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Hormonal Update Volume 1 Number 8 Men Have Hormones, Too Who do you think about first when you hear the word hormones? For most of us, it is a woman — more specifically, a woman and menopause. But, what about men? Don’t they have hormones, too? Of course they do, and, in fact, current medical research now defines a male equivalent to menopause referred to as andropause. Most men are not aware of the impact that hormones have on their overall health. They are familiar with the notion that testosterone activates puberty and is largely responsible for their muscle development and voice change during that time. But the whole truth is that hormones play an important role in many other aspects of a man’s health. Studies are now showing that the sex steroid hormones, mainly testosterone, but also DHEA, androstenedione and even estradiol, have an impact on a man’s bone, heart, and sexual health throughout his lifetime. As we enter an era focused more than ever on longevity and anti-aging, men are concentrating on long term health and well being. While they generally do not discuss health concerns in the boardroom or on the tennis court, men will discuss them with their wives or other close family members. Therefore, we are addressing male hormonal health in this bulletin. The more knowledgeable women are about male hormonal health, the more helpful they can be when addressing the health concerns of husbands, fathers, grandfathers, uncles and sons. Hormone Replacement for Men? The decline of a woman’s hormones generally occurs at menopause when her levels drop rapidly and dramatically. Menopause is often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and forgetfulness. In addition, we now know that decreased hormone levels put women at higher risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Men, on the other hand, experience a more gradual decline in hormone levels, for example, losing approximately 1% of their testosterone and 2.5% of their DHEA per year beginning at age 30. Even though men experience a slower hormonal decline than women, lower levels (particularly testosterone) do result in symptoms. Many male discomforts historically attributed to aging are now being looked at from the point of view of declining hormones. What are the common symptoms of andropause?
The Role of Testosterone Sexuality Since Viagra® has come into the marketplace, nearly 8 million prescriptions have been written. This unexpected avalanche indicates that male sexual dysfunction and impotence are more prevalent than was previously thought. Viagra works very well for many men with erectile dysfunction; however, the drug does not work as an aphrodisiac. On the other hand, natural testosterone relieves the same symptoms as Viagra, but can also restore sex drive, potency, vitality, virility, self-confidence and an overall sense of well being.
Heart Health
Insulin Production
Bones and Muscles Testosterone also has a positive effect on muscle building and strength. Weight bearing exercise breaks down muscle fiber while, at the same time, elevating testosterone levels. This process results in increasing muscle mass, therefore making stronger muscles. Since testosterone levels are increased with weight bearing exercise, bones also benefit. Hormone Replacement for Men? Hormone replacement therapy is now regarded by many healthcare providers as the future of preventative medicine for both men and women in the second half of life. We have come to accept as common knowledge that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) benefits women — alleviating short term symptoms while, at the same time, significantly reducing the risk of serious disease. But, can HRT protect men? New clinical studies show that, indeed, testosterone replacement therapy for men may have many protective and overall health benefits including:
Testosterone supplementation requires a doctor’s prescription and is available in a variety of delivery systems. The hormone can be taken orally as a capsule or tablet; as an injection; or, transdermally as an implant, patch, cream, gel or a drop under the tongue (sublingually). Hormone Level Testing and Monitoring Maintaining the natural balance between the body’s sex steroid hormones is crucial. Too little of a particular hormone can lead to debilitating symptoms and long term health risks; while, on the other hand, too much of a hormone can produce unwanted side effects. Previous Hormonal Updates have emphasized the importance of hormone level testing and HRT monitoring for women, but it is no less important for men. Because each person’s body processes hormones in a unique way, establishing baseline hormone levels is essential before beginning HRT. Saliva hormone level testing allows you and your healthcare provider to identify precisely which hormone(s) is needed and the correct HRT dose(s) required to sustain levels within your healthy target range. Male hormonal health is a rapidly emerging area of medicine. And, while it is a much newer sphere of scientific research, we do know that a man’s hormonal profile is as unique to him as a woman’s is to her. Once a baseline level has been established and hormone replacement begun, monitoring hormone levels ensures optimum hormone balance. It is becoming more apparent that hormones play a key role in how a man ages and that HRT for men can be as beneficial as it is for women. What about Prostate Cancer? The main concern raised when considering male testosterone supplementation is potential adverse effects on the prostate gland. The most current scientific data available indicate that natural testosterone administration does not lead to either benign enlargement or pre-clinical or clinical prostate cancer. But, as with women who track breast health with mammograms and self examination, men need to carefully monitor prostate health in partnership with their healthcare provider. Did you know that . . .
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