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Low T – Evaluating the Risks of Testosterone Replacement

Published on November 6, 2012

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Low Testosterone or Low T

Men struggling with low testosterone levels may wonder if testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is right for them. Is it low T? In this article, we’ll explain the common symptoms of low T and the side effects associated with testosterone cream so you can make a more informed decision about your health.

Symptoms of Low T

Low testosterone levels can cause a wide variety of troubling symptoms in men, including:

Decreased Sex Drive – A man with low T will often feel his sex drive waning. His desire just isn’t there like it used to be.
Sexual Dysfunction – Men with declining testosterone levels will often notice a decrease in their sexual function and may experience impotence, loss of feeling, and lack of orgasm.
Increased Fatigue – Men experiencing low T often complain of fatigue not relieved by regular rest.
Loss of Initiative – Decreased testosterone levels can also lead to lack of initiative. A man who used to “get things done” now feels no real desire to get up off the couch.
Depressed Mood – Depression in men is a common sign of low testosterone levels.
Testicular Shrinkage – Testicular shrinkage is another typical sign of declining testosterone levels.
Irritability – Men with low T often find themselves less patient and more likely to snap on others than usual.
Decreased Muscle Mass – Low testosterone can also mean frustration at the gym as it gets harder and harder to build muscle mass.
“Man Boobs” – Gynecomastia or “man boobs” are another trouble symptom of decreased testosterone.

Causes of Low T

The most common cause of low T in men is aging. As a man reaches his 50^th year, his hormone levels begin to decline naturally. Other causes of low testosterone levels include obesity, medications (such as opiates), steroids, testicular injury, chronic inflammatory diseases, infection, and head trauma. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can also cause low testosterone in men of any age.

What is Testosterone Cream?

Testosterone cream is a low-dose way to deliver small amounts of testosterone into your bloodstream. Some men prefer this method because it absorbs quickly into the skin and results are seen faster.

Health Dangers Associated with Testosterone Cream

Testosterone creams and gels have been taking the market by storm in the past couple of years as a convenient alternative to testosterone injections. Because it comes in an innocuous-looking gel packet and can be used in the privacy of a man’s home, it may look like the perfect solution. However, as with any medication, there are always side effects. Testosterone replacement should not be considered if you have ever had breast or prostate cancer. The side effects of testosterone cream include:

Acne – Rapid hormonal changes can make men in their 40s and 50s break out like teenagers.
Allergic Reaction – This could be hives, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, breathing difficulties, and itching.
Liver Damage – Signs of this include yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Nausea or Vomiting – Testosterone gel often causes gastrointestinal upset even though it bypasses the digestive tract.
Unexplained Hostility or Rage – A sudden increase in testosterone in the body can produce extreme mood swings. This is especially problematic for men with mental illness or addiction.
Congestive Heart Failure – Difficulty breathing, weight gain, and fluid retention are signs of congestive heart failure.
Increase Cholesterol Levels – Testosterone cream can cause your cholesterol levels to rise to dangerous levels.
Enlarged Prostate – Prostate enlargement, especially in older men, is a concern when using this type of testosterone replacement therapy.

Men using testosterone creams and gel may also notice more minor, everyday side effects such as abnormal dreams, insomnia, watery eyes, and taste changes.

Men looking to do something about their low testosterone levels should first turn to natural methods of boosting testosterone. These tried-and-true techniques have worked for men for millennia before testosterone replacement therapy was ever invented.

Before you choose any type of testosterone replacement therapy, it is important to consult your healthcare provider and understand the risks. Just because it is easy to apply and you can do it from your own home, doesn’t mean is necessarily the right option for you.

Lucine Medical Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. To read more about our health policy, see our Terms of Use.

Controversy, GMO Research & Women’s Health

by Chandler Marrs, PhD

Published on October 8, 2012

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If you’ve been on the internet at all over the last several weeks, you’ve likely come across these pictures- the white rats with grotesquely large mammary tumors warning of the dangers of GMO foods. A controversial and not yet even officially published study out of France on the Long term toxicity of Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize is responsible.

