Treating Low Testosterone Levels
Say the word testosterone and the image of a virile man comes to mind. However, a man lacking testosterone stands to suffer more than just a bruised ego. Low levels of testosterone can are associated with a number of medical conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease, heightened cancer risk to loss of muscle. More than 4 million men in US have low testosterone levels. It is very much under-diagnosed and only a small percentage of men are receiving treatment. Men begin losing testosterone at a rate of about 3% per year starting in the last 30’s to early 40’s.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone (or “Low T”)
- Loss of strength
- Increased belly fat
- Impaired brain function (can’t concentrate)
- Disrupted sleep
- Loss Libido/impaired sexual function
- General fatigue
Benefits of Testosterone Therapy
Although it is becoming more and more recognized by mainstream medicine as a serious public health issue, it is not fully understood by many main stream doctors. There is a persistent misconception that increasing hormone levels can increase prostate cancer risk. In fact, low testosterone can increase cancer risk. Studies show increasing the hormone in middle-aged men can reduce bad cholesterol levels and inflammatory bio-markers associated with heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome. Long term testosterone therapy can greatly improve a man’s appearance, strength, sexual potency, mood and brain function; all while reducing the risks of serious chronic diseases.
Be sure to see a physician familiar with hormone replacement for men. It should be part of a comprehensive program designed to improve your overall health status.