Testosterone Supplements and Senior Men
Should a guy worry when he feels less energetic, less playful and amorous than he did in the good ol’ days? Do we accept it as an inevitable part of getting older?
You may have seen some of the commercials pointing this out, and suggesting that low testosterone, "low T,” as they call it, may be the culprit. In these ads, the purveyors of prescription promises claim that testosterone replacement therapy can right your ship.
Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for not only your sex drive and sperm production, but also for muscle and bone strength. It is normal for your testosterone levels to decline after the age of 30. Additional health problems besides natural aging may accelerate the process.
Sales of prescription hormones have more than doubled since 2008, reaching $1.6 billion last year, and that’s not even including supplements bought over the counter, according to IMS Health, Inc., a company that analyzes healthcare-related data.
In the commercials and newspaper ads, men are always urged to ask their doctor about low testosterone, so they arrive complaining about the suggested symptoms of feeling fatigued, depressed and without sex drive, which are all common symptoms of a drop in testosterone.
It is estimated that about a quarter to a third of patients tested have levels below normal. However, the symptoms usually have other causes. While lower levels are to be expected with aging, lower than normal scores may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and even coronary artery disease.
Your testosterone levels are determined by a simple blood test. A normal testosterone range is between 300 and 1,200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood. A reading under 300 is considered low.
The currently marketed testosterone treatments come in multiple forms, including injections, patches, pellets, tablets and gels. Many may hope to keep their male hormone levels at those of a 25-year-old. But hoping for that kind of fountain of youth may be a stretch.
Studies found that older men who used testosterone gels saw small improvements in their muscle-to-fat-ratio, but few noticeable benefits to their physical wellbeing in terms of energy, flexibility and endurance. Because of these studies, the benefits of testosterone therapy in addition to physical exercise aren’t clear.
The testosterone supplements may be widely used by men when it really may not be appropriate or may not provide the benefits that they’re looking for.
Side effects are also a concern. Skin irritations such as acne and rashes as well as premature balding and even breast development have been reported in cases of prolonged use of testosterone boosters. There are also risks of liver damage.
Besides the physical effects, there can be a psychological impact as well. Mood swings, irritability and aggressive behavior have been noticed.
To maintain physical vigor as we get older, regular exercise, especially strength and endurance training, may still be the best route. As testosterone therapy brings few if any advantages beyond what could be achieved by exercising alone, stick with a healthy diet and stress management, both issues that grow in importance with aging.
Prostate problems are also common part of growing older for many men. You can, however, take a very comprehensive product that offers relief for enlarged prostate symptoms. This exciting new treatment option can help you reclaim your life from the symptoms of non-bacterial prostatitis and BPH. Your prostate gland tends to enlarge as you age. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. As your prostate enlarges, a layer of tissue surrounding it prevents it from expanding, causing the gland to force against the urethra. The bladder becomes irritable and begins to contract even when it is not full, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder may weaken and lose the ability to completely empty, and some urine will remain in the bladder. This constricting of the urethra and limited voiding of the bladder produce many of the problems associated with BPH.
Early symptoms of BPH may take many years to become bigger problems. In most cases, these symptoms may point to an enlarged prostate, but they may also be a sign that other, more serious conditions that require prompt attention. If you are experiencing these early symptoms, it is a good time to see your doctor.
Prostate problems are a common part of growing older for many men. You can, however, take a very comprehensive formula that includes Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Lycopene, Beta-Sitosterol, Pygeum Africanum and Stinging Nettle, a total of over 30+ ingredients; a very comprehensive formula; Prostate Health Essentials (click here to view). Prostate Health Essentials contains 30+ natural ingredients shown to support prostate health.