Male Hormone Replacement Therapy: Andropause

Testosterone is a key player in the hormone complex of the cellular messenger that directs our body to function. In men over 40, there is a significant decrease in this hormone level. Until recently it was considered taboo to replace this important hormone. But now, the presence of anti-aging thinkers is what scientific research over the past decade has taught us.

Just like women who undergo life changes, their sexual hormone replacement (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) provides major health benefits such as osteoporosis prevention, heart disease prevention and cognitive functioning. Similarly, for older men the benefits of increasing testosterone under careful doctor care are important aspects of maintaining good health. I hope in this article to dispel some misconceptions about Testosterone Replacement Therapy and provide readers with a list of the benefits of this simple and safe treatment.

For the first time there is significant evidence in the scientific literature that testosterone does not cause prostate cancer. In fact, excess estrogen is unbalanced in men with prostate cancer.

The caveat here is that in the case of prostate cancer, testosterone which is anabolic (building) hormone can promote cancer growth, but contrary to popular belief, even in medicine, it does not cause cancer. With increasing age Testosterone levels increase while estrogen levels increase and compete to bind to the prostate gland and other cells in the body causing hormone hormones.

Issues such as increased adipose tissue with central obesity, decreased muscle mass, general hormone imbalances (growth hormones, estrogen, thyroid), depression, increased cholesterol and lipid dysfunction, glucose and insulin imbalance, decreased coronary artery elasticity, high blood pressure and loss of well-being due to low testosterone levels. Testosterone supplementation in the right candidate reverses this unwanted outcome, but is not as easy as taking the pill. There are enzymes in our body that can convert exogenous testosterone to other unwanted hormones such as Estrodiol and DHT. Therefore, a doctor who understands the balancing act and has the ability to monitor other hormones is best for treating the disorder.

Along with the right replacement modalities (creams, gels or patches) there are other considerations that stop testosterone conversion trends and these are usually supplemented with testosterone. Supplements like Saw palmetto, Zinc and Nettle Extract to name a few. In a recent study the Androderm patch after a 12-month depression score dropped by almost half with testosterone replacement alone. Again men with fatigue complaints who received testosterone in one study had fatigue symptoms of 79% to 10%. Medline medical search results reveal more positive results from testosterone replacement. For those interested in learning more about their bodies, there is a non-invasive home test kit available at Saleeby Longevity Institute that allows men to assess testosterone levels in circulation.

Andropause menopause

by J.P. Saleeby, MD

Male Hormone Replacement Therapy: Andropause


==========================