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WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE? Testosterone is a member of a group of hormones called anabolic steroids. It plays an important role in the formation of muscle and bone. Testosterone vitalises all the bodily tissues by improving oxygen uptake. It helps to control blood sugar, regulate cholesterol and a healthy heart, and maintain a powerful immune system. It helps to enhance visual and perceptual skills, and improve mood and energy levels. Testosterone stimulates the body’s development of masculine physical features, such as hair growth, and is a vital factor in enhancing libido and prostate health. |
| WHAT IS ANDROPAUSE? Andropause is a process in which men undergo gradual changes in sex hormones levels, particularly testosterone. Also known as male menopause, the progressive decline of testosterone levels with age can cause numerous physiologic and psychological changes. As early as the mid-30s, a man may begin to experience this decline, and will eventually drop to a level lower than when he was 20. As a result, andropause can have profound effects on health and well-being. |
SYMPTOMS OF TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY
CAUSES OF TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY In men, testosterone is produced in the testes by a group of cells known as Leydig cells. During puberty, these cells begin to secrete high doses of testosterone, reaching peak levels in the early to mid-20s. With age, the Leydig cells begin to wear away (less cells means less testosterone produced), leaving the average man to lose nearly 60% of his testosterone between the ages of 40 to 70. Most of the testosterone (97 to 99%) circulates in the blood attached or “bound” to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin(SHBG), which renders most of the testosterone unavailable for use in the tissues. The amount of SHBG rises as a man ages; causing less “free” testosterone available for use. Lastly, there may be a hormonal imbalance of too little testosterone and too much estrogen (Yes! Men produce estrogen, but only a fraction compared to women). The body has enzymes in the fat tissues that convert testosterone into estrogen, called aromatase. When a man gains more body fat, aromatase activity increases and more testosterone gets converted to estrogen. Since many men put on weight as they age, the hormonal balance begins to tilt towards estrogen. Some men will experience testosterone decline sooner than others. Risk factors that may quicken the onset of andropause include: a stressful lifestyle, heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, poor blood circulation, high blood pressure, psychological problems, or chronic illnesses. MAJOR HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ANDROPAUSE • High blood pressure • Stroke • Heart disease • High cholesterol • High blood sugar level • Depression • Prostate disease • Osteoporosis |
TESTING Testosterone levels can be tested through blood or salivary tests. When reviewing testosterone levels, it is important to distinguish between the free and total amounts found in the blood. Since the majority of testosterone in the bloodstream is attached or “bound” to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), monitoring the unbound or “free” levels can serve as a good indicator of how much testosterone is active and able to affect physiological function. TREATMENT Raising testosterone levels and relieving andropausal symptoms can be achieved through natural or bio-identical testosterone. This hormone is not only manufactured from naturally-occurring plants such as soy and wild yam, but more importantly, it is molecularly identical to the testosterone produced in the human body. It can be conveniently administered through topical creams, troches or lozenges, or taken orally as capsules. All men require individualised doses to maintain their own level of vitality and health benefits. Treatment with natural testosterone should also be in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and nutritional supplementation. Please talk to your physician or compounding pharmacist about the benefits of personalised treatments. |
WHAT BIO-IDENTICAL TESTOSTERONE IS NOT There are some misconceptions about what testosterone is and is not. Although testosterone is categorised as an anabolic steroid (which builds muscle and bone), it is not the same as those abused by body builders and professional athletes. Those abused steroids are not only different from bio-identical testosterone in their molecular structure, but they are also totally foreign to the human body. As a result, synthetic anabolic hormones can have deleterious effects on many organ systems, such as the brain and liver. These artificial hormones can even suppress the body’s own production of testosterone. RISKS OF BIO-IDENTICAL TESTOSTERONE Bio-identical testosterone taken at doses sufficient to restore normal levels is safe and generally free of any unwanted side effects. However, when taken in excess, it may cause oily skin or acne and male-pattern baldness. The main concern that men have with regard to long-term treatment is whether it will increase the risk of prostate cancer. At moderate doses to produce normal levels, there is no good evidence that bio-identical testosterone increases the risk of prostate cancer or prostate enlargement. In fact, testosterone is necessary for normal prostate health. However, in men with pre-existing cancer, testosterone supplementation is not recommended. |
