Men's Hormone Health

Testosterone Deficiency

In their first book From Hormone HELL to Hormone WELL, Dr. Randolph and Genie discuss the link between low testosterone levels and a higher death risk for men. This hormone-related risk was one of the chief reasons they began treating men a number of years ago. Although their clinical practice was initially geared toward women (Dr. Randolph is a board-certified gynecologist), male patients who weren’t finding help in the traditional medical community needed answers. Today, one out of every three patients Dr. Randolph sees is a man and male sexual vitality is a primary theme of Genie and Dr. Randolph’s latest book In the Mood Again (Simon and Schuster, 2010).

A low testosterone level is a red flag for health issues in men. In one study, men with confirmed heart disease had lower testosterone levels than healthy control subjects; those with the most severe heart disease had the lowest. Conversely, a number of studies show that higher testosterone or DHEA levels are associated with a reduced risk of heart attack. A landmark study analyzed the relationship of circulating free testosterone, DHEA and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) to death rates in men suffering from chronic heart failure. Deficiencies in one, two or all three hormones dramatically reduced the three-year survival rate in these men. There is also evidence that low testosterone is a risk factor for the later development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

The role of phthalates
How does testosterone become low enough to cause health problems? One key factor is age-related decline in hormone production. Chemicals called phthalates are another contributing factor. Soft plastic wrappers around food and plastic water bottles give off phthalates. Air fresheners are another major source. Phthalates have a number of negative effects on boys and men and may play a role in declining sperm counts around the globe. In adult men, high levels of phthalates in the body can interfere with hormone metabolism leading to low testosterone levels.

Achieving hormone balance
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can safely treat the underlying issues that sabotage health as men age. Prescription bioidentical testosterone or over-the-counter herbal testosterone boosters, for example, has helped countless men reverse the symptoms and health risks of low testosterone. Men also benefit from lifestyle changes, including stress management, more sleep, regular exercise and a hormone-healthy diet, as well as herbal supplements that support the body as it gradually restores hormone balance.