Low Testosterone Levels Linked to Obesity in Men
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Researchers have confirmed that obesity is linked to low testosterone levels in men.
Results of the Hypogonadism in Males (HIM) study, which involved more than 2000 men aged 45 and over, revealed that the prevalence of lower-than-normal testosterone levels was 40% in obese men and 50% in obese diabetic men.
In comparison, 26% of normal weight men were found to have subnormal testosterone levels.
The study also showed that the mean free testosterone concentration of diabetic men was significantly lower than that of non-diabetic men, with free testosterone levels dropping by 7.8 pg/ml/decade in non-diabetic and 8.4 pg/ml/decade in diabetic men.
"The effect of diabetes on lowering testosterone levels was similar to that of a weight gain of approximately 20 pounds," says study author Sandeep Dhindsa, MD, an endocrinology specialist in the University of Buffalo Department of Medicine.
"In view of the fact that almost one-third of the U.S. is obese, these observations have profound pathophysiological, clinical, epidemiological, and public health implications."
As men age, they begin to experience changes in their bodies.
Abdominal fat increases and muscle mass decreases.
Men also experience a distressing decline in their sex drive (libido) and sexual function.
At the same time, the risk of serious health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, depression and heart disease rises.
Women go into Menopause and have a decline in very important female hormones.
Men also experience a similar situation in which they have a decline in very important male hormones and this is called Andropause.
Medical research shows that in a man who is a candidate for hormone optimization, restoration of youthful hormone levels is associated with optimal sexual function, energy, and vitality, while declining hormone levels correlate with many age-related conditions, including high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, loss of muscle and bone mass, and fatigue.
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Male Andropause
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Take The Test
Symptoms of Andropause (the Male Menopause) include:
Decreased Libido/Sex Drive: decreased interest in sex and decreased sexual satisfaction, erectile dysfunction
Increased fatigue
Depression and changes in mood, irritability
Memory Loss, decreased mental acuity, decreased concentration
Increased body fat (abdominal fat) and decreased muscle tone
Increased heart disease
Increased cortisol- the stress hormone that can lead to multiple degenerative effects of the brain, immune system and arteries
Hormone replacement, if clinically indicated, and hormone balancing can help to reverse all of these symptoms.
Take the Hormone
Imbalance/Deficiency Test to determine if you might be a candidate for hormone optimization.
Male Andropause Symptom Test
For each symptom, select the frequency that you are experiencing each one.
Add up the score and see the chart below
0=NEVER;
1=RARELY;
2=OCCASIONALLY;
3= USUALLY;
4= OFTEN
1.Feelings of being excessively stressed out
2.Loss of physical fitness
3.Heavy drinking in the past or present
4.Backache, joint pains or stiffness
5.Decreased intensity of orgasms
6.Loss of morning erections
7.Erection problems during sex
8.Loss of sex drive or libido
9.Relationship problems with partner
10.Loss of memory or concentration
11.Anxiety or nervousness
12.Irritability, anger or bad temper
13.Depression, low or negative mood
14.Fatigue, tiredness or loss of energy
SCORING:
0-14: Male Andropause Unlikely
14-28: Male Andropause Possible
29-38: Male Andropause Probable
39-48: Male Andropause Definite
49-56: Male Andropause Advanced Stages
What is your total score?
HORMONE IMBALANCE/DEFICIENCY TEST FOR MEN
Read through the list of symptoms in each group.
In any group where you have two or more symptoms checked off, there is a good chance that you have the hormone imbalance/deficiency represented by that group.
The more symptoms you have, the higher the likelihood that you have the hormone imbalance/deficiency represented by that group.
The only way to determine hormone imbalances/deficiencies is to have lab testing done by an experienced Age Management Medicine Physician.
SYMPTOM GROUP 1:
Decreased Libido (Sex Drive), Softer Erections, Loss of Early Morning Erection, Loss of Muscle, Decreased Energy and Stamina, Fatigue, Memory Problems, Enlarged Breasts, Increased Body Fat.
Symptom Group 1 indicates:
TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY: this is most common in men after age 40 as men enter the andropause. Bio-Identical Testosterone replacement, increased muscle training and supplemental nutritional and hormonal supplements can help to eliminate this deficiency.
SYMPTOM GROUP 2:
Hair Loss, Prostate Enlargement, Headaches, Breast Enlargement, Irritability, Weight Gain, Bloating/Water Retention. Increased Body Fat.
Symptom Group 2 indicates: EXCESS ESTROGEN:
As men age and Testosterone declines, Estrogen can increase and cause an imbalance. Conversion of testosterone can also happen when men consume alcohol or smoke marijuana. Some men have higher estrogen levels than Post-Menopausal women. In men, estrogen excess can be balanced by replacing other male hormones, if they are deficient, or by blocking the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.Changes in diet and lifestyle with proper exercise can also help to correct this imbalance.
SYMPTOM GROUP 3:
Hair Loss, Prostate Enlargement, Difficulty urinating,Decreased urinary stream.
Symptom Group 3 indicates: EXCESS DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE:
some men convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This is commonly seen when testosterone is replaced using a patch or cream/gel method. When testosterone is absorbed by the skin, one of the side effect s is conversion to dihydrotestosterone. Testosterone conversion to Dihydrotestosterone can be blocked with a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, such as finasteride.
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Male Andropause, and specifically a low testosterone level, can negatively impact a man's sense of well-being, his quality of life, his relationships and his health. This most recent medical study shows the effects of a low testosterone level on obesity.
It is important that every man over the age of 40 be evaluated for hormone imbalances and deficiencies- especially if the man is experiencing any symptoms.
Proper evaluation and treatment can open the door to health, happiness and well-being.
Sincerely,
Ana Casas M.D., Board Certified, Internal Medicine ;Board Certified Integrative Holistic and Board Certified Age Management Medicine
Atlanta Age Management Medicine
Phone:
404-210-9969
Fax:
770-205-6252
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