Testosterone Has Many Benefits for Men
Both Men and Women May Benefit from This Hormone
Oct 20, 2008
Testosterone, in its bio-identical hormone form, has a growing legion of supporters. Those who proclaim the benefits of this hormone, are adamant about its powers to prevent degenerative conditions. According to those who use and believe in testosterone, both men and women can benefit greatly from it.
Testosterone Benefits for Men
According to Neal Rouzier, M.D. in How to Achieve Healthy Aging (WorldLink Medical Publishing, 2007) low testosterone levels in men are responsible for the bulk of men’s physical and mental decline. Rouzier claims that the addition of testosterone can change the course of male andropause, the male version of women’s menopause. All men experience andropause because of the natural drop in testosterone levels.
Besides being a powerful aphrodisiac, adding testosterone improves a man’s emotional state, keeping one from becoming a “grumpy old man.” The author goes on to say that depression may actually be the effects of low testosterone levels. Most doctors, however, treat depressed men with antidepressants, which may tend to lower the testosterone levels even further.
Middle age spread is also related to low testosterone levels. These "pot bellies" and "spare tires" can lead to an increased risk of Type II Diabetes because of the increase in visceral and belly fat.
Osteoporosis is another degenerative condition that can develop because of low testosterone levels.
Protection Against Cancer
Rouzier states that “…optimal levels of testosterone are the prostate’s best resource to health and longevity…Prostrate cancer and benign prostate hypertrophy are age-related diseases. When testosterone is at its highest, prostates are healthy” (p 136-137).
Dr. Rouzier cites numerous studies in his book, including one from the New England Journal of Medicine that demonstrates that testosterone does not promote prostate cancer. In fact, he goes on to say, “There is no medical expert or medical study demonstrating an increased risk of cancer with testosterone administered at optimal levels” (137).
Brain and Heart Protection
Perhaps one of the most feared conditions that often accompanies aging is the loss of one’s mental faculties. Rouzier states, “A groundbreaking study has revealed testosterone may be a protective accessory to the brain in evading Alzheimer’s disease” (135).
Heart disease also can be prevented with testosterone (132). From decreasing the incidence of heart disease, to decreasing cholesterol levels, to increasing the production of nitric oxide, Rouzier emphasizes that the “…well studied and documented benefit of testosterone is the single most important reason all men should be on optimal testosterone replacement” (134).
Controversy over Bio-Identical Hormones
Despite this book and several others (most notably Suzanne Somers' books) proclaiming the safety and benefits of bio-identical hormones, not everyone agrees with those who champion this treatment. Most notably, the FDA in conjunction with major pharmaceutical companies, has raised objections to the “natural hormone” approach. In fact, recent rulings have risen preventing compounding pharmacies and alternative medical practitioners from advertising these products.
It seems the biggest objection to bio-identical hormones is the lack of long term clinical trials verifying their safety. Those who support bio-identical hormone usage, however, claim that pharmaceutical companies disapprove of them because they cannot obtain patents on “natural ingredients.”
The Fountain of Youth
Perhaps the greatest danger in the bio-identical hormone proclamations, is when these products are essentially touted as the “fountain of youth,” promising vigor, mental acuity, physical health and stamina, sexual prowess, and a host of other benefits. Or, could it be that bio-identical hormones are, indeed, the “fountain of youth”?
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