After women, men are now looking for hormone replacement therapy, particularly testosterone replacement therapy. There is a link between testosterone and estrogen, even though it is majorly a female hormone. Normal testosterone functioning can go down different ways within the body.

In men, too much estrogen can become a problem. It can cause fat buildup, breast tenderness, bloating, and prostate problems. Excessive amounts of estrogen can also increase the production of SHBG, which is a sex hormone-binding globulin. It binds to the testosterone and makes it inactive. For testosterone to have long-lasting, libido-enhancing effects, it must be kept in an active state. Keeping the amounts of estrogen in check is necessary for men as this hormone will compete for testosterone receptor sites.

For avoiding all these problems, our recommendation for any male is to use testosterone replacement combined with a zinc supplement. A zinc deficiency is pretty common in almost everyone, men and women equally.

Understanding The Link between zinc and testosterone

Zinc is a fundamental nutrient and the second most abundantly found trace mineral in the body after iron. Also, we can’t make or store it. Our bodies depend on us to get sufficient zinc through our diet or supplement plans. It can be severely problematic if you’re consistently not getting enough of it.

Studies have shown that there is a clear connection between testosterone and zinc, much like the connection between vitamin D and testosterone.

What is the role of zinc?

Zinc intake in sufficient amounts helps keep your body working accurately. Basically, zinc is associated with numerous processes in your body that, if they stop, will shut down sex hormone production.

Thyroid functioning

One of its roles is thyroid functioning. Zinc is essential for the production of thyroid-releasing hormones in your brain. If men fail to get enough zinc, their bodies not only produce thyroid hormones as they should but testosterone production is also influenced directly. Unfortunately, it also means that negatively impacted thyroid hormones can lead to low testosterone levels. A familiar example is intense exercise. A study showed that exercise to fatigue leads to a decrease in both thyroid hormones and testosterone concentrations in a group of wrestlers.

Reducing inflammation

Another of the beneficial effects of zinc includes fighting inflammation. Inflammation is related to oxidative stress. It is a state where there is an imbalance between free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and antioxidants production. Zinc can reduce oxidative stress by playing a part as an antioxidant in the body to rebalance both sides, and that’s a vital function of this mineral.

 

Moreover, zinc plays significant roles in:

• Testosterone production
• Functioning of the prostate gland
• Wound healing and immune function
• Cell division
• Formation of DNA and proteins
• Essential for growth and development
• Controlling senses of taste and smell
• Slowing down age-related macular degeneration

What are the consequences of low zinc?

Lack of zinc is related to testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism, which is a dysfunction of the testes that fails to produce testosterone, sperm, or both.

Low zinc in men can cause:

• An increase in estrogen receptors ultimately causes a decrease in the testosterone receptors.
• An increase in the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen spermatogenesis, the production of sperm may also cause sperm abnormalities and throw off serum testosterone.

Low T may result in physical side effects such as decreased strength and muscle mass, increased body fat, lowered sex drive, and erectile dysfunction. These side effects may also show up if free testosterone is low, even if testosterone levels come back normal.

Do not be shocked if a zinc supplement is attached at your next prescription pick-up. Taking 1 to 2 tablets of zinc picolinate every day with your testosterone treatment should keep your zinc stores high so you can keep on feeling the advantages of testosterone.

If you have any questions, please contact us by visiting Harbor Compounding Pharmacy.