Get the facts about testosterone
Posted 08-11-2015 at 07:20 AM by DavidRaonic
Healthy hormones are the key to vitality. They play an integral role in our physical and emotional well-being. These 'chemical messengers' guide complex processes as they travel through the body such as growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. They also affect the immune system and even impact behaviour, feelings, and emotions.
One hormone, however, is often misunderstood: testosterone. If you wonder about it, here is the truth when it comes to some common myths:
• Myth: Testosterone is only used to enhance sports performance. Athletes involved in 'doping scandals' over the years have given testosterone a bad rap. Testosterone is an important, naturally occurring hormone with necessary and beneficial functions in men – and it affects almost every aspect of a man's body. For those men who have been diagnosed by their doctor to have low testosterone, replacement therapy may be prescribed to adjust hormone levels to where they should be.
• Myth: Low testosterone levels are normal in aging men: While testosterone levels tend to naturally decline in men as they age, hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone, is estimated to affect more than 25 per cent of men in Canada over the age of 40, and can cause fatigue and energy loss, mood changes and reduced sexual desire. Low testosterone can be treated if levels are below normal as diagnosed through a blood test, and if there are consistent symptoms. It is therefore important that men speak with their doctor.
• Myth: The symptoms of low testosterone only affect men. Men with low testosterone may experience low sex drive, fatigue, and irritability. These emotional and sexual symptoms cause stress for both partners and can put additional strain on a relationship. Addressing the symptoms and effects of this condition often requires treatment and open, honest communication between partners. It is important to speak to your doctor about treatment options.
• Myth: Most cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by low testosterone. In most cases, it can be linked to a vascular problem. However, low testosterone results in low energy and a decreased sex drive, which can impact erections and the desire to have sex.
One hormone, however, is often misunderstood: testosterone. If you wonder about it, here is the truth when it comes to some common myths:
• Myth: Testosterone is only used to enhance sports performance. Athletes involved in 'doping scandals' over the years have given testosterone a bad rap. Testosterone is an important, naturally occurring hormone with necessary and beneficial functions in men – and it affects almost every aspect of a man's body. For those men who have been diagnosed by their doctor to have low testosterone, replacement therapy may be prescribed to adjust hormone levels to where they should be.
• Myth: Low testosterone levels are normal in aging men: While testosterone levels tend to naturally decline in men as they age, hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone, is estimated to affect more than 25 per cent of men in Canada over the age of 40, and can cause fatigue and energy loss, mood changes and reduced sexual desire. Low testosterone can be treated if levels are below normal as diagnosed through a blood test, and if there are consistent symptoms. It is therefore important that men speak with their doctor.
• Myth: The symptoms of low testosterone only affect men. Men with low testosterone may experience low sex drive, fatigue, and irritability. These emotional and sexual symptoms cause stress for both partners and can put additional strain on a relationship. Addressing the symptoms and effects of this condition often requires treatment and open, honest communication between partners. It is important to speak to your doctor about treatment options.
• Myth: Most cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by low testosterone. In most cases, it can be linked to a vascular problem. However, low testosterone results in low energy and a decreased sex drive, which can impact erections and the desire to have sex.
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Testosterone replacement therapy has not been conclusively shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer in men in general. Most all studies show that it doesn't. Properly administered (it is often not administered properly, btw) with appropriate follow up and monitoring, it is not a dangerous drug - like many claim it is.
Some reliable studies have shown that it prevents or minimizes things like metabolic syndrome in some men.
Unfortunately, not enough research in very long term effects has been done - but then again, estrogen replacement therapy in women likewise went through a long fine tuning process.Posted 08-11-2015 at 01:36 PM by TwinbrookNine