In this 2 year study (compared to the 90-120 days for most previous protocols) researchers purportedly demonstrated the ill-effects of glyphosate (active ingredient in Roundup herbicide) and its adjuvants (putatively inactive ingredients that enhance the absorption, distribution or metabolism of the active ingredient), but also inadvertently, and despite the rampant criticism of the study, may have identified a mechanism of action for the growth of these tumors; a disruption of the estrogen pathway perhaps linked to primary kidney and liver damage. Moreover, and again perhaps inadvertently, the research points to a possible player in the development of fibroid type tumors.

How GMO Research is Conducted

There is great debate over the safety of herbicide rendered or engineered, genetically modified organisms (GMO) within the food and water supply. Studies on the side of industry, suggest no major ill-effects, while those on the side of environmentalist indicate differently. Research design likely contributes to the disparate findings. Much research to date has been short-term (90-120 days) and/or has limited the analysis to testing or manipulating only the active ingredient in the herbicide (glyphosate) and not the variety adjuvants found in the total herbicide formulation and that would be dispersed into the natural environment (food, water) post herbicide use.

The current study sought to remedy some of those short-comings and approximate what humans might be exposed to with current regulatory standards in place and in an ‘natural environment’ where exposure rates and types would necessarily vary. (Whether lab rats can approximate human physiology or the lab can be considered a ‘natural environment’ are debates for another day).

The Seralini GMO Study

Using healthy male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, the researchers evaluated the long-term (two years), across a life-span effects, of eating Roundup treated foods (maize) and water with Roundup residue at levels below the currently parts per billion standard and consistent with what humans might be exposed to in the current environment. Control rats were fed non-GMO diets and the test rats were fed varying levels of GM maize (11%, 22% and 33% of the total diet) and water with Roundup – well below the approved levels found in the environment.

Tumors, Toxicity, Death and the GM Diet

Compared to control rats fed a non-GM diet, those fed the GM-maize and Roundup water, died five times sooner and developed huge tumors, often greater than 25% of their body weight and requiring euthanasia to reduce suffering. There were distinct differences between the male and female treated animals. The females died more quickly and developed primarily mammary tumors, followed by a lower percentage of pituitary tumors and kidney and liver toxicity. While the males, demonstrated more severe kidney and liver disease along with skin tumors. The females were more susceptible to the Roundup in the water and both groups were equally susceptible to both the lower and higher percentage (11% and 33%) exposure to GM food, suggesting a threshold effect for disease initiation rather than a cumulative or additive effect.

Endocrine Disruption

The endocrine effects were also telling and pointed to sex-dependent differences in the tumor and disease expression. The ratio of testosterone to estradiol was disrupted in both males and females. Males in the highest Roundup treatment group (33% of total feed maize), demonstrated double the levels of circulating estradiol (see Evolution or Extinction of Men for details on male endocrine disruption) when compared to the control group. Whereas the exposed females showed increased testosterone levels.

Potential Fibroid Connection

The explosive growth of tumors in the female treated rats is notable both because of the large size and location of the tumors (mammary and pituitary) but more so perhaps because of the nature and physiology of the tumors themselves. In all but two cases, the tumors were non-cancerous, non-infective or non-metastatic. The tumors were benign adenomas and fibroadenomas, those commonly found in human women as they age (also common in this strain of lab rat as it ages). Fibroadenomas are comprised of fibrous and glandular tissue located in the breast. Fibroids are similar in tissue composition, but are found in the uterus. In the present study, fibroadenomas were found in the mammary tissue and adenomas in the pituitary gland. There was no mention of uterine fibroids or adenomas in other female reproductive regions. Similarly, although, the authors make no such claim regarding the expression of fibroid type tumors, relative to hormone changes and concurrent liver dysfunction (where the enzymes and proteins involved in the hormone regulation reside), I surmise that perhaps there is a connection there as well. It is conceivable that the combined insult of aging and environmental toxins on liver function alters hormone pathways sufficiently to promote this type of tumor growth.

Controversy and Criticism

As this study was released both pro- and anti-GMO factions got their pants in a bunch. On the anti-GMO side, this study represented proof-positive that GMO foods were bad. The results of this study, and in particular, the pictures of the tumor-ridden rats went viral on the internet. On the pro-GMO side, the criticism was as swift as it was vitriolic, with claims ranging from poor methodology, to outright scientific fraud. I suspect the truth lay somewhere in between.

My Take

Releasing to press first. This merited all sorts of criticism, most of which has no bearing on the actual study but does suggest a less than forthright approach to media relations. However, given the politics surrounding this topic, one can understand this PR approach.

