Andropause is a term used to describe a set physical changes and
symptoms associated with the age related decline in the production of
testosterone.
Significantly declining testosterone levels have been
found in men as early as their third decade of life. Testosterone
insufficiency can result in a debilitating array of symptoms which often
goes undiagnosed by the average physician.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated strong
associations between low testosterone levels and the following symptoms
and conditions.
Symptoms and Conditions
Associated with
Declining Testosterone
Levels
A common misconception that testosterone is a risk
factor for heart disease derives from the simple observation that men
have more heart attacks than women. However, there is no evidence in the
medical literature that higher testosterone levels are associated with
heart disease.
In fact, the exact opposite is true. Over 18
controlled clinical trials have found that men with the lowest
testosterone levels have dramatically more heart disease when compared
with men with the highest levels.
Testosterone replacement has beneficial effects on
cardiovascular risk factors. Restoring testosterone levels to normal
healthy levels has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, reduce insulin
resistance, decrease hyper-coagulation (tendency to form blood clots),
reverse ischemia (reduced blood flow in small vessels), reduce body fat,
increase muscle mass and reduce elevated blood sugar.
It is very true that illegal doping with
supra-physiologic doses of synthetic male steroids - which is common
among certain athletes - can have significant health risks. However,
using bio-identical (natural) testosterone to replenish the hormone to
normal, healthy levels can have significant health benefits.
More to come...
