Testosterone Deficiency

I’m sure most of you tribal members are at or near the peak of your testosterone levels (YEEEHAWW!!) but some of you have probably begun to exchange hormone levels for wisdom. By that I mean, as we age (and hopefully get smarter!) our hormone levels quite naturally decline and this can have serious consequences in the gym and to our health if untreated. A significant deficiency of testosterone can have just as serious health consequences as a deficiency of insulin.

Usually this natural decline begins to be noticeable in the late 40’s early 50’s but I am often surprised at how low some younger guys testosterone levels are. The right weight training and diet can help boost hormone levels but will not completely prevent this decline. This usually slow and gradual decline of not only testosterone but also DHEA and growth hormone as well is largely responsible for the 40 year old love handles, for the tougher recovery after workouts and for getting less bang for our buck in the gym.

The loss of our own natural anabolic hormones has all these obvious effects plus less noticeable but equally important effects-high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, osteoporosis, a weakened immune system, plus psychological effects including lack of motivation, loss of sex drive, low self confidence, even depression and to some the worst of all-poor sexual performance (let’s just say “hard” isn’t the first word that comes to mind!)

While I am NOT a proponent of synthetic anabolic steroids, I do feel strongly that those who do suffer from low testosterone levels should seek treatment. Testosterone deficiency is easily diagnosed and easily treated. For those with the signs and symptoms of this condition the diagnosis can be confirmed by a free and total serum (blood) testosterone levels (a 24-hour urine collection or a simple saliva test). It’s also important to check estrogen levels at the same time (a high estrogen level will offset testosterone’s effects).

I prefer to treat this condition with a natural testosterone cream that patients apply to their inner biceps area or behind the knees. Other options are intramuscular injections, subcutaneously implanted pellets or oral testosterone pills.

Make no mistake, this is a real medical condition and treatment should be under the care of an experienced physician.

By the way, though it is known as a male hormone, testosterone is important for women for many of the same reasons, and it is also easily diagnosed and treated, though in a slightly different manner.