Thinking Twice About
Testosterone Replacement, by Dr Corey Schuler
Testosterone replacement therapy can be a
necessary medical intervention in some men for conditions such as sexual
dysfunction, depression, and chronic fatigue. However, there are known risks.
Popularity of testosterone prescriptions are skyrocketing, but who is it safest
for and who is at the greatest risk of early cardiovascular death and heart
attack? How do consumers make decisions in combination with their doctor without
knowing the consequences? Ultimately you have to rely on the experience and
knowledge of your provider, but having the right information in front of you can
only help the decision process.
In a recent publication from
Endocrine Today, evidence suggests that a new subset of men
should not use testosterone replacement therapy. Men with obstructive coronary
artery disease have higher risk of death and heart attack when using
testosterone replacement therapy.
But that leaves some questions, doesn't
it? What if you've had a coronary angiograph which confirmed obstruction or
perhaps had an angioplasty or stent to correct obstruction and also have
confirmed or suspected low testosterone levels? Are you just out of luck with no
therapy for the hormone imbalance?
Symptoms of hormone imbalance in aging
men are not limited to sexual dysfunction. Rather, depression, poor sleep, poor
recovery from activity, poor stamina, libido (sex drive), lack of energy, and
decreased strength and performance may all be symptoms of hormone imbalance. We
also note that stress and poor blood sugar control can deteriorate men's
hormones at an accelerated rate as well. Does this sound familiar? If so, read
on.
We often suggest lifestyle modification such as weight loss, stopping
smoking, and increasing exercise, especially activities such as weight training
and sprinting to improve hormone balance in aging men, but the reality is that
besides stopping smoking, these are quite tall orders for those who have
obstructive coronary artery disease. Thirty minutes of weight lifting or daily
sprinting probably isn't going to be approved by the cardiologist or cardiac
rehab therapist. Not to mention that
poor hormone balance often makes losing weight
difficult.
Getting back to the basics of health, the pillars of good
living, may be the answer along with specific products to support hormone
balance.
From a diet perspective, adequate protein is an absolute must to
stop the breakdown of muscle in aging men. Supplemental protein shakes are often
a good way to go if appetite isn't great or cooking isn't your strong suit. If
you can tolerate whey protein, it seems to be one of the best sources. It raises
glutathione levels which is important from an antioxidant perspective and also
contains branch chain amino acids which support muscle health. Vegan protein
powders are a bit easier on the body. These contain hemp, pea, and/ or rice but
often times are much lower in protein content. Shoot for 20 grams per shake.
Nuts and seeds provide excellent protein from plant sources as well. Vegetable
and plant nutrients cannot be understated for general heart health and all
doctors and practitioners should be encouraging this behavior.
From a
dietary supplement side,
Revolution
Macalibrium is a tested formula of specific phenotypes of maca (
Lepidium
peruvianum). Maca has a rich history of supporting men's hormone health;
however, research has shown that there are specific phenotypes ideal for men’s
hormonal health. Revolution Macalibrium not only has these exact phenotypes but
has concentrated levels of the full spectrum of active constituents ten to
twenty times higher than the levels found in raw maca which is why doctors and
patients are getting such strong results quickly. This is a foundational product
that works through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis to help a man make
his own hormones versus relying on hormones from outside of the body. A man's
own hormones made by him is much safer since nothing is more natural than your
own hormones.
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially those rich in EPA
and DHA are recommended. If a man has high triglycerides, the American Heart
Association suggest 2.4 grams of EPA + DHA per day. This seems like a prudent
suggestion for all men facing either hormone imbalance, obstructive coronary
artery disease, or life in the modern world. Reducing inflammation and
supporting cell membrane health are just two well known mechanisms of omega-3
fatty acids and since the human body doesn't make its own omega-3's it has to
rely on us to ingest them every day. I prefer high EPA products. Some products
contains as much as 1060 mg of EPA and 274 mg of DHA per 2 capsules. Two
capsules twice per day is ideal to hit this goal dose of 2.4 grams. Be wary of
lower doses or you'll end up taking 8 capsules per day. Many products will
contain 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. This is perhaps suitable for the
percentage of the population that gets nearly adequate dietary omega-3 fatty
acids and is already healthy.
Other interventions and
supplements may be indicated given your history and complicating factors, and in
that case we recommend working with a doctor who understands your condition and
also natural approaches. Click
here to find a practitioner close to you.
So, if you
know a man considering testosterone replacement and also has obstructive
coronary artery disease, arm them with this important information so he can make
an empowered decision.
To review Natural Health International's Revolution Pro, please visit the following link to our website:
http://www.evolvingnutrition.com/Product-Categories/Mens-Health/RevolutionPRO
If you have additional questions, please contact us at (800) 458-0891, ext 23 or via email at
info@evolvingnutrition.com . We are always here to help!
