Male Hormone Concerns

Information Courtesy of Diagnos-Techs, Inc. (Clinical and Research Laboratory)
What is Andropause?

Traditionally, age-related male hormone changes were not considered problematic because fertility in men persists until an advanced age. In contrast, women undergo ovarian function failure and require multiple hormone replacements. More careful evaluation in males shows progressive age-related changes including:

• Decreased muscle mass & strength
• Decreased vigor, low energy
• Decreased libido
• Insomnia
• Nervousness and depression
• Hair loss

Those changes usually begin in the fourth and fifth decades and point towards hormone imbalances and deficiencies which may be considered the male equivalent of menopause, i.e. the Andropause.

>What can you do about male hormone imbalance?
Optimal health is dependent on the balance or hormones, and not just a single hormone. Currently, men with low androgen hormones can benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Also, men with imbalances in their androgen to estrogen and progesterone can also be hormone supplemented to achieve balance.

Supplemental hormones can be given by mouth, by injection, by skin path, or by implant. Androgen supplementation, in states of deficit, improves fitness and produces a feeling of well being, with a reduction in abdominal fat and enhanced lean body mass.

Testosterone production in males is mainly a testicular function. Pituitary sex hormones (FSH & LH) stimulate and regulate this function. Specifically, LH (Luteinizing hormone) stimulates testosterone production in the testicles. This process is under negative feedback, meaning that testosterone levels regulate LH secretion. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and testosterone stimulate sperm production.

Why measure male hormones?

Measurements of hormones can be used in two general ways:

1. To estimate the body's own production � baseline test.
2. To measure levels of hormones after supplementation � therapeutic monitoring

Baseline measurements will show normal and abnormal levels of six distinct hormones. If levels are too low, too high or hormone ratios are outside of expected limits, an objective treatment plan can be developed for the individual. Symptoms are not a substitute for measuring hormone levels because many symptoms may involve non-hormonal factors.

Using appropriate tests for monitoring hormone therapy is crucial in establishing the appropriate dosing regimen. This reduces the chance of undesirable side-effects and maximizes beneficial effects. For example, excessive use of androgens (testosterone, Androstenedione, DHEA and testosterone derivatives) can activate subclinical prostatic tumors which are androgen-dependent. Monitoring is especially important in older males. By the age of 70, at least 50% of men have subclinical prostate cancer. These are especially susceptible to growth stimulation by androgens.

What do we test & what does it tell you?

By using your saliva sample, the regular MHP panel measures six hormones. The hormone levels in saliva reflect the active tissue concentrations, while blood contains mostly protein bound hormones, whose active levels can only be estimates at best. Urine contains both the active hormones and numerous metabolites and can only be used to gain gross estimate of hormone production over time. Active fraction measurements from saliva are superior to blood and urine total hormone levels in diagnosis and treatment.

This test is for you if you are:

Middle aged and having:

• Impaired libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Baldness and/or extremity hair thinning
• Fat accumulation around the waist
• Urinary symptoms: pain and/or frequency; urgency; interrupted stream
• Change in sleeping habits
• Lack of enthusiasm for life
• Increase in bad cholesterol; decrease in good cholesterol
• Your doctor tells you that you have osteoporosis

Young and having:
• Impaired libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Early baldness
• Inability to lose weight

How do I benefit from doing those tests?
There are five distinct areas that you will benefit from using the saliva tests:

• They are affordable and less expensive than blood or urine tests. You save $250-300 on six hormones.
• Collection procedures spare you the biohazards and pain of venipunctures.
• Results are more clinically reflective of your hormone status and needs.
• Results can lead to an individualized and customized treatment plan using natural hormones.
• You will minimize over dosing and under dosing. This will ensure that you use only the proper hormones in the appropriate amounts. With salivary hormone testing, guesswork is minimized. To determine if the eMHP™ Panel is appropriate for your male hormone concerns; call us today to schedule your consultation.