There Is Danger In Testosterone Deficiency For Men

Deficiency in the male sex hormone, testosterone, has been getting a lot of attention recently. While most of us are aware of the decrease in sex hormones that women experience (menopause), most people are unaware that a similar phenomenon called andropause can occur in men. This testosterone deficiency can lead to a number of symptoms, including poor mood, loss of stamina, decreased muscle mass and decreased libido. The problem is it occurs so slowly that it often goes unrecognized. In fact, testosterone levels may start to decrease in a man's mid 30's, and by age 80, they may be reduced by 80%. While the associated symptoms are a problem, the bigger issue may be increased mortality related to the low testosterone levels.

Any risk factor for increased mortality that can be modified should be taken seriously. However, over the years, testosterone supplementation has gotten a bad wrap. While it is true that testosterone is a member of the class of hormones known as anabolic steroids, the therapeutic use of this hormone should not be equated with the over dosage, illegal and reckless use of other agents that have tainted professional sports.

There is a large body of medical literature suggesting that testosterone supplementation can be safe and effective for the above mentioned symptoms, and may even be life saving. In fact, in a 2007 review2, Drs. Miner and Seftel reported that low levels of testosterone were associated with a variety of health problems, including metabolic syndrome, whereas supplementation could help reverse this process and contribute to other health benefits, including improved bone health and metabolism.

One common concern is the effect testosterone has on the prostate. Several studies have shown that in men with a normal prostate, testosterone replacement may have beneficial effects, and does not appear to change the gland itself. However, men with prostate cancer should never take supplemental testosterone, or use supplements that may have this effect. So what are your options? First, you can have your testosterone level checked. Testosterone comes in two varieties, free testosterone and total testosterone. Free testosterone may be the most active form, and the total testosterone test may not accurately reflect the amount of free testosterone. And as you may suspect, it is the level of free testosterone that drops more quickly. One method of combating this drop in free testosterone is supplementing with DHEA. Some studies suggest that DHEA levels parallel free testosterone, and that supplementation with DHEA may increase free testosterone levels.

And here's another big help it seems as some research suggesting that the herb nettle may displace testosterone from the bound form (which makes up most of total testosterone) and allow it to circulate in the more active, or free, form. This may promote healthy libido and sexual health. Another benefit of nettle is its affect on the prostate. It appears to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the metabolite that may be responsible for poor prostate health in many men. Interestingly, elevations of DHT are also thought to be a major cause of thinning hair and baldness as men age.