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Low testosterone (Low T) is a common condition that affects men, and army veterans are at an increased risk for this condition. Army Vets Low T risks can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, decreased libido, and decreased muscle mass. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment option for men with Low T, and it has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and overall quality of life. In this blog, we will explore why army veterans are at risk for Low T and how TRT can help improve their health and wellbeing.

Why Army Vets Low T Risks lead to Testosterone Therapy consideration

Army veterans are at an increased risk for Low T due to a variety of factors. One of the main reasons is exposure to stress and trauma during combat. The stress and trauma of combat can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates the production of testosterone in the body. When the HPG axis is disrupted, it can lead to decreased testosterone levels. In addition to stress and trauma, other factors that can contribute to Low T in army veterans include:
  1. Age: As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decrease peaking at 19 and declining 1-2% in the best of conditions. Army veterans who are older may have accelerated their decline through stressful service.
  2. Injuries: Army veterans who have suffered injuries, particularly to the testicles or TBI (traumatic brain injury), may experience decreased testosterone production.
  3. Medications: Certain medications, such as opioids and steroids, can decrease testosterone production.
  4. Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for Low T, and many army veterans struggle with weight gain after leaving the military.
  5. Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is common among army veterans, and it has been linked to decreased testosterone production.

Symptoms of Low T in Army Veterans

The symptoms of Low T in army veterans can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common Low T symptoms include that patients on TRT programs see improvements in:
  1. Fatigue: Low T can cause fatigue and a lack of energy.
  2. Decreased libido: Army veterans with Low T may experience a decrease in sex drive.
  3. Decreased muscle mass: Low T can cause a loss of muscle mass and strength.
  4. Weight gain: Low T can cause weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
  5. Mood changes: Low T can cause mood swings, irritability, and depression.
  6. Erectile dysfunction: Low T can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

TRT can be an effective treatment option for army veterans with Low T. Some of the potential benefits of TRT include:
  1. Increased energy: TRT can help boost energy levels, reducing fatigue and improving overall quality of life.
  2. Improved libido: TRT can help increase sex drive and improve sexual function.
  3. Increased muscle mass: TRT can help increase muscle mass and strength.
  4. Weight loss: TRT can help promote weight loss, particularly around the midsection.
  5. Improved mood: TRT can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and irritability.
  6. Improved bone density: TRT can help increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Risks and Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

While TRT can be an effective treatment option, it is not without risks and side effects. Some potential risks and side effects include:
  1. Increased risk of blood clots: TRT can increase the risk of blood clots, which can be dangerous.  Make sure your provider tests for and reviews Hematocrit levels.
  2. Acne: TRT can cause acne and other skin reactions.
  3. Breast tissue growth: TRT can cause breast tissue to grow in some men if Estradiol levels and the ratio of Total Testosterone : Estradiol is left un checked and not managed.
  4. Sleep apnea: TRT can worsen sleep apnea in some men

Army vets Low T risks and benefits from Testosterone therapy

sa_admin March 21st, 2023

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Any significant research into TRT will likely also discuss aromatase inhibitor and estrogen management.  You will definitely find this on the ‘Bro-Science’ bodybuilding sites focusing on bulking and supraphysiological dosages of testosterone and other anabolic-androgenic steroids that aromatize to estrogen and estradiol.  

What is an aromatase inhibitor  and what does it do?  

Aromatase is the enzyme complex that converts androgens like testosterone into estradiol in men.  Weight gain and aging increase the risk for testosterone conversion into estradiol.  Estradiol is the “bad estrogen”, responsible for issues including (often) prostate issues, gynocomastia and erectile/libido/hormonal problems. Men find aromotase in their fat cells and as they expand our estradiol will find itself increasing at the same time our testosterone levels dwindle.   

An aromatase inhibitors binds to aromatase, disabling it. 

Why take an aromatase inhibitor?

AIs will reduce Estradiol levels.  Symptoms of high estradiol include gynecomastia (male breast development and enlargement) and edema (fluid retention in the extremities).

Avoid or Reverse Gynecomastia – Estradiol plays a major role in gynocomastia and an AI like Arimidex (anastrozole) – occasionally letrozole is used – is quite effective in managing estradiol levels.  The most important thing is to blood test and measure the estradiol levels and look at is on it’s own and as a % of Total Testosterone levels.   if a man goes over a total testosterone of about 600 ng/dl, he will very likely need an aromatase inhibitor.  The symptoms for elevated estradiol can mimic those for low testosterone, including  mood issues, low libido, erectile dysfunction and other estrogenic side effects.

Did you really want to see a before pic?

Did you really want to see a before pic?

Clinical research has looked into the use of aromatase inhibitors as an option to testosterone replacement in older men, and to delay bone closure in adolescent boys who are short, to allow them to gain more height. 

