Stinging Nettle and Testosterone: What it Does (& Doesn't Do)
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
Stinging nettle root is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It can be taken as a tea, tincture, juice or capsule.
Some studies have shown that stinging nettle can inhibit sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This could help increase free testosterone levels.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in both men and women. In males, testosterone plays a role in the development of the male reproductive system (including the testes and penis), in sexual and aggressive behaviour and in maintaining sex drive.
It also plays a part in bone and muscle strength, red blood cell production and fat storage. It also affects mental health, including memory and concentration.
A person's levels of testosterone can be checked by a doctor by taking a blood sample from your arm. The result of this test is usually available within a few days.
The levels of testosterone vary greatly depending on sex, age and health, but are generally highest at age 20. In older men, testosterone gradually decreases.
This is likely because the body produces less natural testosterone with age. Medications or other medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, can also reduce testosterone production.
If a man has low testosterone, it can cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, poor mood, weight gain, loss of erections and a lowered libido. Often, these symptoms do not require treatment, but a doctor can check to see if testosterone therapy might be needed.
Testosterone exists in the body as a free (unbound) form and as a peptide that is binded to sex hormone-binding globulin or albumin. It then enters cells in the cytoplasm where it binds to specific androgen receptors, which in turn influence gene expression.
It's believed that these receptors have a chemical structure that allows them to bind directly to certain nucleotide sequences in the DNA of target cells. The binding of these nucleotide sequences regulates protein synthesis and results in the androgenic effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.
The enzyme 5a-reductase can cleave the bound form of testosterone to produce the more active androgenic steroid dihydrotestosterone. DHT binds to the same androgen receptor as testosterone, but it is about five times more potent than testosterone in its androgenic activity.
Fortunately, there are medicines that can raise androgen levels in the body and reduce the production of DHT. These medicines are called 'testosterone replacement therapy' and are used to treat many health conditions. They are not always safe, so it's important to talk to your doctor and follow the instructions carefully.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a type of female sex hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and can also have effects on fertility. Your ovaries make the most of estrogen during puberty and during pregnancy, but your adrenal glands (the glands on your kidneys) and adipose tissue (body fat) also secrete it.
The two main types of estrogen are estradiol and estrone. Estradiol is the most common form of estrogen, but it can also be produced from androgens such as testosterone and androstenedione. In postmenopausal women, estrone replaces estradiol as the primary form of estrogen.
A high level of estrogen can lead to problems in women. It may cause weight gain, low mood and severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In males, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.
In addition, high levels of estrogen can increase your risk for certain conditions including cancer. They also increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and dementia.
Your body needs a balance of estrogen and other sex hormones for optimal health. If you have a condition that causes your estrogen levels to be too high, talk with your provider about ways to lower them.
One type of herbal treatment that might help is stinging nettle root. It has been shown in a few studies to reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which includes reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder and post-urination dripping.
Some people with BPH have enlarged prostate glands that press on the tube that empties urine from the bladder called the urethra. Stinging nettle root has been shown to slow down the growth of these cells.
Besides being used for BPH, stinging nettle is also used in Europe to treat urinary tract infections and for other conditions. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and to improve the healing of ulcers.
You can find stinging nettle products in health food stores, herbal medicine shops and online. These include tinctures and extracts. Some of these products have been shown to be effective in reducing the pain and swelling of arthritis, but more research is needed.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It is produced by beta cells in the pancreatic islets and encoded in humans by the INS gene. It has several effects on a wide range of body tissues, including fat and muscle.
When you eat, your blood sugar rises because the sugar in food is broken down into glucose. The insulin that circulates in your blood then helps the body turn these glucose molecules into energy for your cells.
Human insulin comes in several forms. It is available in vials, prefilled disposable dosing devices, and cartridges that you can place in dosing pens. Talk to your provider about which type of insulin is right for you.
Nettle extracts contain chemicals that may help treat BPH. These include a natural diuretic (water-dissolving agent) and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain associated with the condition.
The herb also has anti-hyperglycemic properties that can lower your blood sugar. It may be beneficial for people with diabetes, but you should monitor your blood sugar closely when taking stinging nettle.
Stinging nettle has a long history of use and is still considered a popular remedy today. It is commonly used to treat a number of conditions, including colds, asthma, and allergies.
Studies show that stinging nettle extracts can help relieve inflammation, as well as symptoms of hay fever and other seasonal allergies. They are thought to work by blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
In some cases, stinging nettle may also be effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, more human research is needed to fully understand how stinging nettle works for these conditions.
A study found that stinging nettle leaves had anti-inflammatory properties and could reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This is similar to the anti-inflammatory effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.
The chemical compounds in stinging nettle may also help prevent urinary tract infections. These antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral compounds have been shown to fight infections in both the bladder and urethra. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help prevent free radical damage in the urogenital system, which can lead to urinary tract infections.
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of your bladder, urethra, ureters or kidneys. UTIs are common, and they can be painful or make you feel like you need to pee a lot.
A UTI usually starts with a bacteria infection. This is the most common type of UTI, but it can also be caused by viruses or fungi. If you have an underlying condition that affects your immune system, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS, you may be more prone to getting infections in the urinary tract.
Bacteria that are normally found in your stool can also enter the bladder and kidney, causing a urinary tract infection. This is the most serious type of UTI and can lead to permanent damage to your kidneys if it is not treated.
Women are more prone to developing UTIs than men, because women have shorter urethras. They also tend to have a drier bladder and a less well-protected vagina than men, both of which can encourage germs to invade the urinary tract.
Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of developing a UTI, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney disease or cancer. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor about how to prevent or treat them.
Nettle is a traditional herb that has been used for centuries to help control UTIs and other urinary problems. It is a natural diuretic and antimicrobial, and it can help flush bacteria out of the body.
It is safe to take stinging nettle by mouth, and it is available as a tea or extract. It can be taken by adults and children.
Stinging nettle has been shown to be effective in treating lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Studies have also found that it can help reduce prostate pain and discomfort, especially when used with finasteride.
Nettle can also be used to treat a number of other health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections and prostate problems. It can be combined with other herbs, such as saw palmetto or ginseng to improve symptom relief.
Conclusion
Many people know of the stinging nettle plant, Urtica Dioica, but many don't understand that it has several potential health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, relieving allergies, increasing free testosterone, and regulating blood sugar and pressure.
The herb has been used for thousands of years to treat rheumatism and pain. More recently, research has shown that it may reduce inflammation, relieve allergies, increase free testosterone, and act as a diuretic.
Stinging Nettle and BPH
Studies have found that stinging nettle root extract can help control benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in men. However, more research is needed before it can be widely recommended.
In a study on in vitro experiments, stinging nettle root extract inhibited the proliferation of prostatic stromal fibroblasts. This may be due to the presence of polysaccharide fractions in the root.
Stinging nettle extract also reduces the activity of the hormone androgen receptors. This may lead to a decreased sensitivity of the prostate to androgens, which can improve symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a male hormone that is needed by all men to varying degrees. It is responsible for penis and testes development, facial hair growth, muscle size, bone strength, sex drive, and more.
Stinging nettle can help increase free testosterone because it blocks the binding of steroid hormones to SHBG, which is a common prostate cancer molecule. This results in an increase in the number of circulating free testosterone, which can boost energy and stamina and promote the healing of joints and muscles.
