BHRT for Men
Testosterone is a vital male hormone that plays a significant role in maintaining overall health and well-being. From about 30 years of age, male testosterone levels naturally decline by approximately 2 to 3% per year, which can lead to various symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, muscle loss, metabolic dysfunction and mood changes. Testosterone optimization therapy aims to optimize testosterone levels, offering numerous longevity and wellness benefits.
Benefits of Testosterone Optimization Therapy
Testosterone optimization therapy may provide the following benefits:
- Increased energy levels and reduced fatigue
- Improved libido and sexual function
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Better cognitive function and mood
- Enhanced bone density
Testosterone Optimization and Prostate Cancer
Contrary to common misconceptions, testosterone optimization therapy does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. In fact, research has indicated that aggressive forms of prostate cancer have been associated with low testosterone levels. Understanding the saturation model of testosterone for the prostate helps explain why testosterone supplementation doesn't increase prostate cancer risk. The following lecture is delivered by Dr. Abe Morgentaler, a Harvard professor and physician who is one of the most knowledgeable scientists on the safety and efficacy of testosterone therapy for men.
The saturation model suggests that at a certain point, the prostate reaches a maximum capacity for utilizing testosterone. Beyond this saturation point, further increases in testosterone levels are unlikely to have any significant effect on prostate tissue. Therefore, testosterone optimization therapy that restores testosterone levels to within the normal range is considered safe and doesn't elevate the risk of prostate cancer.
Testosterone and Cardiovascular Disease
Testosterone therapy has been a subject of scrutiny and concern regarding its potential cardiovascular risks. However, recent studies, such as the TRAVERSE trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have shed significant light on this issue. The Traverse trial was a large-scale, randomized controlled trial involving over 600 men with age-related low testosterone levels and significant cardiovascular risks. The findings of the trial, which evaluated the impact of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular events, demonstrated no increased risk of cardiovascular events among men receiving testosterone compared to those receiving a placebo. These results provide substantial evidence to suggest that testosterone therapy does not increase cardiovascular risk in men with low testosterone levels who also have a high cardiovascular risk profile. In fact, several studies have demonstrated that testosterone supplementation offers protection against cardiovascular disease.
So, What’s the Catch?