 

Is Estradiol important?  Role in men of Estradiol:

Since Estradiol is known as a female hormone and elevated levels can cause gynecomastia or edema, many men believe they need to eliminate or suppress it.  This is not true, the body produces estrogens in men because we need it.

Estradiol is important in determining bone mineral density in men. Low levels may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis in elderly men.  Low estradiol levels increase fat and decrease sex drive and erectile function.

We do not know the optimal estreadiol range but do know that low levels are not good.  We also believe taking anastrozole without clinically diagnosed high estradiol levels and symptoms (gynecomastia and edema) can be counterproductive for men on testosterone therapy.  Get your advice from a trained HRT/TRT physician and not someone in the gym or a “Bro-science” website. 

Potential side effects of Aromatase inhibitors

Aromatase deficiency has been linked to increased insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Animal studies have shown that an absence of aromatase in male rats increases insulin resistance as well as body fat, and “fatty liver” develops. When young, healthy men were given an aromatase inhibitor, they developed slightly increased body fat, particularly within the waist (i.e., intra-abdominal fat). This type of fat is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, which includes insulin resistance.

Patients with low testosterone should be wary of automatically using aromatase inhibitors, due to a number of potential metabolic effects. For the AAS using bodybuilder, aromatase inhibitors can be necessary to combat aromatization from supraphysiologic testosterone and other AAS dosages.  The most important thing is to work under the guidance of a trained HRT/TRT physician and get tested regularly.

 

Aromatase inhibitor benefits and side effects as part of Testosterone Therapy

Saleamp Design September 13th, 2016

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The FDA approved a new treatment for women with sexual desire disorder, medically known as Hypo-Active Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).  The pill, nicknamed the Female Viagra, will only be available through healthcare providers. HSDD is characterized through low sexual preference that reasons marked distress or interpersonal issue and isn’t due to a co-existing medical or psychiatric situation, troubles inside the courting, or the effects of a medication or other drug substance. HSDD is received while it develops in a patient who formerly had no troubles with sexual desire. HSDD is generalized when it occurs irrespective of the sort of sexual hobby, the state of affairs or the sexual accomplice. This female sexual desire treatment had been under scrutiny for many years prior by the FDA due to the number of side effect by its previous male version of the drug; but which is now irrelevant. 

Here is the press release by the FDA:

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm458734.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Female sexual desire treatment approved by FDA

Saleamp Design August 20th, 2015

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A new study, utilizing research data from Veteran Affairs showed that veterans utilizing testosterone replacement therapy had less chance of suffering from heart attack, stroke, or death compared than veterans who were not on testosterone treatment.  The study examined over 83,000 veterans who were diagnosed with low testosterone by the Veterans Affair Medical Center over a 15 year period from 1999 to 2014.

One of the key aspects to healthier outcomes was testosterone therapy that returned the veteran to normal testosterone levels v. higher and supra-physiological levels of testosterone supplementation

Here is a link to an article about the study in Science Times:

http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/7093/20150813/testosterone-replacement-could-benefit-veterans-cardiovascular-health-study-shows.htm

Testosterone Benefits Cardio Issues in Veterans Pending New Research

Saleamp Design August 20th, 2015

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New studies are coming out showing the benefits of Testosterone Therapy bringing men back to normal testosterone levels are improving life expectancy in men and decreasing their risks for heart attack or stroke.  The key finding in this study co-authored by a researchers at the University of Kansas and in India was that the patients testosterone levels were supplemented adequately to reach normal levels.

Learn more about this August 2015 study here

 

Testosterone Therapy Study Shows an Increase in Longevity

Saleamp Design August 18th, 2015

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Whether exercise is a passion or a labor of love you force yourself to do to stay healthy we all understand the benefits of exercise for cardiovascular health and building muscle but there are many other benefits to your health, body, mind and well-being. Scientists are learning more about how exercise boosts brain function. These benefits happen for all ages and fitness levels to provide you mental benefits. Here are unexpected ways that working out can benefit mental health, relationships, and lead to a healthier and happier life overall.

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Twelve Lesser Known Benefits of Exercise

Hormone Therapeutics July 21st, 2014

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Did you know that one of the best ways to increase your testosterone levels is through sleep? While you sleep, assuming you have lengthy, quality sleep, your body increases testosterone production. This is why your testosterone levels daily peak at 8 a.m. and then decreases to a low at about 8 p.m.

Quality sleep brings testosterone back up to optimal levels. During sleeping, your body turns on its Testosterone production engine and delivers extra testosterone to your system in rhythmic cycles based at various basic sleep stages. Because of the way your body produces testosterone, the more uninterrupted sleep you have, the more testosterone you will produce.

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How does Sleep Effect Testosterone Levels?

Hormone Therapeutics April 29th, 2014

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