Men, Give High Priority to Low Testosterone Levels

Men, (or woman reading this blog for your man), I couldn't help but share some of the most recent information we have in the medical community related to low testosterone levels in men and the long term impact of not treating this growing problem.  I say growing problem because experts agree that low testosterone production, which characteristically occurs after age 65, IS NOW OCCURRING in men in their late 40s and early 50s.  I've asked a few colleagues why they think that is the case, and stress, poor diet, and unhealthy lifestyles seem to be the usual response. 

So, what are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone?  Sexual and reproductive dysfunction, mood and concentration impairment, low energy and fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances are a few of the major complaints you will hear from a man that needs his testosterone checked.  Left unchecked and untreated, studies now tell us that diabetes, high cholesterol, increased weight gain, and loss of muscle mass and bone density can all occur in men ignoring the signs of low testosterone for the long haul. 

One expert, Martin M. Miner MD, points out one reason that serum testosterone is the best marker of a man's health is because of it's bi-diretional relationship to glucose intolerance, increased weight circumference, high blood pressure, and low HDL cholesterol and that testosterone deficiency could be due to stress, depression, sleep deprivation, and sleep apnea. A recent article I read stated emphatically that EVERY diabetic male is also Testosterone deficient.  In 2006, a study demonstrated that men with low levels of T in the morning versus men with normal T levels, were at a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality over the next 8 years.  Many other studies have also validated this finding. 

What about prostate cancer risk?  Again the experts and the literature support that there is NO evidence that testosterone causes a prostate cancer flair. The prostate gland takes in a certain amount of Testosterone, and after that it doesn't need or use any more.  Those with active or prior prostate cancers should discuss things carefully with their physician, but I can verify that we have former prostate cancers patients in our care that are doing great with testosterone therapy.  The marker that is most important with Testosterone therapy is Hematocrit.  Patients with a hematocrit >50% should have discussions with their physician about risk versus benefit before starting Testosterone therapy and, if started, it should be monitored regularly. 

What is the best way to take Testosterone therapy?  In my opinion testosterone gels are the best.  Why?  First, because they are simple to apply and use and they don't require you to give yourself a shot.  But secondly, and more importantly, because they don't seem to cause the elevated hematocrit that can sometimes happen with other administration methods.  Hematocrit can be elevated with pellet and injection therapies but has not been a problem with the gels. 

Testosterone replacement is a life changer! Here's a few study supported reasons why. 

~Subjects with low testosterone were more than twice as likely to have Obstructive Sleep Apnea as those with normal production.

~After following 130 men on T therapy for nearly 5 years, weight loss, reduction in Body Mass Index, and reduction in waist circumference were all realized.  Their glucose, cholesterol, blood pressures, and triglycerides also showed significant improvement dropping from 56% to 30% in metabolic syndrome markers.  WOW!!! 

~ 155 men with the lowest testosterone at study start appeared to experience the greatest numeric improvement in sexual dysfunction with testosterone therapy. 

~Testosterone levels are linked to regulation of mood. There was a study specifically designed to assess depression scales amongst men with low testosterone.  At the end of the study with 17% having severe depression at the study start, only 2% had this same problem at the end of 12 months on testosterone therapy.  Mens health experts now suggest that testosterone levels be evaluated for men experiencing depression and alterations in mood.

So how do I get my Testosterone level checked? Call you doctor and plan a laboratory evaluation.  Or more simply, call our office (417-231-4544) and ask for a testing kit to be shipped to your home.   When your levels come back, I will call you and provide a written assessment of a treatment plan for you individually.  And remember, when natural supplements and lifestyle changes can be the answer, that's what I suggest EVERY time.

I think the evidence weighs in heavily that testosterone evaluation should be a HIGH priority on a mens health evaluation.  I suggest that any male over the age of 45 get his testosterone checked, and especially, if any of these problems noted in this blog are of personal concern.  Remember issues of blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, poor moor, decreased stamina, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar all point in the direction of low testosterone.  Don't let this KEY assessment be missed in your personal evaluation with your provider. This is all good advice to prevent future disease and to improve quality of life.

We have more and more men coming to us these days because they simply feel better, live better, and look better when this problem is discovered and treated appropriately. 


To your good health,
Dr. Sonja