Men: You can use testosterone to treat lipoprotein disorders
Testosterone is gaining wide acceptance for restoration of youthful vigor, increasing muscle mass, and improvement of well being.
But testosterone also offers some unique opportunities for correction of specific lipoprotein disorders. Here’s what you need to know.
Testosterone—male hormone of youth
Testosterone levels in males peak in their teens and
twenties during their reproductive prime. That’s also the period of a
man’s greatest physical capacity, muscle mass, physical energy, libido,
and stamina.
Starting at age 30, testosterone levels diminish gradually. By the time
a man reaches his 70s, testosterone has dropped to immeasurable levels.
Diminishing testosterone levels lead to loss of muscle mass, increased
body fat, and reduced libido. Mood disruptions are especially prominent,
with deeper swings into blue, depressed feelings, struggles with feeling
beaten and overwhelmed, and fatigue. Reduced concentration,
irritability, passivity, loss of interest in activities, and even
hypochondria can also result.
These changes become perceptible after a man passes beyond his mid-40’s.
Some call this time the “male menopause” or “andropause”. Though not as
visible as a woman’s transition to menopause, the changes are indeed
distinct. Since there’s no particular external cue like cessation of a
woman’s menses, most men simply dismiss the changes as “getting old”.
Testosterone replacement can be a helpful way to reverse many of the
phenomena of reduced testosterone: feel more vigorous, gain muscle
strength, partially restore lost libido, as well as help control weight.
Testosterone is also a controversial hormone fraught with unfounded
fears and misperceptions. It does not, for instance, convert normal men
into “sex maniacs”. It may restore a more youthful sex drive, perhaps
similar to that experienced in your 30’s, but—disappointingly—this is
among testosterone’s weakest effects.
Studies have shown that the lower your starting blood testosterone
level, the greater the benefits. With rare exceptions, few men before
age 40 will benefit from testosterone, as they still maintain healthy
levels.
The rate of decline varies from one male to another. One 50-year old
man, for instance, might have a blood level of 390 pg/ml, and another
50-year old could have a level of 50 pg/ml. It’s the second man who will
enjoy greater benefits because of the lower starting value.
From a heart health standpoint, potential benefits of testosterone
replacement in men with lower starting levels include:
 |
Want to read the rest of this Track Your Plaque Special Report?
Already a member? CLICK HERE to log-in. |
Copyright 2006, Track Your Plaque.