It has been discovered that over the last 50 years, the testosterone and sperm count is declining at a rate of 1% a year, and at an even higher rate in the last seven years.
The causes are thought to be endocrine disruptors (plastics and chemicals in our food, water and air), a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and stress.
A man with low testosterone will experience ongoing fatigue, erectile dysfunction, difficulty maintaining muscle mass, mood disturbances, and a lack of normal sex drive – all very depressing to most men.
What to do? From my perspective, I would be suggesting cleaning up the diet significantly – drop all junk foods, massively reduce sugars and alcohol. Stress busting techniques like a good workout to burn off the adrenaline, and also a meditation or similar practice, e.g. Tai Chi. As a medical herbalist, I would be considering a deep cellular detox, herbs to help calm stress and deepen sleep, adaptogenic and male tonic herbs which help to give men more ‘oomph’. There are debates as to whether these herbs actually increase testosterone; however, when I prescribe them to men, they tell me that they feel so much stronger, happier and healthier.