Sprague-Dawley rats are prone to tumors. Yes, they are and as they age, tumors become more frequent. But here we have a little pot and kettle action going on. Sprague-Dawley and other outbred strains of rats and mice, all have predilections for certain diseases and tumors, but are nevertheless what is used in all industry supported (even the studies supporting the safety of GMO) and academic research. The choice of lab rat/mice is important, but even within specific strains there is huge variability. Nullifying the study because the researchers used the same strain of lab rats that other researchers also use, is a weak criticism at best and more than a little disingenuous. Perhaps a better criticism would be the use of lab rats in general to extrapolate human physiology.

Sprague-Dawley rats are prone to tumors as they age. Well guys, so are women. By the time a woman reaches age 50, upwards of 70% of women have fibroid type tumors. And frankly, aging, whether in animals or humans, increases disease expression. Our bodies just don’t work as well when we are older. Simply measuring the effects of a toxin for a short period of time in youthful animals does not, in any way, mirror the real life of the animal or a human, where effects are cumulative over time and sometimes even multiplicative and synergistic.

The study was too long and the control rats were dying too. Life is longer than adolescence. If one wants to evaluate how a treatment or toxin affects an organism over time and as it ages, one has to evaluate across that life span. This study compared tumor progression, disease and death rates between the non-GM controls and the GM fed groups, across the rodent’s life span, which is about 2+/- years. As the rodents aged, both groups developed tumors and some died, but there were more tumors and earlier deaths in the experimental group.

Failure to observe or measure is not synonymous with non-existence. Neglecting to measure a particular toxin or analyte, a specific symptom or disease process, or failing to evaluate long term effects does not mean that the toxin, analyte, symptom or disease process in question did not happen or does not exist. It simply means that you chose not to measure it. So claiming that a 3-month study in youthful rodents nullifies results from a longer study, regardless of any other methodological issues with either study, is an utterly false, and more than a little dishonest argument.

The dose response-curve was not linear. Damn it, how dare our complex physiology not conform to the simplicity of linear statistics. A common dose-response reaction is highly linear, where a small dose elicits a similarly small response and a larger dose increase the response size. This is not case when dealing with endocrine disruptors. Hormone systems are complex and highly non-linear. Hormone reactions occur at extremely low doses and often interact synergistically with other factors and respond differently over time and with cumulative exposures. This was the case in the current study.

In spite of the flaws with this study and contrary to the criticism, the Seralini study represents one of the only, if not the only, long term evaluation of the effects of Roundup and GM feeding on health. Long term studies, even in rodents, are not common place. They should be.

The next long term study (and there should be many more) should include different strains of rodent, measure additional hormones and steroidogenic proteins altered with liver disease and if they want to be really ingenious, look at the estrogen, androgen and progesterone receptor densities in the tumors.

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More people than ever are reading Hormones Matter, a testament to the need for independent voices in health and medicine. We are not funded and accept limited advertising. Unlike many health sites, we don’t force you to purchase a subscription. We believe health information should be open to all. If you read Hormones Matter, like it, please help support it. Contribute now.

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Male Contraception

by Michael Rothmann, MS

Published on October 7, 2012

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How many women do you know that use birth control pills as their primary form of contraception? A recent analysis by the Guttmacher Institute reports that 18% of all women in the U.S use some form of oral contraception. Quite a few!

What would happen if there was an equivalent form of contraception for men? Would it be as popular? Would it be as reliable? Researchers are trying to develop the technology to answer these questions.

Anything but a Vasectomy!

Aside from condoms, other forms of male contraception have been around for a while. Some methods of contraception seek to physically block the vas deferens, or the path for sperm to exit the urethra. For example, the Pro-Vas clip is used as a mechanical block for sperm by clamping the vas deferens, essentially doing the same thing as a vasectomy – without physically severing the sperm duct.

Another method uses a chemical polymer to block the passage of sperm to the urethra. This polymer, known as styrene maleic anhydride, has entered phase III clinical trials in India. Lisbeth Prifogle goes into more detail about the exact mechanism used for this type of contraception in her article, Male Birth Control – Myth or Available Science.

Whether mechanical or chemical, these methods introduce drastic and potentially harmful changes to the male reproductive anatomy. Although the manufacturers claim that these treatments are completely reversible, as a male, I would be hesitant to adopt such measures as I suspect other men would be. Oral contraception is a more attractive method.

