Conventional medicine only tests your testosterone if you’re experiencing symptoms of lower testosterone levels. While levels below 300 ng/dL are considered clinically low total testosterone, McDevitt says that symptoms can appear even in a healthy range. McDevitt says she sees older men who live a healthy lifestyle in their fifties who have the testosterone levels of a man in his thirties. A combination of age, genetics, and pre-existing medical conditions determines your testosterone levels. But determining normal testosterone levels by age? Research shows that a low level of testosterone can be a predictor of many health conditions, like metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and obesity, in men. Further, studies suggest that avoiding processed and high-fat foods helps in keeping your blood glucose levels in check. Some older studies have shown that TRT could lead to an increased rate of stroke and heart attack, but this is controversial. If you also have diabetes, ask your doctor if low testosterone and your diabetes could be related and if TRT could help treat both conditions. The use of TRT as part of gender-affirming therapy doesn’t appear to have an effect on insulin resistance. Low testosterone levels can lead to a reduced sex drive, which can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). All patients received standard diabetes treatment while half received testosterone treatment. During a study, 356 men with low testosterone and type 2 diabetes were followed for 11 years. Some studies have found that it has beneficial effects, including an increased libido. One older, 14-day study of 78 new mothers found that drinking herbal tea with fenugreek seeds increased breast milk production, which helped babies gain more weight. Studies on the cholesterol– and blood sugar-lowering effects of fenugreek suggest that doses between 5 and 25 g may be most effective. Changes in mood, energy levels, or cognition might signal low testosterone levels. In particular, resistance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and walking have been shown to positively affect testosterone levels. The volume of pumped breast milk increased from around 1.15 ounces (oz), or 34 milliliters (mL) in the control and placebo groups to 2.47 oz (73 mL) in the fenugreek group. Fenugreek seeds have a healthy nutritional profile, containing a good amount of fiber and minerals, including iron and manganese. Most testosterone-based research uses around 250–600 mg of fenugreek extract, while research on breast milk production has used around 1–6 g. This article explains everything you need to know about fenugreek, including its benefits, side effects, and uses. Hone is an online clinic that helps men and women manage their health. You can test your levels with an at-home kit or a blood test. Testosterone levels begin to decline when you reach your mid-thirties, and drop further as you age. Many people take ashwagandha to promote restful sleep, and some evidence suggests it may help with sleep issues. Ashwagandha contains compounds, including WA, that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Participants who took the herb also had a 14.7% greater increase in testosterone than those who took the placebo. A 2021 review concluded that ashwaghanda may help manage depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health-related and neurological issues. Ashwagandha may be effective for reducing stress and anxiety symptoms. Thus, early research suggests ashwagandha may be a helpful supplement for stress and anxiety. Those who took the ashwagandha supplements also saw improvements in sleep quality compared with the placebo group. Though studies have shown that TRT may prevent or possibly treat diabetes in men with low testosterone, more research is needed to confirm if the benefits of TRT outweigh the risks. Ask a doctor to refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist who specializes in people with diabetes, so they can design a treatment plan that’s right for you. More research is needed to further understand the impact of testosterone therapy on insulin resistance. Some AFAB people can have elevated levels of testosterone caused by an underlying condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In another study in mice, researchers were able to pinpoint how testosterone triggers key signaling pathways in cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. An older 2006 study assessed the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance.