by Nicole Maxwell, NMD
Are you or a loved one curious about testosterone replacement therapy, also known as TRT? Testosterone naturally begins declining in men between 30 and 40 years of age. Fortunately, age related testosterone decline can be treated in a variety of ways. With proper testing and guidance, men can experience normal levels of testosterone providing energy and stamina well into advanced age.
I’ve provided some of my favorite links to reliable information to consider if you are thinking about a testosterone prescription.
Overview of Testosterone
Here is a very thorough article exploring symptoms, causes, and treatment of low testosterone:
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone
Labs
Appropriate labs that must to be done before starting TRT and are available at our office. Here is a link that talks about appropriate lab markers: https://ndnr.com/mens-health/testosterone-drops-anti-aging-for-male-baby-boomers/#
Many wonder what method of testing to choose. I prefer serum and saliva testing.
- Saliva measures the “unbound” biologically active or free hormone levels in the body. When blood is filtered through the salivary glands, the bound hormone components are too large to pass through the cell membranes of the salivary glands. Only the unbound hormones pass through and into the saliva. What is measured in the saliva is considered the “free”, or bioavailable hormone, that which will be delivered to the receptors in the tissues of the body.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/site-akiajqrf22xmaqzsiz6q/Sample+Reports/ Comprehensive+Hormone+Sample+Report+(Female).pdf - Serum is the most universally accepted testing method due to the availability of FDA cleared analyzers that are reliable and inexpensive.
- Urine testing looks at the full complement of sex hormones and metabolites – here is a sample report:
https://dutchtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DUTCH-Plus-Male-Sample-Report-01_24_19.pdf
The risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy
PROS: Numerous studies show the benefits of TRT with reducing cardiovascular disease risk, improving metabolic dysfunction, improving glycemic control and body composition. https://ndnr.com/naturopathic-news/testosterone-therapy-could-increase-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke/ We do, however, need more long-term studies as the next bullet demonstrates.
CONS: There has been one study showing that there may be a 21% increased risk of a cardiovascular event especially in the first two years of TRT and then it seems to be cardioprotective.
https://ndnr.com/mens-health/testosterone-cv-risk-in-men/
Testosterone Modifiers
Many things we do daily affect our hormones. Testosterone modifiers are crucial to address. Your naturopathic physician can review diet, lifestyle, medication, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar, and hormonally active chemicals in our environment. Here’s a great article exploring this topic: https://ndnr.com/mens-health/testosterone-modifiers/
I’d Love to Help
I have been working with men’s health for 17 years and would be happy to assist you or a loved one with anti-aging medicine. Please contact us at www.boisenaturalhealth.com.