Oral Male Contraceptives

Oral contraception used by men is nothing new. Since the early 20th century, a natural product from the cotton plant known as gossypol, has been used as a male contraceptive, particularly in Asian countries. Due to concerns of toxicity and side effects, however, gossypol has never been approved as a contraceptive by the FDA.

Since the mid-1980s, research led by the World Health Organization to develop a hormone-based birth control pill for men has resulted in a better understanding of the male hormonal system, and what biological targets are most attractive for male contraceptives. Much like the female birth control pill, which works by controlling the levels of the hormones estrogen and progestin, these birth control pills also work by introducing exogenous hormones into the body. These types of pills have been called Male Hormonal Contraceptives (MHCs).

The primary form of MHC is a form of testosterone named testosterone undecanoate. Using testosterone as a contraceptive was counterintuitive for me because when I think of high testosterone I think of an increased libido. But as it turns out, an extra shot of the hormone results in a decrease of the signaling hormones responsible for spermatogenesis (sperm production). Although testosterone treatment does seem to induce azoospermia (the absence of motile/viable sperm), there is no MHC that is currently in clinical trials – it seems that this pill is quite a ways off.

A New Type of Pill

There have been a few other pills that have been proposed as male contraceptives that don’t use hormones – one of the most interesting new studies to come out was an anti-cancer drug that was accidentally discovered to have spermatogenic effects. Many of the compounds developed in these studies, including anti-cancer drug compounds, target and inactivate specific proteins that are necessary for biological function.

In this study, which was published in the journal Cell last August, the compound tested, which is called JQ1, binds and inactivates BRDT, a protein that is specific to the testes and is involved in an essential DNA-based process called chromatin remodeling. The result, as observed in mice, is that as long as the organism was administered the drug, although they mated, there was a complete and reversible contraception.

So it seems that many new technologies are being developed for men to share the responsibility of contraception. However the question still stands: Can they be trusted?

Vaginal Atrophy – The Great Wall of the Vagina

by Elena Perez

Published on August 27, 2012

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Does it hurt when you have sex? What about when you pee? Maybe just riding a bike is uncomfortable. This pain or discomfort may be attributed to vaginal atrophy.

Vaginal atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis, is a medical condition that refers to the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls. This change in the vagina is due to a loss of endogenous estrogens and may account for discomfort and pain that women feel during everyday activities, such as sex, urination, or exercise.

This condition causes the vaginal walls to become fragile, and good bacteria in the vagina are often replaced by harmful bacteria and fungi. Since the vaginal wall is more susceptible to small tears, the possibility for infection increases.

Endogenous Estrogens

Our bodies naturally make a variety of estrogens. The most common endogenous estrogen is estradiol, which is produced in a woman’s ovaries. The remaining endogenous estrogens include estriol, which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy; and estrone, which is made by the ovaries and the adipose tissue – which is just a nice term for body fat.

Turns out, thin women are more susceptible to vaginal atrophy, which makes sense. Thinner women don’t have as much adipose tissue, so they don’t produce as much estrone. Women with more meat on their hips, however, have more fat tissue, which means they have another means of producing endogenous estrogens should they ever need backup.

Where Did the Endogenous Estrogen Go?

A woman’s endogenous estrogens can be impacted a number of ways. The simple joys of womanhood can affect hormone levels: Estradiol and especially estriol, decline dramatically following childbirth. Estradiol also declines while breastfeeding, and at menopause. In fact, the Harvard School of Medicine reported that within a few years of menopause, 50% of women have symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

Cesarean. Think you’re out of the woods because you haven’t had a child? Studies show that women who have never given birth vaginally are also more likely to have vaginal atrophy, according to Mayo Clinic. This means women who have only had cesarean sections are prone to vaginal atrophy, also.

Smoking. Don’t light up in frustration just yet: Women who are smokers are also prone to vaginal atrophy, which may be due to reduced blood circulation in the vaginal walls.

Cancer. Various cancer treatments can also decrease the production of endogenous estrogens. An oophorectomy, or the surgical removal of the ovaries, is performed to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and undoubtedly impacts the production of estradiol. Women undergoing pelvic radiation and chemotherapy can also experience lower endogenous estrogen levels.

