4 Popular Testosterone Myths Revealed
When we talk about testosterone myths, this topic has its share of a bad rap as the “aggression” hormone that’s somehow the “root cause” of at least the majority of male-dominated social violence. While the absolutely invaluable evolutionary necessity of testosterone, along with its many evident positive effects, is indeed a primarily male-driven hormone that affects men in many of the ways we’ve previously discussed, it’s completely backwards logic to “blame” testosterone for the complex problem of societal violence (or the lack thereof for any absence of same).
In the US, we have also been raised to view “Steroids” through the lens of sports abuse and cheaters watching East German Olympians in the 80s and 90s, issues with Pro Wrestlers and sad stories from steroid abusers like Lyle Alzado. Steroids have certainly seemed like a very unhealthy lifestyle choice.
Things are different today as physicians and scientists have a much better understanding of the benefits of living with a fully functioning endocrine system. 100 years ago the average life span was 48 and today it is 78 years. Many areas of the body do not hold up over time as well as others and require assistance like eye glasses, hearing aids or Lipitor. The same is true with balancing and optimizing the endocrine system. We now understand that a properly balanced endocrine system leads to lower incidence of prostate cancer, stroke, heart attack and mortality.
Busted Testosterone Myths
So let’s take a clear-eyed look at a few of the testosterone myths that are at best based on specious reasoning and at worst, they’re almost completely devoid of scientific examination and study:
Testosterone Myths #1: Testosterone Increases Lead to Prostate Cancer
This proverbial “old wives tale” began with a single study all the way back in 1941 that has since been roundly and soundly disproved many times over (multiple studies). We now know that men with normal testosterone levels have a lower incidence of prostate cancer than men with low levels. We also know that men supplemented from low testosterone levels to normal testosterone levels also have lower incidence of prostate cancer. If you are already undergoing treatment for a prostate condition, it’s always best to consult with your physician and inadvisable unless specifically guided to do so.
Testosterone Myths #2: Increased Testosterone Leads to Violent Behavior
There is absolutely no empirical scientific evidence whatsoever to suggest that an all-natural increase in your testosterone level will lead to any violent or anti-social behavior. In fact, recent studies have shown that healthy social assimilation in all males is strongly linked to higher levels of testosterone, in comparison with males with lower levels. Of course random acts of violence committed by males addicted to anabolic steroids (commonly referred to as “roid rage”) has contributed to the complete fallacy that a natural increase in testosterone is somehow connected to this unfortunately all too common side-effect of steroid drug abuse. To be perfectly clear- An all-natural increase in testosterone will have no negative effect regarding violent behavior and will almost certainly lead to a much greater possibility of pro-social behavior and positive social success in all males.
Testosterone Myths #3: Any Testosterone Increase Will Create Personal Social Conflict
Much like the previous example, this myth simply does not stand up under scrutiny. To the contrary, numerous scientific studies have shown that due to the measurable decrease in both concentration and libido associated with low levels of testosterone, men suffering from this condition are much more inclined to become socially frustrated and, as a result, are much more susceptible to bouts of clinical depression and accompanying depressive, anti-social behaviors.
A properly high level of testosterone, on the other hand, leads to much more properly adjusted mood management and an overall more satisfied, successful and social male!
Testosterone Myths #4: Testosterone Treatment increases Cardiovascular Risk
A Swedish study tested the hypothesis that serum total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels predict cardiovascular events in elderly men. The study found that supplementing, and maintaining, testosterone reduces cardiovascular risks when the levels were maintained above 550ng/dl. The study also found negative correlation between testosterone levels are type 2 diabetes risk.
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4 Popular Testosterone Myths Revealed
Saleamp Design October 14th, 2016
Posted In: Low T Info
Tags: aggression, anti-social, cardiovascular, death, depression, heart attack, prostate cancer, steroids, stroke, testosterone, testosterone myths, testosterone therapy, testosterone treatment, unhealthy, violence, violent
Testosterone Levels’ Link to General Health in Men
A study has shown that serum testosterone concentration in men may have links to fitness and health levels that can serve as an indicator of general health. These studies are exploring how testosterone content may affect all-cause mortality in older men and what it may mean for men as they age.
