How Products You Use Every Day Can Lower Your Testosterone

At the end of the day, what makes a man a man really comes down to hormones. Specifically, we’re talking about testosterone. Not only does this hormone regulate a man’s sex drive, but it affects his bone mass, fat distribution, ability to put on lean muscle, and the overall quality and health of his sperm.

Unfortunately, testosterone levels are far from static. Though they peak between puberty and a man’s mid-20s, they immediately start to decline after that point, reducing in both amount and potency as the man ages. However, there are other reasons why a man’s testosterone might decline. One of the most sinister is exposure to what are known as “petrochemicals.”

Chemicals and Testosterone

The term petrochemical refers to any product or byproduct of petroleum, which can include ethanols, polymers, aromatics, resins, fuels, and thermoplastics. This list accounts for millions of products (and product packaging) used all around the world. However, petrochemicals can also enter our systems through the air we breathe, the foods we eat, and the water we drink (particularly if it comes out of a plastic bottle!).

The main problem with these chemicals is that when they enter the body, they are often converted into what we call “xenoestrogens.” As the name might imply, these are foreign, synthetic estrogen hormones that can actually disrupt the synthesis of our natural hormones, especially when it comes to men. In fact, excessive exposure to xenoestrogens can trick the body into producing less natural testosterone – regardless of the man’s age.

Indeed, studies estimate that there has been a 50 decrease in the average male sperm count since the 1960s, and many doctors feel that this has a lot to do with petrochemical products and the xenoestrogens they produce.

Understanding Your Options

If you suspect that you might be suffering from low testosterone, you should first take steps to ensure you aren’t suffering from any physical conditions. Examples include testicular atrophy, pituitary dysfunction, or hypothalamic dysfunction. Next, you should take immediate steps to start removing any xenoestrogen-producing products from your diet and your life. At Internal Healing and Wellness, MD, we recommend our Greater Houston-are patients consider the following steps:

1. Switch to local and organically-sourced foods whenever possible.
2. Look for hormone-free meat and dairy products
3. Only use “skin contact” products that are fragrance-free and use natural ingredients
4. Avoid scented fabric softener, dryer sheets, dish soap, and other cleaning products.
5. Get rid of plastic containers and purchase refillable metal water bottles.
6. Avoid processed foods, particularly microwavable frozen meals that come in plastic containers

Want to Learn More About Xenoestrogens? Answers are Waiting at Internal Healing and Wellness MD

At Internal Healing and Wellness MD, we help people from all over Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, and other Houston suburbs overcome their health and wellness issues. Dr. Khan and his team take a comprehensive approach to all health issues, including hormonal problems like testosterone deficiency. If you’re looking for a detailed, fully-customized plan to minimize your xenoestrogen exposure, we can help.