Certain breast cancers are sensitive to endogenous estrogens, especially estrone, which encourage the growth of breast cancer tumors. In order to deter tumor growth, breast cancer patients may be given drugs that suppress endogenous estrogens. Sexuality, Reproduction and Menopause published a study that found 90% of breast cancer survivors report sexual problems and symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

Communicate Your Concerns

Although 50% of postmenopausal women and 90% of breast cancer survivors have symptoms of vaginal atrophy, Dr. Deborah Coady, who is the co-authored of Healing Painful Sex, said studies show only 10 to 20% of women discuss vaginal discomfort and pain with their doctors.

In the past, doctors linked vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, to emotional problems, discarding the possibility of a physical or hormonal change occurring. Now, however, more doctors are being educated on vaginal atrophy and are in a better position to discuss changes to the vaginal wall.

Oncosexology is developing to properly educate oncologists and patients alike, so they can prepare for the hormonal and vaginal changes that are likely to occur as a result of various cancer treatments.

If your doctor doesn’t bring it up first, though, don’t hesitate to speak up. Dr. Coady recommends talking about any vaginal discomfort, dryness, or pain right away. The longer the pain persists, the more likely it will result in nerve pain and dysfunction of the pelvic floor, so it’s best to diagnose the problem right away.

Treating Vaginal Atrophy

There are a slew of over-the-counter and prescriptions treatments available for women, such as vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and low-dose vaginal estrogen. A list of these can be found on the Harvard School of Medicine website.

As for natural remedies, Dr. Coady found the application of natural oils, such as vitamin E, safflower, olive, or coconut oil effectively hydrates the vaginal wall when used three or four times a day for a month or two. A friend of mine uses coconut oil as a lubricant during intercourse, and says it works well.

As it turns out, the Harvard School of Medicine notes that sexual intercourse and/or masturbation is also good for your vaginal walls. This sexual activity stimulates blood flow to the vaginal walls, promotes vaginal elasticity, and, when aroused, increases lubrication. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that found women who are sexually active report less vaginal atrophy than those who are not, so feel free to get the blood flowing.

If you think you are suffering from vaginal atrophy, don’t suffer in silence. There are ways to improve this condition, and it starts by consulting your doctor and tending to your vaginal wall.

Male Birth Control – Myth or Available Science?

by Lisbeth Prifogle, MFA

Published on July 5, 2012

2596 views

I’ve never been able to take hormonal birth control. I have tried and the side effects were so extreme that I almost ended up in the ER more than once. After telling each new doctor my past horror stories, they would each reassure me that I simply had the wrong doses and had to try a different brand. I tried three times in my adult life and every single time was a disaster that seemed to progress from the last. So, I gave up on hormonal birth control.

Most women I know have been on birth control most of their adult life, some even since they were teenagers. While I always tell myself that there might be long-term side effects outside of the ‘clinical trial’ time frames (not that I wish bad health on anyone, but would be my top concern if I was on any medication long term), most women are happy poppin the pill (or now the other various forms of hormonal birth control like IUD, rings, patches, etc). Furthermore, most men are happy letting their lady take on that responsibility.

For the most part, I’m okay not being on a hormonal birth control. It is awkward when dating someone and getting to that point where things might lead to more than just dinner a movie and I have to bring up that little, unpleasant fact, but otherwise I’m happy with my natural mood swings and erratic hormones.

I’ve been with my boyfriend for over 3 years now, so I haven’t had to have “the talk” recently. However, back in my dating days, I was always shocked at how shocked men were that I wasn’t on the pill. It was like the idea of a woman not being on some form of birth control was absurd to them. What I love about Brent (well, I love a lot of things about him) is that after witnessing the extreme effects of hormonal birth control in my body first hand, he has accepted that we have to take other measures to prevent pregnancy. He’s also assured me that if a male birth control comes available he would be willing to try, but only after many clinical trials and a year or two of being on the market (I can’t blame him with the controversial drugs the FDA has approved in the past).

Male Birth Control

Turns out there are forms of male birth control. Quite a few actually and very few of them are hormonal, which would have the most risk and side effects. Some sound weird, and lots are still in clinical trials (And there is no way in hell we would even consider a clinical trial – can you imagine being in the placebo group?!). Let’s look at some of the new forms of birth control that share the reproductive responsibility.

