As Houman points out, "there are ways we can boost testosterone production" before turning to an external source. Reflect on when your libido started to drop and whether that coincided with any issues in your health or relationship. Many common drugs, from antidepressants to anticonvulsants, cancer treatments to contraceptives, and more, can all lower libido themselves. Any number of chronic or acute health issues can affect libido, directly or indirectly. Just make sure to talk to your doctors about how to mitigate the sexual side effects of any meds they prescribe. It may be hard for a doctor to nail down exactly what’s causing your sex drive issues, but identifying and tackling any latent health issues is a good in its own right, even if doing so doesn't end up helping your libido. There is no set timeline, but if you take testosterone long enough then your body also basically forgets how to produce its own as well, becoming dependent on this external source of ample hormones. Most with mild to moderate low T levels don't actually show signs of low libido—or any other low T symptoms. Other research suggests that several herbal supplements could also help support healthy testosterone levels, including saw palmetto, ginger, and ashwagandha. Although the potential benefits of multivitamins are hotly debated, certain supplements may be useful for supporting healthy testosterone levels. Additionally, a 2020 review found that taking a vitamin D supplement increased testosterone levels and improved erectile dysfunction. Consuming healthy fats may also help support testosterone levels and hormone balance. According to a 2020 literature review, the effects on testosterone levels can vary based on several factors, including the type of exercise and the training intensity. Interestingly, testosterone also plays an important role in female health and sexual well-being. Women's level of testosterone is higher when measured pre-intercourse vs. pre-cuddling, as well as post-intercourse vs. post-cuddling. It can be administered as a cream or transdermal patch that is applied to the skin, by injection into a muscle, as a tablet that is placed in the cheek, or by ingestion. Testosterone is included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines, which are the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Testosterone does not appear to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. This could explain why some studies find a link between testosterone and pro-social behaviour, if pro-social behaviour is rewarded with social status. Rats who were given anabolic steroids that increase testosterone were also more physically aggressive to provocation as a result of "threat sensitivity". Moreover, the conversion of testosterone to estradiol regulates male aggression in sparrows during breeding season. The Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences has found that the use of anabolic steroids (which increases testosterone) among teenagers is correlated with increased likelihood of using violence. One study proposed that natural selection may have caused men to be more sensitive to situations in which their status is challenged, and that testosterone is the key factor that causes these situations to spark into aggression. The rise in testosterone during competition predicted aggression in males, but not in females. Prescription testosterone treatments are available as gels, skin patches, and intramuscular injections. Men whose bodies follow the normal decrease of testosterone over time didn’t show an increase for depression. It also shows that there is a maximum level of testosterone before there’s no increased response. But it’s unknown if testosterone can help with reducing fracture risk. Clinical trials on the effect of testosterone on bone density found increases in spinal and hip bone density. Some men reported a change in lean body mass but no increase in strength. Leaner body mass helps control weight and increases energy.
