Testosterone

Testosterone is the main male hormone, though it is present in females too 1. It is a protective hormone that inhibits carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme involved in the regulation of pH levels in the body, alongside progesterone 1. Testosterone promotes the use of oxygen and is an anti-estrogen, which means it counteracts the effects of estrogen in the body 4. It is also an anti-prolactin, which means it counteracts the effects of prolactin, a hormone involved in lactation and reproductive processes 4.

Testosterone has protective effects on the body, particularly on the heart, lungs, and brain, where it is most concentrated 7. It is also involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function, which is essential for energy production in the body 3. The neurosteroids, including testosterone, pregnenolone, progesterone, DHEA, and vitamin D, are all nerve-protective and restorative 3.

Supplementation with testosterone can be beneficial, but it is recommended to try supplements of pregnenolone and DHEA first to normalize testosterone production 2. Topical testosterone supplementation is safe if the diet and thyroid function are good, but it is essential to have LH and estrogen levels checked before using it 2.

It is worth noting that testosterone can be converted to estrogen in the body, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer 5. Progesterone is more protective in aging because it cannot be converted to estrogen, whereas testosterone can 5.