It is important to remember that, like female contraceptives, these treatments do NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

RISUG

In India, they have developed a long-term, reversible solution that is 100% effective in clinical trials. The Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance or RISUG might be a good option if your man doesn’t mind needles. According to Techcitement the simple procedure is as follows: “A doctor applies some local anesthetic, makes a small pinhole in the base of the scrotum, reaches in with a pair of very thin forceps, and pulls out the small white vas deferens tube. Then, the doctor injects the polymer gel (called Vasalgel here in the US), pushes the vas deferens back inside, repeats the process for the other vas deferens, puts a Band-Aid over the small hole, and the man is on his way. If this all sounds incredibly simple and inexpensive, that’s because it is.” How does it work? “The two common chemicals – styrene maleic anhydride and dimethyl sulfoxide – form a polymer that thickens over the next 72 hours, much like a pliable epoxy, but the purpose of these chemicals isn’t to harden and block the vas deferens. Instead, the polymer lines the wall of the vas deferens and allows sperm to flow freely down the middle (this prevents any pressure buildup), and because of the polymer’s pattern of negative/positive polarization, the sperm are torn apart through the polyelectrolytic effect.” Another benefit, RISUG does not cause the common side effects of a vasectomy: granulomas and an autoimmune response.

Will it be approved? It has yet to get approval in India, and, according to Science Based Medicine, trials on rabbits are just starting in the US (published May 2012). Perhaps this birth control is just too good to be true and pharmaceutical companies stand to loose too much if men have to get a shot once every ten years and without side effects, are 100% reversibly infertile.

What’s more – this treatment might actually prevent HIV transmission from male to female during intercourse.

Male Hormonal Birth Control

In Denmark, studies are being conducted in hormonal birth controls that rather than taking a pill daily (because men can’t bother with that?), tiny rods are inserted under the skin of the arm that deliver the hormones. These rods deliver etongestral, a progesterone often used in female birth control pills. The etongestral blocks sperm production and is considered reversible. The downside: to block sperm production, it blocks testosterone production as well. Participants of the study have to get testosterone replacement therapy injections every 4-6 weeks to maintain their sex drive, as well as their male characteristics. If approved, patients would only have to change the rods every three years.

There are other hormonal birth controls on trial. Some involve topically applied gels, others pills, or shots every few months; but they all work the same and have the same side effect of blocking testosterone production in the testes.

Other Odd ‘n’ Ends

There are surprisingly lots of clinical trials and products out there for male birth control. And maybe not-so-surprisingly, those that were not hormonal had very few side effects. I suppose it makes sense that it would be easier to control men’s sperm that are located externally, opposed to internally manipulating our eggs.

Suspensories, a pair of brief-like garments holds the testes closer to the body, raising the temperature of the testes and suppressing sperm count and making the remaining sperm poor swimmers. Here are other heat treatments.

Intra Vas Device (IVD), is a set of implants that block the flow of sperm. According to malecontraceptives.org, “These tiny, pre-formed, flexible silicone plugs are inserted into the vasa deferentia, the tubes carrying sperm from the testes. The device is sized to the width of each recipient’s vas deferens, filling the lumen (the opening in the vas tube) but not stretching the tube. Two plugs are inserted in the same vas with a small space between them. If sperm pass around the first plug and enter the space between the two plugs, the second plug blocks them. In order to prevent the plugs from moving within the vas deferens, they are anchored with small sutures to the wall of the vas deferens itself. Once implanted, they can not be felt. The IVD is similar in function to a vasectomy, but it leaves the vasa deferentia intact.”

Hopefully these new forms of birth control will soon be on the market and women like me, who can’t or choose not to, take hormonal birth control will be able to share the responsibilities of reproduction. All I can say is it’s about damn time!

For more information on clinical trials and other treatments check out MaleContraceptives.Org, it had the most inclusive, detailed and reliable information I could find on the subject.

What’s Up With All the Testosterone Ads?

by Chandler Marrs, PhD

Published on June 14, 2012

4068 views

Once upon a time, our understanding of the role that testosterone played in men’s (and women’s health) was restricted almost entirely to sexual differentiation, male sexual behavior, big muscles and aggression. Certainly, everyone is aware of the steroid doping scandals that have plagued professional and amateur sports for the last two decades. To the general public and to much of the medical profession, testosterone was dangerous (and in large amounts, it certainly can be). But now, the tides are changing and testosterone gels are being marketed aggressively to the average Joe who just wants to reclaim his masculinity. Combine the marketing for testosterone with Viagra and Cialis ads, and it becomes clear that male sexual functioning is all the rage these days. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t see an ad for one of the many testosterone replacement products.

