Maintain your manliness: Beware of low testosterone levels

Besides supporting muscle growth and bone development, testosterone is also responsible for maintaining the male sex organs and male characteristics, such as hair growth and deepening of the voice. It’s basically the core of what makes us “manly”. Although it’s normal for testosterone levels to begin gradually declining after we turn 40, too big of a drop may cause some problems.

Watch out for these warning signs of low testosterone levels:

• Diminished sex drive
• Feeling less optimistic than normal, irritability and other mood problems
• Fatigue and decreased energy; an overall lack of drive and initiative
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Decreased ejaculate volume
• Testicle shrinkage
• Increased body fat; particularly around the middle (spare tire) or on the chest (man boobs)
• Decreased sensation in the genitals
• Reduced muscle mass
• Erectile dysfunction

If these symptoms ring a bell, talk to your doctor! Low testosterone levels may increase your risk for some serious conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

You should also know that cancer treatments may contribute to decreased testosterone levels, so if you’re undergoing chemotherapy or radiation be sure to pay extra attention to the warning signs. The same goes for the obese: you’re also at an increased risk.

Sex offers more benefits than the obvious

We probably don’t need to spell out the reasons why getting between the sheets is an enjoyable activity. But, besides the obvious perks, sex may also offer a number of health benefits:

• Boosts immune function
•  Burns calories (about 85 for every 30 minutes)
• Enhances cardiovascular health
• Relieves stress
•  Increases self-esteem
• Naturally kills pain! This is because the “sex” hormone oxytocin causes a release of endorphins, thus decreasing pain
•  Frequent ejaculations may reduce the risk of prostate cancer
• Promotes a good night’s sleep

It doesn't hurt to give your performance a boost. The herbal supplement Tenaga may support sexual vitality as well as overall energy and well-being.

   

11 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

Source: CBS News Health

Whether it's on the basketball court, golf course or at an after-work happy hour, it's rare to spend time with a group of men without hearing at least one joke about testosterone deficiency. But to the estimated five million men who are affected by male menopause, it is no laughing matter. The latest research suggests that guys without enough testosterone face a higher risk of several serious illnesses, including diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. A simple blood test can reveal whether a guy has low "T," but there are plenty of other clues that a problem exists.

In a follow-up to last Friday's post about the rise of male menopause, here are CBS News' 11 warning signs of low testosterone to help educate and encourage more men to take control of their own sexual health. [Read full article]. 

Three Ways to Increase Your Manpower—Ramuan Style

The guys at Men’s Health recently discussed 5 Ways to Increase Your Manpower. We decided to give the topic a spin for our readers here at Living Ramuan. Studies show that a decline in testosterone levels not only increases your risk of prostate cancer and heart disease, but it could also affect your lifespan.

Here are three suggestions for keeping men’s testosterone levels up and sexual energy to the max:

1. Hit the Gym. Keeping fit is, of course, good for maintaining general health, but it’s also vital for maintaining high T-levels. The key is finding a good balance between regulating body mass and building muscle. Men’s Health reported that Finnish researchers recently found men who lifted weights regularly experienced a 49 percent increase in free testosterone levels. A 4-point boost in body mass index (about 30 extra pounds on a 5'10" guy) can accelerate age-related T decline by 10 years.

2. Supplement it. Consuming a daily well-balanced diet is key for staying on your A-game, but life’s grind can make it difficult on a day-to-day basis. Some vitamins and herbs naturally enhance male sexual health and vitality. You hear us talking a lot about Tongkat Ali, a pure, patented herbal extract that is found in TenagaXX, but other supplements such as vitamins C, A, E and B6 have also been known to help. Incorporating natural supplements into your health regimen is one easy way to build up healthy sexual energy levels and overall manpower.

3. Tone it down. Physical, mental or emotional stress can easily reduce your testosterone levels, and in turn, sexual prowess. Cortisol rises in stressful situations, which "suppresses the body's ability to make testosterone and utilize it within tissues," says David Zava, Ph.D., CEO of ZRT Laboratory (as quoted in Men’s Health). While cardio exercise can serve as a great stress reliever, other chill-out methods might include listening to your favorite band on your iPod, reading a book. cutting back on happy hours or getting a massage.

Do you have any other ways of keeping your manpower high that you’d like to share? We’d like to hear from you! Feel free to leave us a comment, shoot an e-mail or find us on Facebook.