It's been an unusual morning here at the office. I'm certainly used to the stream of charts for women testing their hormones (in fact I'm up to my ears in saliva tests), but today, I have responded to four men who have explained symptoms that scream Testosterone deficiency.
The Science:
I have all kinds of information in the office that I can share on andropause (male menopause) but wanted to briefly highlight one compelling study linked to long-term risk of death in relatively healthy adult men. (Endo June 5, 2007) The study included nearly 800 men who were followed for 18 years between the ages of 50-91. The men with LOW testosterone levels had a 33 percent GREATER RISK OF DEATH than those with higher testosterone. The difference was not explained by smoking, drinking, other diseases, or exercise. The men with lower T were also more likely to have higher inflammation markers, called inflammatory cytokines, which leads to other diseases. The men with the low T were also shown to be 3x more likely to have a waist greater than 40 inches, low HDL (good) cholesterol, high Triglycerides, and high blood pressure and blood glucose.
The Symptoms:
Here are the common symptoms of Andropause: Back pain, bone loss, decreased muscle strength, decreased endurance, decreased urine flow, depression, erectile dysfunction, high cholesterol, hot flashes, low libido, irritability, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and weight gain (especially around the middle).
The Suggestion:
My BLOG message today...Guys, get your testosterone checked!!! If you are worn out, crabby, unmotivated, and noticing physical signs of aging, then your Testosterone check engine light is requiring your attention. Get off the speedway and take a pit stop for better health.
What is the process? Get tested! (blood/saliva) There's a possibility that a natural supplement could help restore Testosterone levels to a normal range as a first method of action and a low testosterone doesn't necessarily mean that prescription medicine is needed. But, if you have a really low T, then you are functioning at the bottom of the scale rather than the middle or top. Going about your day at a Testosterone level of 200 or 300 is going to make you feel like you're running on empty.
The Schematics:
Men actually use a saliva testing kit too. Or get your doctor to do a blood draw for your Testosterone level at your annual office visit. It's worth checking out especially if you are over 45 years old. Also, I have consulted with many physicians throughout the years who have wanted to convert their Testosterone injection patients over to a cream or gel. That's where our services really come into play. I have patients on 25mg of Testosterone and patients that are on over 200mg. Each individual has different needs, different metabolism, and different quality of life desires. A customized Testosterone gel with adrenal hormones can be included in the same formulation. FOR NO EXTRA COST! Remember, if the adrenals are running low, that needs to be rebalanced too. Fixing all of the issues at the same time is often the best approach. PLUS....WE CAN BILL YOUR PRESCRIPTION INSURANCE. That's a win-win! If you currently do not have insurance, please call me. The affordable cost for therapy will amaze you and make you wonder why you've waited so long.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
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