Bio-identical Hormones for Aging Men

 

Bio-identical Hormones for Aging Men

Patricia Ryan, MD, CCN

Men go through andropause. Their testosterone production goes down as they age.  In my experience, it varies as to when this starts happening in each individual.

     There are many possible causes of diminished testosterone production in men.  Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and other toxic metals interfere with testosterone synthesis.  Prolonged stress will decrease testosterone output. The body actually produces cholesterol and then converts it into the hormones it needs. Low cholesterol from over aggressive treatment with cholesterol lowering drugs such as Statin drugs will also lower testosterone levels.  Testosterone replacement is an important option for many men as they look at maintaining their health.

     Some groundbreaking research done by a Harvard Urologist by the name of Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, MD revealed that men who have low levels of testosterone have a 14% increased incidence of prostate cancer.  He tested men’s testosterone levels.  When they were low, he biopsied their prostate gland and found a higher incidence of cancer.  This was important because it went against what was prior “dogma” that testosterone was a cause of prostate cancer.  Low testosterone is actually a risk factor for prostate cancer!

     If a man chooses to take testosterone replacement therapy, he needs to be monitored properly. Testosterone and some of the metabolites of testosterone should fall in the normal range.  We routinely monitor the estradiol and di-hydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.  There is some new testing that is being evaluated to fine-tune this information even further.  As we get more information on this, we will offer this testing to our patients.

     Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is very common in men as they age.  There are a few nutrients that are helpful in slowing this process down.  These include essential fatty acids, zinc, saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, quercitin, and lycopene.  Diet is particularly important.  Limiting red meat, increasing vegetables (greatly), and decreasing simple carbohydrates are essential steps to slowing down the process of prostate enlargement.

   In addition to testosterone, there are several nutritional interventions that may be helpful for men experiencing erectile dysfunction.  Acetyl-l-carnitine, testosterone, and propionyl-l-carnitine have improved all outcomes of male aging and erectile dysfunction. They were also more powerful than Viagra alone or improved Viagra’s effectiveness after radical prostate surgery.  Addressing blood flow issues (vascular disease) helps penile blood flow as well.  Some supplements that address vascular health include pycogenol, l-arginine, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.

For more information we recommend attending our monthly seminar “Introduction to Functional Medicine”. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement for both men and women is covered in the seminar. You can register for the seminar online here.  We also recommend the book “Testosterone For Life” by Dr. Morgentaler, which is available to purchase at Alternatives. If you have additional questions please call us at 402-827-9450 or email alternativesomaha@gmail.com.