Why is testosterone so popular?

It turns out that testosterone, like other steroid hormones, perform a complex set of functions related to health; ranging from cardiovascular and metabolic regulation, to cerebrovascular and neurotransmitter modulation. Despite the marketing (more testosterone equals better sex drive and a better physique), sex hormones are not just about sex or big muscles.

It turns out that low testosterone is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, increased insulin resistance and depressed mood. In vets, low testosterone is associated with an increased risk of PTSD, metabolic syndrome and mortality from any cause. While researchers and functional medical specialists have understood the importance of steroid hormones for years (all the way back to Hans Selye), this knowledge has been slow to transfer into mainstream clinical health; that is, until it could be commercialized into libido enhancer.

When testosterone concentrations wane as men age, the risk for many of the diseases of aging increase (cardiovascular disease, stroke, etc). Much like the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescribed for female menopause, pharmaceutical companies are hoping that testosterone replacement eases the symptoms of andropause (low libido, depression, weight gain) and reduces the risk for cardiovascular and other disease processes. Though it is too early to tell if testosterone replacement will follow the same over-marketing that HRT did. (HRT was first marketed to enhance libido and general health, then gradually became the panacea for all diseases of aging. The over-reach was not supported by science and subsequently was followed by billions in lawsuits. A gradual retraction of uses and re-positioning as simply a medication to be taken as briefly as possible to help with hot flashes is now marketed). What is clear, is that the role of hormones in health is becoming more mainstream. For that, we thank the gods of waning male virility.

For more on the role of testosterone in health:

Testosterone: What it Does and Doesn’t Do

Andropause

Andropause: A British Perspective

Male Menopause

We Need Your Help

More people than ever are reading Hormones Matter, a testament to the need for independent voices in health and medicine. We are not funded and accept limited advertising. Unlike many health sites, we don’t force you to purchase a subscription. We believe health information should be open to all. If you read Hormones Matter, like it, please help support it. Contribute now.

Yes, I would like to support Hormones Matter.

Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash.

Sugar and our Hormones

by Lisbeth Prifogle, MFA

Published on April 2, 2012

3562 views

It’s Easter season, which outside of religious practices, means candy, candy and more candy for a lot of Americans. Peeps, Cadbury Eggs, jelly beans are just a few of the hallmarks of this spring holiday. But, along with our growing waistline, scientists and Americans are both scrutinizing our diet and a common culprit seems to repeatedly point back to the white stuff. Even CBS News, 60 Minutes is looking at the toxicity of sugar. Is candy and sugar in our diet really the cause of America’s obesity and health problems? It’s now estimated that the average American consumes up to 180 lbs of added sugar per year. Here’s another statistic that demonstrates the increase of sugar in our diets over the years:

In 1700, the average person consumed about 4 pounds of sugar per year.
In 1800, the average person consumed about 18 pounds of sugar per year.
In 1900, individual consumption had risen to 90 pounds of sugar per year.
In 2009, more than 50 percent of all Americans consume one-half pound of sugar per person
DAY—translating to a whopping 180 pounds of sugar per year!

“Walk away from the Peeps, Ma’am!” might be what you’re telling yourself, but this sugar epidemic is out of control thanks to the highly processed foods and soft drinks where sugar hides under a variety of names. Here are some fancier names for sugar:

Sucrose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), corn syrup, maltodextrin, maltose, syrup, mannitol, molasses, ethyl maltol, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, diatase, cane sugar, caramel, carob syrup, barley malt, beet sugar, C12H22O11,

But, that’s not all. There are as many names for sugar as Eskimos have for snow. As the public becomes more aware of the many dangers of sugar, the food industry has to try to hide it under different names.

Is it ironic or coincidental that this heavenly, legal substance that give us so much pleasure looks identical to illegal drugs such as cocaine, meth, heroine? In my opinion the only difference is that sugar is a legal drug. Am I exaggerating? No, actually I’m not. In a recent study where rats were given the choice between water, sugar and cocaine the rats choose … SUGAR! This is vital information for you and your family’s health because when you start cutting sugar out of your diet you will likely go through withdrawal symptoms as you would with any addictive substance. As an adult you can cope with the headaches, irritability and fatigue; but if you are cutting sugar out of a child’s diet they won’t understand what is happening to their body. Something to be aware of as a parent when you start cutting processed foods and sugary treats out of your children’s diet.

