How to Reduce Male Testosterone

When it comes to testosterone levels, in many cases men want to increase them. This may be especially true for men who are getting older and have noticed a decrease in libido. In fact, a man's testosterone levels begin decreasing once he turns 40, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, there are a few instances in which lowering testosterone levels is called for.

Things You'll Need

• Soy-rich foods
• Grapefruit
• LHRH analog drugs
• Licorice extract or tea

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Instructions

• 1

  Eat more foods that contain soy. In a study done at the Department of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, men were given a soy protein supplement. Over a four week period, the testosterone levels in their blood were analyzed and their serum testosterone levels were found to be down by 19%. Once the soy protein supplement was discontinued, within two weeks their testosterone levels went back up.

• 2

  Eat grapefruit regularly. Eating grapefruit causes estrogen levels in the body to increase, and an increase in estrogen levels causes a decrease in testosterone levels.

• 3

  Drink licorice tea or take licorice extract. Licorice increases cortisol levels, which in turn decrease testosterone levels.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about starting a drug regimen that includes luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs. LHRH analogs are drugs that decrease the amount of testosterone that is being produced by the testicles. They are more expensive than some other therapies and require more doctor's visits. If a man has prostate cancer--which is one reason he might need to lower testosterone levels since testosterone can cause cancer cells to grow more rapidly--then this drug therapy may be a good choice.

• 5

  Consider surgical castration. While this may seem extreme, if the reason behind trying to lower testosterone is because of cancer, this may be a good option. Also, if the idea of taking medication and watching what is eaten to lower cholesterol is not appealing, this option could be attractive.