Testosterone Concentration in Men
Testosterone (T) is a hormone produced by males in the testicles after a communication pathway called the HPA axis from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland through the adrenals and to the gonads. While it is also present by women, it is produced in much higher concentrations in men. It is responsible for maintaining energy, bone density, muscles mass, sperm production and sex drive, along with other traits, and is associated with maintaining many of the characteristics associated with men.
The level of T concentration in men peaks and declines at given points in their lifetime. In general, serum T concentration is highest in adolescence and young adulthood, when it is at its peak. However, as men age, its levels commonly undergo a steady decline. Men peak at age and experience a range of one to two percent decline in their concentration.
Testosterone levels and their links to health
Scientists have been exploring possible links of testosterone as an indicator of men’s health conditions, studying the correlation of low T with general health and mortality.
One study has discovered that while a decline in men’s T levels of one to two percent is considered normal, a sudden and immediate drop in testosterone concentration may be associated with an increased probability of mortality. Based on observations, a low level of serum testosterone concentration in men is seen as associated with risk factors such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. However, while these conditions may be associated with illnesses and premature death, the FDA is not saying they see a direct causational effect between decreasing testosterone and longevity.
Scientific Testosterone Studies
Currently, available studies tackling the topic have produced mixed results. In one study researching a sample of 794 men, it was concluded that men whose testosterone levels were in the lowest quartile of test subjects were at a 40% greater risk of mortality in comparison to those men who had higher levels. A 15 year study of US military veterans also showed that men with low T levels, treated under physician guidance and supplemented back to normal levels above 500, had lower incidence of heart attack, stroke, prostate cancer and death.
In an effort to consolidate all the data and results from these previous researches, a newer study examined multiple works from 1966 to 2010 in order to gain a clearer and more definitive understanding of testosterone levels and mortality. In addition to testosterone levels, it also took into account lifestyle factors, age and other characteristics that may affect results.
Low Testosterone and Higher Mortality or Cardiovascular Risk
Ultimately, the research concluded that a decline in total testosterone was linked with cardiovascular mortality by 25% and with higher susceptibility to general, all-cause mortality by 35%.
The study did note that other factors may influence the relative risk that was determined in the study. Among these, researchers noted the age of the population studied, the total testosterone level and the amount of years the patient followed up as possible sources of differences within the study. The study also observed the most susceptible demographics for larger relative risks. These included patients with lower levels of testosterone, older men and patients who followed up for a smaller amount of years.
As a conclusion, the data gathered from this research establishes low T as a possible basis or indicator of general health in men. However, while it may be seen as a marker of higher susceptibility to all-cause mortality, it is not strictly a direct source of it. Overall, there remains much to be learned about the two.
Hormone Therapeutics
Aside from being and indicator of one’s general well-being, testosterone levels and hormone balance are traits that can greatly affect one’s quality of life. As men age, it becomes important to monitor these factors in order to gain a better idea of one’s health and fitness.
Hormone Therapeutics specializes in assisting people with endocrine-related concerns in order to help them monitor and regulate the level of hormones in their bodies. If you have any inquiries regarding your testosterone level and what it means for you, Hormone Therapeutics can help you jumpstart your life and provide you with the answers you need.
Testosterone Levels’ Link to General Health in Men
Saleamp Design April 12th, 2016
Posted In: Testosterone Therapy
Tags: adrenals, bone density, cardiovascular, energy, health, hormone replacement therapy, HPA axis, hypothalamus, low t, low testosterone, mortality, muscles mass, pituitary glands, sex drive, sperm, testosterone, testosterone therapy
Testosterone Therapy study shows reduced risk of Heart Attack, Stroke and Death
83,000 US Military veteran patients were studied to understand the risks and benefits of Testosterone Therapy for patients diagnosed with low testosterone. The study found that men diagnosed with ‘Low T’ and restored to normal testosterone levels through physician guidance had lower risks of heart attack, lower risks of stroke, and lower risks of death than the men who lived with low testosterone levels. This study indicates that testosterone therapy improves heart health.
