Truth and testes: the pros and cons of our manliest hormone

Men's Fitness, April, 1999 by Ben Kallen

Basically, you need to live a healthier lifestyle. First, lose some excess body fat. Being overweight can lower testosterone levels, probably because higher insulin levels lead to decreased production of a protein that binds testosterone in the blood.

Next, cut down on booze. Research has shown that the more you drink, the less testosterone your body makes. Chronic drinking has been associated with altered metabolism of testosterone and increased estrogen, sometimes resulting in impotence.

Now, learn to relax. Stress can affect all kinds of hormones, and studies have found higher testosterone levels in guys who practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation.

Finally, change your cholesterol profile. Men with higher levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol, tend to have higher testosterone levels as well. You can raise your HDL levels (and lower your levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol) by eating a diet lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber, soy and fish, and by getting regular, moderate aerobic exercise. Don't go on an ultra-low-fat diet, though - according to Kraemer, that can lead to lower testosterone levels.

Are steroids the same as testosterone?

While testosterone is a steroid, most of the (usually illegal) steroids taken by athletes are synthetic substances that are variants of testosterone's chemical makeup. Testosterone is both anabolic, meaning it increases muscle mass, and androgenic, meaning it affects male sexual characteristics such as body hair and prostate growth; synthetic steroids were originally developed to maximize the former and minimize the latter. Today, some steroids are more androgenic and others are more anabolic. No one can deny that certain athletes have enhanced their muscle mass and improved their performance through such means, but they do so at the risk of their testicular function and sperm production. Other side effects can include liver and prostate problems, heart disease and mood disorders.

Legal, over-the-counter supplements such as DHEA and androstenedione are hormone precursors, meaning your body converts them into other hormones, including testosterone. The process works differently in different people, so you don't know exactly how much testosterone you'll end up with. DHEA in particular can raise estrogen levels, which can result in excess breast tissue and other female characteristics. So if you're considering following in Mark McGwire's home-run-hitting footsteps, get some guidance from your doctor.

Will too much testosterone eventually give me prostate problems?

It's actually dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which your body makes out of testosterone, that gets much of the blame for prostate enlargement (which is why it's often treated with finasteride, a DHT-blocking drug). It would be pointless to try to lower your testosterone levels to avoid having to pee at night when you're 50, but that's one reason to think carefully before using testosterone-boosting substances.

Testosterone is also implicated in the development of prostate cancer, but the relationship is complex. To reduce your risk, cut down on dietary fat, get plenty of vitamins D, E, selenium and lycopene (from cooked tomato products), and have regular prostate exams beginning around age 45.