TESTOSTERONE SUPPLEMENT THERAPY (TST) FAQs

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGONADISM ("LOW TESTOSTERONE")?

A problem with relying on these symptoms to diagnose hypogonadism is that you cannot directly relate either the number of symptoms present, or the severity of any of them, to the actual severity of the hypogonadism. That is why proper evaluation by a physician specifically trained in this type of medicine, as well as appropriate laboratory testing is absolutely necessary.

WHAT DISEASES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HYPOGONADISM?

IS TST HELPFUL IN TREATING THESE DISEASES AND CONDITIONS?

Yes, it is not enough to recognise that low hormone levels are associated with a given disease state or physical symptom. It also must be shown that raising that hormone's level reduces the risk of developing, or dramatically improves or even eliminates that disease or symptom. Fortunately, scientific studies have shown that TST does this for every single one of the above listed diseases AND symptoms.

IS TST DANGEROUS?

Literally millions of men, from all over the world, have enjoyed the benefits of TST. To date, we have not found a single case of appropriate TST hurting anyone.

CAN TST GIVE ME CANCER?

Absolutely not. In fact, appropriate TST has been shown to reduce your risk of cancer, probably due to its immune system boosting benefits.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF TST?

Some men report some water retention. This usually subsides, but if it doesn't, it can be easily controlled. I have never heard of appropriate TST damAgeing the liver. While the possibility of inducing, or increasing, the symptoms of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) is often mentioned, numerous studies have shown this is not the case. TST has also been shown to not increase the risk of prostate cancer as well. On the subject of prostate cancer, that is one of two medical conditions which are, at this time, an absolute contraindication (meaning a reason to withhold treatment) to TST. That is why doctors who administer TST monitor prostate health with regular PSA tests. Men over the age of forty should have a digital rectal examination yearly. The other contraindication is male breast cancer. Patients on blood thinners may need to have these medications dosed differently, as TST also helps protect against unwanted clotting. On the other hand, the consistency of the blood is appropriately monitored while on TST, as a few men will develop polycythemia (an excess of red blood cells), a completely reversible condition. In fact, TST's ability to build up the blood is why it is one of the treatments for anemia. Diabetics, whether on insulin or oral medications, usually need to have the dosages of these medications decreased, often dramatically. TST is profoundly effective at controlling blood sugar levels. Patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), on a class of medications called beta blockers, may need to have their meds monitored as well.

Men on TST will have their PSA (prostate specific antigen), Full Blood Count, Liver Function and Cholesterol checked periodically (6 monthly) as well as checking the testosterone level in the saliva from time to time (3-6 monthly).

MY DOCTOR TESTED MY TESTOSTERONE LEVEL, AND BECAUSE IT WAS JUST BARELY ABOVE THE BOTTOM OF NORMAL RANGE, HE SAID I DO NOT NEED TST. IS HE RIGHT?

The "normal" reference range for Total Testosterone is found through statistical means, meant to include 95of all adult males. Yet, when tested properly with what is called a Bioavailable Testosterone assay, about half of all men over the age of fifty have low testosterone. That means a significant percentage of those included in "normal" range are actually sick with hypogonadism (reread the list of serious diseases associated with hypogonadism). Therefore "normal range" has absolutely nothing to do with health and happiness! Anti-Ageing experts agree that if you are experiencing the symptoms of hypogonadism (low testosterone), even if your levels are as high as mid-range, a course of TST is probably warranted. If your symptoms improve or disappear altogether, that proves you had the disease. This is known to doctors as "therapeutic testing."

CAN ANY ADULT MALE WITH LOW OR LOW-NORMAL TESTOSTERONE LEVELS GET TST?

At this time, men who have or are suspected to have either prostate or breast cancer are deferred from undergoing TST. Men with severe Kidney, Heart or Liver failure may also be excluded from treatment. Geriatric men with enlarged prostate glands who have symptoms of urine flow obstruction will not be treated.

