[chaya]

My GYN called with the results of my hormone tests. All were normal except my testosterone was low, 12 where 15-70 is normal. She believes this could be the reason for my loss of libido. She wants to treat it with Progesterone cream which should raise my testosterone slowly. I don't know, I would rather do it naturally.

About 8 months ago I stopped eating meat and adopted a vegetarian diet. I eat a lot of tofu, at least one meal a day. I've read that soy can lower testosterone. If this is the case, my diet change could be the reason for my low testosterone and loss of libido. I'll try to cut back on the soy products and see if it makes any difference.

[Stillness]

I've been a vegetarian for 9 years and I'm as horny as...something really horny. I think tofu can mess with hormones, especially women's. I've heard a lot of people talk about the negative effects on themselves or others. My wife won't touch too much of it.

Have you ever tried seitan? It's great stuff if you want a meat substitute. It's a wheat derivative often used in faux meat products. I've gotten away from feeling like I need substitutes and cook with grains, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. My wife cooks with them from time to time, though. I prefer seitan to soy. It's probably less hormonally reactive, but bad if you've got a thing with gluten.

[oxy-moron]

You could try acetyl-l-carnitine as well as a supplement. This is naturally occuring and you usually get it from red meat.
This mimics the effects of testosterone without the downside. It will also help blood pressure which can be impacted by a long term vegetarian diet.( It has also shown in trials to minimise the effects of aging)

[chaya]

The reason I've been eating so much tofu is because I like it. Even before I gave up meat, I would eat tofu 2-3 times a week. I have been going overboard with the tofu, I've probably been eating 10 or more tubs a week.

I am familiar with L-Acetylcarnitine, many diabetics take it to prevent/treat peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes. I have considered taking it for that reason myself since I have PN in my toes and feet.

I've never eaten seitan that I know of but will certainly look for it at the market next time I go. I would be thrilled if my husband liked it since I have been fixing 2 different meals for us. He likes his meat and potatoes and I like my tofu and salad. He does eat vegetables that I fix for both of us.

[jns]

You could try acetyl-l-carnitine as well as a supplement. This is naturally occuring and you usually get it from red meat.
This mimics the effects of testosterone without the downside.

I'll have to try this.

[Stillness]

My wife made a red sauce tonight with tempeh. It was very good. It reminded me of this thread. I think I read somewhere that tempeh is also less hormonally reactive than tofu. It uses the whole bean. Tofu does not. It's also cultured. It has more fiber, protein, and vitamins. It is also quite a bit tastier in my opinion. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive.

Have you ever had it, Chaya? Check out the hormonal stuff as I'm not sure.