Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:01 AM
By Charlotte Libov
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Upon reaching middle age, many men begin a long, slow decline, losing energy, muscle tone, and sex drive. Experts say that much of this loss can be linked to the male body’s diminishing supply of testosterone, the so-called “male hormone.”
New studies have droves of men and more doctors thinking that testosterone supplements might be the way to more vibrant health, says top cardiologist Chauncey Crandall, M.D.
“Male menopause, which happens after age 50, can be quite pronounced with weight gain, mood change, muscle loss, and other physical changes. It’s just something that happens, but you can counteract it,” said Dr. Crandall, chief of the cardiac transplant program at the world-renowned Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
“Previously, I thought that only men who were experiencing symptoms of male menopause should have their testosterone levels checked. I didn’t think it was necessary for all men over 50, but now I’m reconsidering because some newer studies are showing that testosterone does provide some benefit with endurance, memory, muscle strength, and even cholesterol profiling,” he said.
A testosterone test measures the amount of the hormone that is in the blood. Normal testosterone levels range from 250 to 850 ng/dl; however, you should be in the middle of that range or above, Dr. Crandall says. Testosterone levels can be checked with a simple blood test.
Testosterone production peaks in the 30s and begins declining shortly thereafter.
“Not surprisingly, older men have lower levels than younger men, and as many as 30 percent of men over the age of 75 have levels that are much lower than normal,” said Dr. Crandall. “Men with such low levels of testosterone not only carry an increased risk of heart disease, but they often have symptoms that include loss of sexual function, decreased muscle mass, and fatigue.”
Testosterone can be administered in several ways, including by injection, skin patch, or gel. Side effects can include high blood pressure. In addition, testosterone can spur prostate cancer growth, so men should have a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, test before starting treatment, Dr. Crandall added.
Men should not consider testosterone a substitute for healthy habits, including eating right and exercise, he said. “Testosterone may elevate your mood, and give you an extra kick, but you also need to eat right and exercise to remain strong and healthy,” added Dr. Crandall.
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