IF I GO ON TST, HOW WILL IT CHANGE MY LIFE?

Most men report dramatic increase in sexual performance, up to and including a reversal of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) symptoms. They also have much more energy, better stamina, increased muscle and decreased fat, and an improvement in their ability to concentrate and remember things. All of a sudden they are being active well into the evening again, enjoy great sex, can catch up to the grandkids, and hit that golf ball 40 yards further. They tell me they have regained their "edge". Plus they feel they just plain look younger. And this is in addition to the dramatic decreases in the risks for the serious diseases I listed previously in this article.

IF I GO ON TST, IS IT FOREVER?

No, you can always go back to feeling the way you used to!

IS TESTOSTERONE SUPPLEMENT THERAPY THE SAME THING AS DOING STEROIDS?

Good question, especially with all the press lately regarding steroids in professional sports. Doing steroids means taking testosterone way above the top of normal range. This is VERY bad for your health. Testosterone Supplement Therapy(TST), on the other hand, is merely restoring, or optimising, testosterone levels to healthy range. Studies have shown that men get healthier (and happier) as they approach the top of normal range. And they tend to stay that way much longer. A good analogy is the recent recommendation that a glass of wine at dinner each night may be good for our health. But drinking a whole bottle is a different matter entirely!

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU DO WITH TST TREATMENT? SHOTS? PILLS?

There are several different methods for administering TST however a cream applied daily on the skin is preferred by most men as it is easy quick and powerful.

WHAT IS ANTI-AGEING MEDICINE?

It typically includes the tenets of Preventative Medicine, such as diet, nutrition and exercise. These efforts are meant to reduce the risks of serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But it goes far beyond that, to the optimisation of hormone levels, in order to maximise health, fitness and happiness. This includes not only testosterone, but also growth hormone, DHEA, Melatonin, thyroid and even adrenal hormones. This is why patients who want to maintain-or regain their "edge" need to seek out the care of an Anti-Ageing Specialist.

AFTER RECOGNISING THAT I HAVE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGONADISM YOU DESCRIBE, I ASKED MY DOCTOR ABOUT POSSIBLY GETTING ON TST. HE TOLD ME I SHOULD NOT GET TST, BECAUSE IT IS NATURAL FOR MEN TO HAVE THEIR TESTOSTERONE LEVELS DROP AS THEY AGE. IS THAT TRUE?

You might want to respectfully ask your doctor is he/she prescribes HRT for Ageing women. After all, it is "natural" for their estrogen levels to drop during menopause, and this is what causes their profoundly uncomfortable symptoms which dramatically affects their quality of life. Yet doctors routinely prescribe estrogen replacement for them, even though this is treating a completely "natural" condition. It has been said that female "menopause" is like falling off from a cliff, while male "andropause" (loss of male sex hormones) is more like rolling down a hill; it happens more slowly and insidiously. But the dangers of hypogonadism with respect to tremendous loss of quality of life is undeniable. More so, it is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, dementia (including Alzheimer's) and Erectile Dysfunction. The fact most doctors feel it is perfectly acceptable for them to treat a drop in sex hormones in women, but not men, may be thought of as a form of bias against men's health. When thyroid hormones get low (hypothyroidism) we give thyroid medication. When insulin gets too low (diabetes) we give insulin. Why should it be any different for the sex hormones? On the second point, there is not one shred of evidence to suggest that TST causes cancer. Not one. In fact, multiple studies have shown that LOW testosterone levels are strongly associated with a higher risk, and worse form of, cancer.

WHY SHOULD I ENLIST THE HELP OF A GENUINE ANTI-AGEING MEDICINE PHYSICIAN TO TEST FOR HYPOGONADISM, AND ADMINISTER MY TST?

There are so many new developments in this exciting field of medicine that you want someone who is specially trained in this type of therapy. That is the only way to truly optimise one's health and fitness.