is the sexual dysfunction which is characterized by inability of man to perform sexual act. Chakrapani defines klaibya which means erectile dysfunction. [Planet ayurveda provided a TRT pack which is helpful in this disease.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF KLAIBYA

1. Semen is thin and odorless
2. Erection will not occur at any time
3. No sexual passion
4. Immediate softening of penis erection
5. Early ejaculation

TYPES OF KLAIBYA

1. Beejopaghaataja Klaibya
2. Dhwajopaghtaja Klaibya
3. Shukrakshayaja Klaibya
4. Jarasambhavaj Klaibya
5. Sahaja Klaibya
6. Khara shukra nimittaja

1. Beejopaghaataja Klaibya

Causes

• Worry and anxiety
• Excessive heavy exercise
• Lack of confidence
• Regular consumption of hot, sour, salty substances in diet

2. Dhwajopaghtaja klaibya

Causes

• Incompatible food
• Trauma caused by teeth and nails
• Intercourse with female who is having infected vagina
• Lack of sex interest in sexual partner.

3. Shukrakshayaja Klaibya

Causes

• Daily intake of dry foods
• Worry, sorrow
• Controlling semen due to chronic diseases
• Fasting

Due to this rasa dhatu which is located in the heart gets depleted, due to low level of rasa dhatu there is decrease in rakta to mamsa till shukra and they get depleted.

4. Jarasambhavaj Klaibya

This klaibya occurs naturally which is commonly seen in old age, under all the dhatus undergone kshaya and leads to shukra kshaya. It results in weakness, loss of strength, and the person looks malnourished and loses its complexion.

SADHYAASADHYATA (PROGNOSIS)

According to acharya klaibya which occurred due to amputation of penis, testicles, which are due to dhwaja bhanga, janamjat are incurable types of klaibya.

HERBS USEFUL FOR LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS

1. Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) has a natural rejuvenating property that cleanses the body channels and fights against various infections. It has antioxidant properties which have healing property, antiviral properties. Giloy acts as a immunomodulator so used in rheumatoid arthritis, helps to lower down the raised level of uric acid. Giloy is useful in genral weakness which is due to sexual diseases,  malfunctioning of the liver.

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is very well known for its aphrodisiac which helps to manage the endocrine control which is related to testosterone level in males, aact as a rejuvenator that helps to remove defects in the reproductive organ at any level. It is a highly acclaimed herb for its tonic effect on the brain and nervous system so it acts as anti stress medicine.

3. Shilajit

Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum) is a natural extract which has miraculous effect on increasing sexual strength in males and in females. It helps to naturally regulate the testosterone level and has antioxidant properties and fights against all signs of aging. Shilajit improves memory and brings glow to the skin and aura of your personality. It is helpful in breaking down toxins, plaques and opening up the channels.       

4. Kapikachhu

Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens) is helpful in maintaining the testosterone levels, improves the sperm count , and balances all the three doshas. Kapikachhu improves strength and immunity, useful in bleeding disorders. This herb is used to increase the blood circulation to the genitals and is good mood elevator, increases libido and sexual virility.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS

Planet Ayurveda provides a wide range of varieties of herbal formulations which are free from any preservatives, resins, artificial products. The products made are pure and 100% vegetarian without any animal products. The preparation prepared by planet Ayurveda provides great relief to the patient without causing any side effects. For low level testosterone the planet Ayurveda formulated TRT Pack which provides great relief to patients to a great extent.

PRODUCTS LIST

TRT PACK

1. TRIBULUS POWER
2. MUSLI STRENGTH
3. ATIRASADI CHURNA
4. AMALAKI RASAYAN
5. MALE SUPPORT FORMULA

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Tribulus Power

Tribulus Power are single herbal capsules which are formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Tribulus has diuretic activity so effective in renal calculi. It is effective in both men and females so helpful in promoting sperm production and ovulation. It has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Musli Strength

Musli Strength are poly herbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These capsules are powerful as it helps in strengthening the body which further uplifts the power of the reproductive system, increasing the quality and quantity of sperm. It provides strength to joints and bones

Dosage– 1-2 capsules once or twice daily.

3. Amalaki Rasayan

Amalaki rasayan are single herbal capsules prepared by planet ayurveda using Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). Amalaki Rasayan cleanse the arteries which have been obstructed due to high cholesterol. It helps in controlling blood pressure, chronic cough, and has the ability to prevent premature graying of hair and wrinkles. It balances all the three doshas, has cold veerya, is rich in Vitamin C and is rich in antioxidants.

Dosage– 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Male Support Formula

Male support formula are poly herbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shilajit (Black bitumen), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). This capsules provides energy and stamina, enhances the functions of male sexual organs. Male Support Capsule is beneficial in premature ejaculations, fatigue. Increases the blood flow to the lower extremities.

5. Atirasadi Churna

Atirasadi Churna is poly herbal churna formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Vidari Kand (Pueraria tuberosa), Akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and many more. This churna helps in premature ejaculations, pacifies vata dosha, balances pitta dosha and nourishes kapha dosha, supports dhatu function and normal metabolism of the tissues.

Dosage– 1 teaspoon with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

Hormones are the body’s messengers which travel in the bloodstream to many tissues and organs. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is made in the testicles. Testosterone hormones maintain normal male sexual development and functions. Low testosterone level is due to abnormality in the shukra, Any abnormality in the shukra dhatu leads to klaibya, Klaibya is the sexual dysfunction which is characterized by inability of man to perform sexual act. Planet ayurveda provided many herbal remedies for the proper functioning and to maintain the normal amount of testosterone without any side effects.