Testosterone Hormone: Ayurveda Understanding

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

Testosterone is a vital hormone which is responsible for many important bodily functions and is found both in men and women. The primary producers of testosterone in men are testicles. In women, they are produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries.

During puberty, there is a surge of testosterone. It triggers significant physical changes and shows a gradual decline after 30 years of age. It is often linked to sex drive and is very much essential for sperm production. It also influences muscle and bone mass, fat distribution and red blood cell production apart from reproductive health.

This hormone can significantly impact mood and mental health and hence is responsible for our comprehensive well-being. Both low and high levels can lead to physical and mental issues and hence it is important to have it in a state of balance.

Related Reading – ‘Testosterone Hormone’

Testosterone: Ayurveda Understanding

Though we do not find the direct description of hormones or hormone-like substances in Ayurveda, their concept can be hypothetically understood by applying Ayurveda basics and fundamentals to their theory.

Testosterone and Shukra Dhatu

Shukra Dhatu is the seventh tissue formed in the chronology of ‘tissue forming process’. The term ‘Shukra’ is equated with semen but it definitely encompasses sperms and testosterone also. So, shukra is an umbrella term which includes under it –

–        Semen
–        Secretions from seminiferous tubules and epididymis
–        Secretions of prostate gland
–        Sperms
–        Testosterone hormone
–        Gonadotropin releasing hormone
–        Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Testes axis – the signal regulation needed for spermatogenesis and the functions of testes

Since shukra is formed from majja i.e. bone marrow, it should also be present in women and it cannot be semen or sperms. Ayurveda has mentioned seven dhatus and has not specified that they are present in male or female, so it is obvious that both have shukra.

The shukra in women is called street shukra. It is said to be produced during copulation but like semen / sperms, it would not take part in the formation of Garbha – embryo.

The shukra mentioned among the seven dhatus is not just the sthanika shukra dhatu i.e. semen or sperm in male and secretions during copulation in women. It also involves the ‘sarva vyapi shukra’ i.e. shukra present all over the body. The second type of shukra explained in Ayurveda probably relates to Gonadotropin releasing hormone, axis between hypothalamus, pituitary and testes (ovary in women) and testosterone.

In relation to this we can also see modern medicine explaining the influence of testosterone on many other tissues including blood, muscle, fat and bones and on many functions and also on the mind.

Testosterone and Vata

Hormones, according to Late Vaidya Prof SN Ojha sir, hormones are Vata Dharmiya i.e. their functions more or so resemble the functions of vata, testosterone too is not an exception.

Functionally, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland which control testosterone production through release of GnRH and LH hormones respectively can be compared to the Prana Vayu – Apana Vayu axis, also is a part and parcel of functioning of shukravaha srotas.

Pitruja Bhava: The Paternal Factor

Retas or Shukra – is one among the paternal factors as mentioned in Ayurveda. So, one’s shukra is derived from the father. This shukra is responsible for creation / procreation of another life.

The male foetus / child of a man derives his quality and quantity of shukra from the same quality and quantity of his father. From this it is obvious that he also derives the ‘shukra making’ apparatus or structures too from his father. The reference ‘Angad angad sambhavasi’ i.e. you are derived from every organ of mine, shows the replication of an individual almost identical to his parent. (This is the part of the verse which a father utters into the ear of his child during the namakarana samskara – naming ceremony).

So, the male genital organs are formed from the father and so is the shukra. According to Ayurveda, the sex determination takes place in the second month of the pregnancy. When the shape of the embryo resembles pinda (bolus) it should be considered as male. Even the modern embryology tells that it is the seventh week of gestation that the sex determining region Y gene on the Y chromosome begins to play an important role in development of male foetus and this gene initiates the formation of the testicles in male embryos, setting the stage for subsequent hormonal activity. Seventh week of gestation falls in the second month itself and hence there is a match.

This explains the role of testosterone as the driving force behind the differentiation and development of the male reproductive structures during foetal growth and its continued influence on the development of reproductive structures after growth from Ayurveda perspective. Thus, the development of penis, scrotum, vas deferens, seminal vesicles and prostate gland take place from the pitruja bhava during foetal life and also after birth.

Predominance of Shukra in conception

Ayurveda also says that the predominance of shukra (sperm, testosterone) over the artava (ovum) will eventually result in formation of a male child. This reflects the Ayurveda explanation of the role of testosterone in the formation and development of male embryo and its reproductive system.

This means to tell that man should keep a watch towards the qualitative and quantitative balance of shukra dhatu. This will not only help in begetting a healthy child but also proper development and maturity of the genital system of his child. Shuddha Shukra – semen having ideal qualities mentioned in the classical literature and also optimum quantity – half Anjali quantity are the determinants of good quality and quantity semen respectively. This would lay the foundation for a healthy reproductive system in the foetus and its establishment beyond birth and for sexual health and reproductive function throughout the life.

