Categories: Mens fertility

Testosterone & Being a STUD

Testosterone is a sex hormone in men required to be able to produce sperm. It is produced primarily in the testis and is especially abundant in young men. As we age, testosterone levels naturally decline. Statistically, at the age of 50, the decline becomes more rapid and gives way to male menopause (andropause).

Yes, it’s a fact guys, we become more sensitive with age. Tears come quicker, and we really deeply cherish the important things in life like family and love. You may go through a denial phase and buy a really inappropriate car. You may feel the need to act out in various ways in order to feel young again. Inevitably the fact remains, that you have to accept this fate or grow old and bitter, hanging onto an array of different cousins of ‘anger’ like impatience, irritability, bitterness, resentment, and just basically not enjoying life.

Whether you are trying to reproduce, or be more manly, there are many things you can do and avoid to help slow the vanishing of the ‘James Bond’ within. The following list are things that may reduce testosterone levels in men. Most can be addressed quite easily with simple lifestyle choices. It’s time to take responsibility for your male hormone health!

Lack of sleep. A new study in Chicago showed a drop in testosterone levels when men did not get enough sleep.
High stress levels. Reduce your stress, or incorporate things into your life that help alleviate the stress such as acupuncture & time in nature.
Marriage & children. Once you have a family, you only need enough testosterone to properly provide and protect them. This is simply a time that requires you to put others needs ahead of yours, i.e. be more sensitive.
Lack of exercise. Need I say more? You know who you are.
Plant based protein diet. In many many respects, this is a much healthier choice, but as far as testosterone production is concerned, a little animal protein may help, especially when trying to conceive.
Depression. Seek help when times are tough. Put away the ego and talk to a life coach, counsellor, or doctor of traditional Chinese medicine.
Alcohol. Some vino with a great meal, or some spirits with a worthy celebration is just a part of living a good life. But, if alcohol is a habit in your life, it is time to check in and make a change, for so so many reasons.
Tobacco. Unless being used ever so occassionally for ceremonial purposes, tobacco use should be avoided.
Illness. More serious infections such as the mumps can have detrimental effects on testosterone levels.
Testosterone & human growth hormone (‘steroids’) medications. When you supplement the body with these medications, the body stops producing them itself. Shooting yourself in the foot so to speak.
Age. After 30 it all starts, if at all possible, make your babies earlier in life. After 50, get ready to feel more emotions guys!
Obesity. An epidemic that can be avoided or reversed with proper support, sustainable healthier lifestyle choices, deep commitments to change, and shining lights on the aspects of yourself that will sabotage your success.
Type 2 diabetes. See #12.
Hypertension. Again, see #12.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals such as phthalates. Found in common household products and packaged foods. Learn about these and avoid them at all costs.

When one takes a step back and looks at the above list of 15 things that can negatively affect male hormones, it is quite clear that most simply belong to a prescription for a healthy life wouldn’t you say?

Must Read: Diabetes Mellitus

Dr Spence Pentland

Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Further demonstrating his commitment to reproductive health, he is a devoted member of IAAC (Infertility Awareness Association), CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society), and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). As the former president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia and the provincial BC TCM quality assurance committee, Dr. Pentland is well respected by peers and patients alike. He remains actively involved in educating healthcare colleagues and the public on the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine & acupuncture, working steadily on the integration of ancient Daoist wisdom into modern western life as a way to build awareness about reproductive health. This compassionate expertise is reflected in patient testimonials. When not helping others start their families, Spence can be found spending time with his own--his adoring wife Chantal and their two beautiful sons. “I am very proud to be part of the team of professionals at Yinstill. We are all dedicated to raising the bar in the field of complimentary and alternative reproductive medicine. Nothing is more important than family,” he says. Professional Development Certifications Combining TCM and IVF to Improve Clinical Outcomes - Jane Lyttleton Treating Complex Gynecological Conditions with Evidence-based Acupuncture - Elisabet Stener-Victorin High-Performance Summit - Darren Hardy Acupuncture during Pregnancy: safe and ethical practice - Claudia Citkovitz Treating Irregular Menstrual Bleeding - Sharon Weizenbaum Management of High Risk Pregnancy Conditions - David Bray Physiology & Pathology of Gynecology - Giovanni Maciocia Treatment protocols for Menopause and Endometriosis - Kiiko Matsumoto Chinese medicine approach to the treatment of Poor Ovarian Reserve - Brandon Horn Clinical problems and solutions in Oriental Reproductive medicine - Dr. Daoshing Ni Treatment strategies for PCOS, Weight Loss, & type 2 Diabetes - Sharon Weizenbaum Allergic and Autoimmune diseases - Mazin Al-Khafaji Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth - Debra Betts Treating Infertility with Chinese medicine - Bob Flaws Masters class in Diagnosis - Bob Flaws East meets West in Reproductive medicine - Mike Berkley The Infertility Cure - Chinese wellness program - Randine Lewis Men’s Health and Fertility - Peter Deadman Integrating acupuncture and IVF - Diane Cridennda and Dr. Paul Magarelli Treatment of Infertility with Chinese medicine - Jane Lyttleton Yang School lecture series Part 1 - Dr. Liu Fang Advanced acupuncture in pregnancy - Jean Levesque Certified Western herbalist - Packard School of Nutrition Courageous conversations - Justice Institute Biology of Empowerment - Dr. Lee Pulos Secrets of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis - Bob Flaws and Honora Lee Wolfe View Articles and Blog Posts by Dr. Pentland Read Dr. Pentland's Success Stories Become Spence's friend on facebook