Fenugreek for Increased Testosterone Levels
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is an herb resembling a clover with three oblong leaflets. It originated in the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia. Almost all of its parts– leaves, seeds, and sprouts–can be utilized for different purposes. Its seeds are extracted and used for culinary purposes and as medicine because of its maple-syrup smell and taste. Fenugreek is commonly used as an ingredient in spice blends and a flavoring in foods, beverages, and tobacco. Its extracts are also added to cosmetics and soaps.
The benefits of fenugreek have been reported to range from stimulating breast production during breastfeeding, reducing cholesterol, lowering inflammation, decreasing blood sugars, aiding in appetite control, and increasing testosterone levels in men.
Fenugreek is believed to be generally safe in amounts used in food preparations. In some instances, fenugreek may increase the risk of serious medical side effects. These side effects may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and bloating.
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Benefits of Fenugreek for Testosterone
About Testosterone
Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays essential functions in the body. Both men and women have testosterone, although men have significantly higher levels. This hormone helps in the development of ‘manly’ features such as deeper voice, facial and body hair, and muscle strength during puberty. In men, it’s associated with sex drive regulation (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and red blood cells and sperm production.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone levels in men may manifest mental and physical symptoms. These may involve:
- Loss of sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depressed mood
- Aches and pains in the joints
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Hair loss or baldness
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Bad prostate health
Testosterone levels in men naturally decrease with time because of factors such as a rise in comorbidities or existing illnesses and the aging population. While the drop in testosterone levels is a normal part of aging, factors including injury or infection, chronic illness, stress, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment for cancer, and alcoholism may accelerate this condition.
Fenugreek for Testosterone
Fenugreek supplementation has proven to help increase testosterone levels in men. Several studies and clinical trials have reported the benefits of fenugreek for testosterone.
According to a meta-analysis of clinical trials conducted on fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum seed) supplement on testosterone levels suggests that fenugreek extract and supplements have a significant effect on total serum testosterone in men.
Several other benefits consequent to increased testosterone levels include:
- Improved sexual function, mood, alertness, and libido
- Higher frequency of sexual activity
- Increased morning erections
- Increased sperm count
Furthermore, a significant decrease in aging male symptoms has been recorded in a placebo-controlled trial conducted among 120 healthy aging males, concluding that fenugreek extract is a safe and effective treatment for decreasing low testosterone symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Fenugreek is an herbal supplement noted for its benefits, which include increased testosterone levels in men. Although generally safe when taken in amounts available in food, its effect in higher doses remains uncertain and may cause side effects such as digestive tract problems. It is best to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are undergoing medications.
Aside from strategies such as supplements, exercise, and a healthy diet, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is also seen as a viable treatment for managing decreasing testosterone. Physicians may recommend skin patches, topical gels, oral therapy, pellets, and injections. TRT’s benefits include libido and energy level increase, improvement in bone density, increased strength and muscle mass, and cardioprotective effects.
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