Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Both Men and Women can use Testosterone Hormone Replacement!

By Anju Mathur, MD

Hormone replacement therapy, where declining levels of hormones are replaced by supplements of these hormones, is benefiting millions of people. They find it makes life less stressful, supplies more energy to get things done and even decreases wrinkles, improves muscle tone and can help manage type 2 diabetes.

Signs of the Problem

Do these symptoms dog your life?

Reduced libido

Inability to maintain the function of male organs

Less "get up and go" than you used to have

Memory impairment

Sadness, gloominess and nervousness

More chance of coronary disease

Decreased muscle mass

Overweight

Insufficient testosterone hormone causes these symptoms. The hormone involved is called Testosterone, or androgen, and although it is primarily produced in male glands and is thought of as a male hormone, it is also produced in smaller amounts in female glands. Some is also manufactured in adrenal glands. In men, this hormone helps develop muscle, causes facial hair and thicker hair on the body, and the change from a high boy's voice to a lower man's voice as well as helping in the development of the shape of the male body.

Benefits:

Adequate Testosterone

Creates muscle without fat

Improves libido

Better memory and brighter outlook on life

Lowers cholesterol

Makes one energetic

Protects against heart disease

A man with insufficient testosterone may feel nervous, unhappy, confused, have less strength and muscle mass with more fat in the upper part of the body and have a low libido. This hormone causes normal growth and development in men and is key to developing secondary male characteristics.

Most testosterone in the body attaches itself to particular proteins in the blood, although a part of the testosterone is "free." So a test can be done to measure the specific proteins and thus the level of testosterone. The test is normally performed at larger medical facilities. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism (a disease where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones) and obesity increase the particular protein, so in that case a test for "free" testosterone is done. Normally, testosterone increases in the male body until about the age of 40, after which it dwindles.

Because recent studies show that 33% - 45% of men who have type 2 diabetes are affected by an insufficient level of testosterone in the body, it would be a good idea to have testosterone levels tested if you have this condition.

Testosterone in women

Since women's bodies also secrete testosterone, it is not strictly a male hormone. In women testosterone can keep the endocrine system operational and the hormones in balance. Testosterone can help add vital years to life and increase energy and contribute to keeping a woman looking younger.

Testosterone in a woman is normal, just as estrogen in men is normal. The level of testosterone is considerably lower in a woman than a man, but is considered good because it has been proven to increase a woman's libido by increasing the blood flow to the female organs and enhances sensation. Testosterone in women has also been found to improve energy and decrease fatigue, as well as increase a sense of well-being and motivation to perform difference tasks. During the menopausal stage in women when estrogen levels decrease, many take hormone therapy that increases the level of estrogen. As a result, many women integrate testosterone to their daily routines. This has shown to increase their level of energy, decrease depression, decrease triglycerides, and has even been shown to help with bone density. - 14130

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