Shukra and puberty

Kesha – hairs, Loma – body hair and Smashru – moustache are said to be pitruja bhavas i.e. derived from father. These factors are derived from father but are operational independently in an individual (male) once the shukra – his semen and testosterone – gets established and functional in the timeline of growth and development. Pubic hairs too can be considered in this explanation by default.

During puberty, the growth plates in the bones lead to rapid growth spurts. Bones are mentioned among Pitruja Bhavas.

Testosterone is responsible for sexual maturity and increasing libido and sex drive during puberty and in adult males. The terms Preeti – love, affection, attraction towards opposite sex or sex drive and Harsham – exhilaration, sexual drive or libido explained among the functions of shukra explain the same. This also shows that the concept of testosterone falls under the umbrella term shukra. Preeti, Harsha and Chyavanam – ejaculation during sex is possible when testosterone functions to its best during adolescence / puberty or in adults. This explains the maturity of sexual organs (internal and external) and sexual maturity of an individual.

Shukra vis-à-vis Testosterone in Adult Life

In adults, testosterone promotes muscle mass, development and enhances overall strength. ‘Shukrayattam Balam Pumsam..’ explains the same i.e. Shukra is an important determinant of strength, valour and endurance of an individual. In the context of the explanation of kapha, it is said ‘Prakrutastu Balam Shleshma’ i.e. ‘kapha in a state of balance is considered as bala – strength and endurance’. Shukra is a tissue which belongs to the kapha varga i.e. kapha group. Shukra and kapha have ashraya ashrayi bhava i.e. residence and resident relationship. Shukra is one of the tissues in which kapha is located. The strength giving capacity is due to both shukra and kapha bhava in it. On the other hand, mamsa dhatu i.e. muscle tissue too is an abode of kapha. This forms a chemistry between shukra, mamsa, kapha and bala.

It is said that testosterone contributes towards maintenance of bone density and influences the fat distribution in the body. It is quite obvious that they are all interconnected according to Ayurveda. Meda – fat, Asthi – bones, Majja – bone marrow and Shukra – semen / testosterone are formed in a chronology and Shukra will obviously have essence and impressions of all the precursor tissues.

Testosterone aids in production of red blood cells. According to Ayurveda, shukra dhatu is formed from majja dhatu – bone marrow, which is the main seat of erythropoiesis. Panduta – anaemia is mentioned among the shukra kshaya lakshanas – symptoms of decrease of semen / testosterone.

Testosterone is responsible for development of body and facial hairs during puberty and its maintenance throughout adulthood. Kesha and Loma, as already mentioned, are Pitruja Bhavas.

Dhatu Kshaya

Abnormal deterioration / depletion or destruction of tissues take place as the person ages and this happens due to abnormal increase of vata due to ageing. Ageing and vata increase naturally causes shukra kshaya i.e. depletion of shukra. Vaya – ageing is mentioned among the causes for shukra kshaya.

Shukra Kshaya

According to modern medicine, fluctuations in testosterone levels can affect mood and mental health, contributing to conditions such as depression and irritability. Sadana – which means feeling low or depressed has been mentioned among the symptoms of shukra kshaya.

As already said, harsha, Preeti and chyavanam explain the influence of testosterone on the mood and libido. On the lower side, testosterone can hamper these aspects.

Symptoms of Shukra Kshaya (abnormal decrease in shukra – semen, sperms, testosterone)

–        chirat prasichyate shukram shonitameva va – slow ejaculation, elimination of blood or blood mixed semen,

–        vrushana medhra toda – pain in testes and penis,
–        dhumayati – feeling as if fumes or smoke is being eliminated from the genitals
–        mukha shosha – dryness of the mouth / face
–        pandutva – pallor, anaemia,
–        sadana – weaknenss
–        shrama – tiredness,
–        klaibya – impotence, sterility, PME, ED,
–        shukra apravritti – lack of ejaculation

The modern version of testosterone deficiency may be different, but some symptoms mentioned in shukra kshaya definitely match up with the modern description.

Causes of Shukra Kshaya

–        Jara – old age, with progression of ageing process
–        Chinnta – over thinking, stress, mental imbalances, worries,
–        Vyadhibhi Karshanat – being debilitated or emaciated (depletion of tissues) due to the effect of long standing diseases
–        Anashana – not eating food, fasting, starvation, nutritional deficiency,
–        Strinam ati nishevanat – excessive indulgence in sexual activities  

Even in modern science, chronic health conditions like kidney diseases, AIDS, genetic diseases, cirrhosis of liver, alcoholism, obesity, diseases of pituitary glands, infections, autoimmune medicines and stress have been mentioned amongst the causes of low testosterone levels.