Testosterone Therapy improves heart health. “Normalization of testosterone level is associated with reduced incidence of myocardial infarction and mortality in men.” – European Heart Journal
This study was published in August, 2016 in the European Heart Journal after reviewing the cases of 83,000 US Veterans, over the age of 50, treated between 1999 and 2014. One of the groups tested showed that Men treated being treated with Testosterone Therapy were 24% less likely to suffer a heart attack, 36% less likely to suffer a stroke and 56% less likely to die during the follow-up period. The studies results seem to advocate for testosterone replacement therapy, however Dr. Barua stresses the need for “appropriate screening, selection, dosing, and follow-up of patients to maximize the benefit of testosterone therapy. Patients who failed to achieve the therapeutic range after testosterone replacement therapy did not see a reduction in [heart attack] or stroke and had significantly less benefit on mortality.”
Hormone Therapeutics agrees that one clear point in the study is that patients were under physician guidance and their testosterone therapy was only shown to be beneficial when bringing the patients back from low testosterone levels to normal testosterone levels. It’s important to note that this study did not show health benefits from patients who were not brought back to normal levels. This is also not an analysis of men taking high dosages of Testosterone past normal levels and what that does to one’s health. While traditionally, testosterone therapy has not been prescribed with a goal of improving heart health, this study should lead to more studies to look at that possibility.
Click here to read more about this study from the medical community: Science Daily Article
Testosterone Therapy study shows reduced risk of Heart Attack, Stroke and Death
Saleamp Design January 4th, 2016
Posted In: Health & Wellness, Low T Info, Testosterone Therapy
Tags: benefits of testosterone, cardiovascular, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular health, cardiovascular risk, health, heart disease, low testosterone levels, myocardial infarction, quality of life, testosterone therapy
Testosterone Therapy Study Shows an Increase in Longevity
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
Posted In: Health & Wellness, Low T Info, Testosterone Therapy
Tags: anti-aging, benefits of testosterone, benefits to your body, cardiovascular, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular health, cardiovascular risk, decreased cardiac risk, decreased heart risk, Hormone Replacement physician, hormone replacement therapy, Improved health, increased longevity, life expectancy, longevity, low testosterone, low testosterone levels, lower cardiovascular risk, lower health risks, myocardial infarction, quality of life, Testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone therapy
No Link between Testosterone Therapy and Heart Attack Risk According to World Health
World Health and the American Academy of Anti-Aging medicine have stated that after examining the research completed by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston examining Medicare claims of 25,420 beneficiaries treated with testosterone therapy for up to eight years that, “testosterone therapy did not associate with an increased risk of heart attack”. The group also states that the study further showed that testosterone users with a higher probability of cardiovascular problems had a lower rate of heart attacks in comparison to equivalent patients who did not receive testosterone therapy.
No link between Testosterone and Heart Attack Risk
This is very exciting news to see an additional study show that testosterone therapy, under the proper guidance of a physician, lessens ones risk for heart attack according to this study. Go through our other blogs to find further analysis and studies and read for yourself on how testosterone therapy decreases the risk for heart attacks, strokes, prostate cancer and death.
No Link between Testosterone Therapy and Heart Attack Risk According to World Health
Saleamp Design February 8th, 2015
Posted In: Testosterone Therapy
Tags: cardiovascular, heart attack, heart attack risk, heart disease, low t, lower rate of heart attacks, problems, t therapy, testosterone therapy, university of texas, university of texas medical branch at galveston, world health
Increased Risk of Non-Fatal Myocardial Infarction Following Testosterone Therapy Prescription in Men
An association between Testosterone Therapy and Cardiovascular disease has been reported following an analysis of past insurance claims by Consolidated Research, Inc.
The entire original 1/29/14 publication from the PLoS One online journal is available for your review here.
Increased Risk of Non-Fatal Myocardial Infarction Following Testosterone Therapy Prescription in Men
Hormone Therapeutics April 29th, 2014
Posted In: Testosterone Therapy
Tags: cardiovascular, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular health, heart disease, low t, low testosterone levels, medical research, myocardial infarction, problems with testosterone, testosterone, testosterone research, testosterone therapy
