TESTOSTERONE

There is a Male Menopause

Testosterone, or rather its positive effect, is something men take for granted. Young men concerned with how to control their sexual energy cannot imagine being unable to function sexually. However, because innate levels of testosterone slowly and gradually decrease over a man's life, there is no clearly defined point at which you know that your testosterone levels are low - no “male menopause.”

It should NOT be prescribed to professional athletes and or for non health and well being reasons. It has restricted guidelines and criteria under prescription by the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits. In Australia, it is illegal if obtained from the black-market. It is not illegal if obtained from a doctor for genuine health and well being reasons, for example, androgen deficiency. Extensive continuing medical tests are performed before, during and after treatment, which include physical, biochemical, radiological investigations to monitor progress of ones health and well being.

The term andropause was coined by the media to define just that, however this term is misleading and not accurate. Although hormone replacement is a very common treatment for female menopause, hormone supplementation for men is largely ignored. This may be partly due to the fact that andropause happens more gradually. There are no night sweats or hot flashes. The effects of decreased testosterone production, loss of muscle mass, lack of energy, decreased libido and overall reduction in sense of wellbeing are real, but they are often thought to be just part of ageing and we generally accept it.

Another reason testosterone replacement is overlooked is its purported relationship to prostate cancer. Although there is no significant evidence that testosterone supplementation causes prostate cancer, testosterone supplementation is not recommended for those with prostate cancer or a history of prostate-cancer treatment. If you decide to use testosterone replacement, you should have annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests to monitor for prostate cancer. (Prostate cancer elevates PSA levels in your blood.)  Your PSA will elevate slightly due to testosterone replacement, but this is an indication of normal prostate stimulation, not a precancerous condition.

WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE?

Testosterone is a powerful anabolic hormone. Just as estrogen and progesterone are the female hormones, testosterone is the male sex hormone (although women have testosterone levels one-tenth to one-twelfth those of men).

PRODUCTION OF TESTOSTERONE IN MEN AND WOMEN

Men (Testes) - 20 to 30mg per day
Female (Ovaries) – 2 to 3mg per day

Testosterone is synthesised primarily by the testes in males, the ovaries in females, and adrenal glands of both sexes. Testosterone is synthesised from androstenedione, a metabolic of DHEA and progesterone, the precursors of which are pregnenolone and cholesterol.

TESTOSTERONE AND ANTI-AGEING

Ageing is primarily due to tissue breakdown, which is a catabolic process. Evidence suggests that testosterone can slow the slide into catabolism (tissue breakdown) associated with ageing and can help restore the body’s physiologic processes to a more youthful condition. Testosterone promotes the building up of body tissues like muscle and bone, and a lot of research has been done in the role of testosterone in osteoporosis.

SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH DECREASE IN TESTOSTERONE

Indicators of low levels of testosterone

Reduced libido Can cause fatigue High body mass index (obesity) Irritability Abdominal fat Depression

Aches and pain in the joints Decreased bone density and Osteoporosis   Weight Loss Thin and dry skin High glucose and insulin levels

TESTOSTERONE LOW LEVELS

Constant fatigue, worsens clearly at physical activities Muscle weakness and loosening Lacks self-assurance Poor memory

Hyperemotional, hypersensitive Anxious at every stress, irritable Anxious, agitated, light sleep Depressive Poor sexual drive

CAUSES OF LOW TESTOSTERONE

Age Excess aromatase enzyme causing more testosterone to convert to estrogen Liver enzymatic activity

Ageing testicles produce less testosterone Obesity Alcohol dependency

EXCESSIVE DOSES OF TESTOSTERONE CAUSES

Testicular atrophy (with long-term use) High red blood cell and hernatocrit count Depression Fluid retention

Reduced sperm count and volume of semen Reduced DHL cholesterol Increased DHT Potential increase in PSA

ADMINISTRATION OF TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone can be administered by the following methods:

Intramuscular injections Suppositories

Sublingual lozenges Skin-implanted pellets

TESTOSTERONE AND MENOPAUSE

When the ovaries shut down during menopause, the quantity of testosterone produced is cut in half. Women who are taking BHRT usually respond and hot flushes and other symptoms of menopause are lessened. However, a small number of women do not. Researchers believe that these women may be more sensitive to the accompanying loss of testosterone.

In women excess testosterone can have undesired side-effects, such as acne, hirsuitism, baldness and deepening of the voice. Side-effects to low conservative dosages are very rare. Typical side effects for women are deepened voice, enlarged clitoris, acne, increased facial or chest hair.

MEN AND TESTOSTERONE

In men, testosterone is produced in the testes by a group of cells known as Leydig cells. These cells begin secreting high doses of testosterone during puberty to trigger increased lean muscle mass, sex-organ growth, bone formation, deeper voice, and higher energy levels. Peak testosterone levels are reached in a man’s early to mid-20s.

As a man ages, the Leydig cells that secrete testosterone begin to wear away. Because of this, between the ages of 40 and 70 the average man loses nearly 60% of the testosterone inside his body. Other lifestyle factors, such as over-training, stress and alcohol can also hasten the deterioration of Leydig cells, and cause testosterone levels to drastically decline.

Testosterone stimulates the body’s development of muscle, bone, skin and sex organs, along with masculine physical features, such as hair growth. Recently scientists have discovered that testosterone also improves mental power by enhancing visual and perceptual skills. Low levels can disrupt the body’s blood sugar metabolism, leading to obesity and diabetes. Chronic deficiencies may also promote the early onset of osteoporosis and heart disease. Its use is popularly associated with enhancing libido, but research is indicating that it is a vital factor in the prevention of cardiovascular disease as well as improving energy levels, bone density, muscle tone, prostate health, moods and vitality.

In order to assess your suitability a consultation directly with Dr Colagrande will be required to assess and discuss:- 1) Signs and symptoms you are experiencing. 2) Physical examination will be required. 3) Extensive blood tests will be carried out. 4) Radiological test (MRI/CT) may be required to exclude possible causes. 5) Referral to a Endocrinologist may also be required. If you do become a candidate for testosterone, regular visits and blood tests will be performed to monitor your progress. The aim is to improve symptoms by raising levels to a normal healthy range and not abusing medications for non medical or health and well-being purposes. Remember testosterone therapy may be used as a possible trial to see if signs and symptoms improve and does not guarantee itself as a miracle cure. It is not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for anti-ageing therapy.