I’m sure some of you are reading this thinking, I’m not diabetic, this doesn’t apply to me. What if I told you that your high cholesterol and muffin top is more likely linked to the sugar than bacon? Interested now? To break it down barney-style, sugar (whether it be white rice, processed bread, soda, lemonade, plain ol’ sugar in your coffee) turns into glucose in your body. Your body releases insulin, a hormone, to cleanse the blood. What your body can’t use immediately as energy is stored in the liver and fat tissue of the body for later use. When you overload your system with sugar, your whole body has to work overtime to clean it out of your system and this means putting its everyday tasks aside to deal with this toxic overload. So, instead of processing healthy fats, proteins, good carbs, etc., your system is processing junk. Then, it has to do its normal jobs after that. No wonder you’re so tired and lethargic all the time – you’re forcing your whole body to work double shifts everytime you reach for that candy bar or soda!

SUGAR = FAT = HEART DISEASE/CANCER/DIABETES/OBESITY/LIVER DAMAGE/INFERTILITY/ACNE/AND MORE.

Can it get worst? Actually, yes. In 2007, Child and Family Resource Institute released findings that sugar disrupts the sex hormones as well.

“Glucose and fructose are metabolized in the liver. When there’s too much sugar in the diet, the liver converts it to lipid. Using a mouse model and human liver cell cultures, the scientists discovered that the increased production of lipid shut down a gene called SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), reducing the amount of SHBG protein in the blood. SHBG protein plays a key role in controlling the amount of testosterone and estrogen that’s available throughout the body. If there’s less SHBG protein, then more testosterone and estrogen will be released throughout the body, which is associated with an increased risk of acne, infertility, polycystic ovaries, and uterine cancer in overweight women. Abnormal amounts of SHBG also disturb the delicate balance between estrogen and testosterone, which is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, especially in women.”

So, what can you do? How do you beat the cravings? The first step is to remove table sugar and processed foods out of your house. If it’s not there, you can’t be tempted. The second step is educating yourself on the hidden ingredients that are actually sugar. (Here’s a scary tip – did you know that juice is depleted of all nutrients, flavor and color, stored for a year, and then artificially flavored and colored?!) Thirdly, check out my post, Sweet Alternatives, for some healthy alternatives that will help you and your family beat that sweet tooth for good.

Photos Jdurham, jasoncangialosi Creative Common 2.0

Stress, Learning and Estradiol

by Chandler Marrs, PhD

Published on November 29, 2011

2114 views

In many ways, we assume males and females are the same, even though we know each sex has distinct and obvious differences in physiology and behavior. In the case of the stress, although the basic physiological response is comparable, the chemical reactions that the stress response elicits in males versus females are quite dissimilar. The divergent reactions are mediated by the varying concentrations of reproductive hormones that each sex is exposed to. Far beyond just controlling sex differentiation and reproduction, sex hormones like progesterone, estradiol and testosterone modulate brain and body chemistry quite significantly. The differences in the circulating concentrations of these hormones may account for the unequal prevalence rates of many diseases such as of depression, auto-immune disease, or migraine. These diseases are far more common in women than men.

Hormones also influence neurochemistry, and therefore, learning. In general, males and females learn quite differently from one another. Males tend to be better at spatial tasks while females tend to perform better at verbal tasks. Research suggests testosterone and estradiol may mediate those performance differences.

Estradiol affects learning under stress. When exposed to stressful conditions, male rodents learn certain classically conditioned tasks more rapidly than female rodents. However, when the female rodents’ ovaries are removed or estradiol is blocked by a drug like Tamoxifen, the difference between the two sexes is removed. That is, the female rodents acquire the conditioning as quickly and as effectively as the male rodents.

Even though, humans are far more complicated than rodents and the controlled stress and the scope of classical conditioning tasks in the lab are limited compared to the stress and learning that takes place in the real world, it is clear that sex matters, and thus by definition, sex hormones matter.

To read more about sex differences in neurochemistry:
The End of Sex as We Know It

Hormones Matter

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