BY GARRY F. GORDON, MD, DO, MD(H.)
Are your testosterone levels optimal? Dr. Eugene Shippen, author of “The Testosterone Syndrome,” says most of ours are not. Men’s testosterone levels peak in their early twenties, and then begin to decline—men lose up to 1.5 percent of their testosterone production each year beyond age 30. The Alliance for Aging Research conducted a study showing that one third of American men over the age of 39 have reported two or more symptoms of low testosterone, or “Low T”, including low libido, lack of energy, loss of muscle, weakened bones, increased belly fat, and depression. Too many men will just suffer through these symptoms, believing they are a normal and unavoidable part of aging. What is not well known or reported in the media is that men with low testosterone levels have an 88 percent higher risk of premature death compared to men with normal levels.
You may have heard that testosterone replacement leads to prostate cancer—that is a complete myth. Dr. Abraham Morgantaler, associate clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School, says that testosterone replacement is absolutely necessary for men’s health. Author of “Testosterone for Life,” Morgantaler was recently interviewed in Suzanne Somers’ latest book, “Bombshell: Explosive Medical Secrets That Will Redefine Aging.” His research has shown that testosterone replacement not only restores energy and libido, but also changes the body’s composition from fat to muscle, helping with blood sugar metabolism and atherosclerosis.
Optimizing testosterone levels in men requires a multi-faceted approach like my F.I.G.H.T. for Your Health program that includes proper lifestyle, nutrition, nutritional supplements, daily detoxification and exercise. We are becoming increasingly aware of serious adverse effects on our hormones from pollution, toxins and chemicals, which are found heavily concentrated in many tissues throughout our bodies. The most affected areas are the prostate, breast, brain and bone. Bisphenol A (BPA), dioxins and PCBs function as endocrine disruptors or “mimics.” Artificial sweeteners and chemical food additives in our over-processed and fast foods are known as neurotoxicants and have been shown to severely damage nerve cells in the hypothalamus, our master hormone regulator. With increasing age and accumulation of these toxic endocrine mimics occurring in everyone, hormone optimization or replacement is critical.
Unfortunately, due to insurance company regulations, many doctors are limited when it comes to ordering the proper screening tests. But there are simple and affordable salivary hormone panel tests that can be ordered and completed in-home, and then mailed in for analysis. I personally use a topical testosterone creams such as Beyond GHS, Maca root and other herbal approaches to optimize internal testosterone levels. Beyond GHS contains all natural ingredients with an advanced blend of Tribulus terrestris, Moomiyo and amino acids that can raise testosterone levels safely, by as much as 50 percent. They’ve also been shown to improve stamina and increase and maintain muscle tone. Another staple in my daily health regimen is Maca, a highly nutritious tuber that contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. Maca is a hormone balancer, protecting against toxins and endocrine disruptors. It stimulates and nourishes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands which are the “master glands” in the body. In addition to providing these significant benefits, Maca is also reported to increase libido.
DHEA, Melatonin, and H.R.T. Plus® containing Purestrol® are also important components of my anti-aging, hormone optimizing, F.I.G.H.T. For Your Health Program. For more information on any of these nutritional supplements, or about hormone test panels for both men and women, please visit the Gordon Research Institute website at www.gordonresearch.com
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