Thinking Twice About Testosterone Replacement

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!