Shukra Pradoshaja Roga

When the shukra gets contaminated, it causes impotency, lack of sexual excitement and erection (erectile dysfunction) and lack of enjoyment in sex. The progeny of such a person will be sick, sterile, short lived and disfigured. Either conception does not take place or abortion or miscarriage will occur. Shukra dushti will bring misery to the couple and progeny.

Similar symptoms are explained in the context of testosterone deficiency or imbalance.

Shukra Vriddhi

When shukra gets abnormally increased it causes shukrashmari – seminal calculi and Ati stree kamata – excessive craving for women and sex. High levels of testosterone can cause increased libido and unusual sexual craving.

Shukravaha Srotas

The roots of shukravaha srotas are –

–        Vrushana – scrotum / testes – source of testosterone
–        Shepha – penis – whose development takes place due to testosterone, as a secondary sexual character
–        Stana – breasts – its presence or absence determines the sex of individual

How to conserve testosterone to its optimum quality and quantity?

Nidana Parivarjana

If the symptoms or tests are suggesting testosterone imbalance, one should straight away keep away the causes, eat healthy foods, do good exercise, keep away from stress, sleep well and be happy. With ageing one should avoid vata increasing foods and activities, including excessive sexual indulgence. Even otherwise, one should avoid too much vata and pitta aggravating foods and activities.

Balance of Trayopastambha

It is everyone’s responsibility to keep a balance of the three supporting pillars of one’s life. They are – ahara – food, nidra – sleep and brahmacharya – celibacy.

Vega Dharana & Udirana

One should not forcibly control or withhold the natural body reflexes urges or which also includes the ‘shukra vega – ejaculation reflex’. Similarly, one should not forcibly create or expel the urges which the body has not created. The same rule applies to all the vegas – urges / natural body reflexes. Vegadharana – forcible withholding of natural body urges causes aggravation and abnormal movement of vata in upward direction, which might initiate many disease processes in the body.

Dharaniya Vegas

One should control the untoward high end mental expressions or emotions including worries, grief, desire, lust, fear, anger, greed, envy etc. They all create severe stress which might impact the testosterone balance. Even with severe and high-end stress and emotions, vata gets aggravated. It is vata which controls the mind and its functions as is said ‘niyanta praneta cha manasah’. Shukra pravritti i.e. natural and healthy ejaculation of semen is also under the control of vata – testosterone.

Vyadhi and Dosha Pratyanika Chikitsa

The diseases and doshas which are causal of sexual disorders or imbalances of shukra dhatu vis-à-vis testosterone should be promptly treated with suitable interventions.

Panchakarma

Panchakarma, mainly vamana, virechana and vasti as and when required, will not only detoxify the body and mind, but will also detoxify and rejuvenate the genital system. Vasti and Uttara Vasti may become the gamechangers in male sexual disorders and dysfunctions and to restore and balance testosterone levels and its functioning.

Rasayana & Vajikarana

Rasayanas work best in keeping the best balance of the tissues, including shukra. Apart from doing what Rasayana does, Vajikarana medicines will help in refining and re-tuning the male genital system and the ingredients involved therein, including testosterone.

A combination of shodhana followed by rasayana or vajikarana as per need, added with disciplined lifestyle and healthy food inclusions are good for testosterone.

Sattvavajaya

Counselling and psychotherapy are important in handling the symptoms caused due to testosterone imbalances. Apart from this dhairya – encouraging the person and atmadi vijnana – making the person to realize the value of self and self help in tackling testosterone related health issues should be included.

Other aspects to balance testosterone and to prevent or get rid of health issues caused due to testosterone imbalances

The below mentioned are also contributory for one to enjoy healthy sex life and to maintain the balance of shukra dhatu –

–        Following – Dinacharya, Rutucharya and Sadvritta
–        Adapting – Achara Rasayana
–        Investing in – Daiva Vyapashraya Chikitsa

Important Yoga poses which are good for Testosterone health

–        Bhujangasana – Cobra pose
–        Setubandhasana – Bridge Pose
–        Ustrasana – Camel Pose
–        Sasangasana – Rabbit Pose
–        Malasana – Garland pose
–        Balasana – Child Pose
–        Bitalasana / Marjaryasana – Cat-Cow Pose
–        Makarasana – Crocodile Pose
–        Salamba Bhujangasana – Sphinx Pose
–        Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose
–        Paschimottanasana – Seated Forward Bend
–        Supta Baddha Konasana – Supine Bound Angle Pose
–        Shavasana – Corpse Pose
–        Pranayama

Note – Talk to your Yoga tutor to customize the ideal Yoga poses as per your requirement.