Strategies to Enhance Libido

Are you not experiencing the same level of sexual enthusiasm as before? It's a multifaceted issue that extends beyond merely testosterone levels. Here's how you can reclaim your sexual vitality.

The Role of Testosterone in Male Sex Drive

Male sexual drive is significantly influenced by testosterone. Conventionally, the belief is that higher testosterone levels are directly associated with increased sexual arousal. However, a recent study challenges this notion. It reveals that total testosterone has minimal bearing on male libido. Instead, free testosterone, and surprisingly, the ratio between testosterone and estradiol (a form of estrogen), play a crucial role in determining sexual excitement.

The Sex Drive Study

1. Study Participants and Questionnaire Administration

2. Scientists recruited 200 patients from a cardiology practice. These patients were required to complete a series of erectile - dysfunction questionnaires, including the IIEF - 15. Collectively, these questionnaires provided a comprehensive assessment of a man's libido. Significantly, none of the men had been diagnosed with hypogonadism (low testosterone), and none were taking medications that could impact testosterone levels.

3. Hormone Measurement and Comparison

4. The researchers then measured the patients' total testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone - binding globulin (SHBG), and free testosterone. These measurements were subsequently compared with the patients' self - reported libidos.

Research Findings

1. Absence of Correlation with Total Testosterone and Estradiol

2. The study found no correlation between total testosterone and the frequency of men's sexual desire. Additionally, estradiol levels did not independently correlate with sex drive, even when levels were below 5 ng/dL. This is notable because it was previously thought that men were more likely to have healthy libidos when their estradiol levels were within the “sweet spot” of 2.0 - 5.5 ng/dL.

3. Correlation with Free Testosterone and Testosterone - Estradiol Ratio

4. What did show a correlation with libido was the ratio of testosterone to estradiol, along with free testosterone. Free testosterone is the percentage of testosterone that is not chemically bound to SHBG. Presumably, higher free T levels correspond to greater sex drive.

Implications for Individuals

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Its Varied Success

2. Frequently, men with low libidos or poor sexual functioning opt for testosterone replacement therapy. However, its effectiveness is inconsistent. When it fails, it is typically due to one of the following factors:

3. Excessive SHBG, which leads to low levels of free testosterone.

4. High estrogen levels, which disrupt the testosterone/estrogen ratio.

5. Lack of Definitive Optimal Levels

6. The study did not establish the exact ideal level of free testosterone or the precise T:E ratio for “optimum” sex drive. Nevertheless, it offers some valuable clues. Firstly, it is essential to be aware of the signs of low T or high E.

7. Symptoms of low testosterone: Depression, weight gain, difficulty in building muscle, reduced sexual desire, or poor sexual performance.

8. Symptoms of high estrogen: Increased abdominal fat, fatty tissue around the nipples, erectile dysfunction, or loss of libido.

9. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, consider two options. You can seek a progressive physician and have your SHBG, estrogen levels, and free T tested, with the latter using the “sensitive” assay. Alternatively, you can experiment with dietary practices and supplements to adjust the levels of SHBG and estradiol.

Approaches to Lower SHBG and/or Raise Free Testosterone

1. Supplement - Based Interventions

2. Take chelated magnesium daily to increase free testosterone. Chelated zinc, when taken daily, can lower SHBG. Both can be found in Elitepro Vital Minerals (available for purchase on Amazon).

3. Consume vitamin D3 daily, preferably in microencapsulated form. This is the most bioavailable and long - lasting form, and it can be found in D Fix (available on Amazon). Microencapsulated D3 helps lower SHBG.

4. Diet - Related Considerations

5. Ensure an adequate intake of carbohydrates. A diet too low in carbs increases SHBG while decreasing testosterone.

6. Moderate alcohol consumption to prevent a drop in testosterone levels.

Methods to Lower Estradiol Levels

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

2. Lose fat. Fat contains an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.

3. Incorporate large amounts of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts into your diet. These vegetables contain a chemical that counteracts estrogen.

4. Supplement - Based Strategies

5. Take curcumin in micellar form (with 95 - fold greater absorption, available on Amazon). It reduces the effects of an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen.

6. Take resveratrol (available on Amazon) to decrease the activity of the estrogen - converting enzyme.

7. Aging - Related Consideration

8. As you age, your estrogen levels tend to increase. While aging is inevitable, implementing the above tips can help mitigate the effects.

Reference

Gupta N et al. "Calculated Free T and T:E Ratio but not Total Testosterone and Estradiol Predict Low Libido." AUA Annual Meeting. May 12 - 16, 2017, Boston.