Improving Testosterone A functional Medicine Approach

TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY IS EPIDEMIC: In over 7,000 blood tests, more than 80% of men tested had less than optimal testosterone blood levels. This translates to more than sixteen million men suffering from “low testosterone” in the United States today. Often, otherwise healthy men in their 40’s and 50’s have less than half the testosterone of a healthy 30-year-old.

TRT Costs: TRT costs range from $150 to $1,500 per month and vary depending on multiple factors.

Exogenous testosterone therapy can disrupt normal endocrine function and feedback mechanisms in several ways. When the body receives external testosterone, it can lead to a reduction in the natural production of testosterone by the testes. This can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which regulates testosterone production, disrupting the natural hormonal balance. Consequently, the body may sense high levels of testosterone and reduce the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. Lower LH and FSH levels can negatively impact the testes’ function and even lead to testicular atrophy. Over time, this can result in decreased fertility and may necessitate prolonged or even permanent exogenous testosterone use to maintain adequate hormone levels. Careful monitoring and management are essential to mitigate these potential negative effects on endocrine function.

With Functional Medicine we can restore testosterone naturally.

TRT

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

TRT is all the rage, guys are going to the doctor and getting testosterone pills patches and creams. They are told that they are getting old, and it is a normal part of ageing or that it is a common condition and that no one knows why it’s happening. And that the only way to get your life back is to give testosterone.

This is not true! There is a reason why low testosterone is affecting so many men and once you understand those reasons you can take back your health naturally. With functional medicine we look for the underlying cause and look for ways to restore balance.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can have downsides, including potential side effects such as acne, fluid retention, and an increased risk of blood clots. It may also lead to a decrease in natural testosterone production, making patients reliant on long-term therapy. In some cases, TRT can contribute to sleep apnea, an enlarged prostate, or exacerbating existing conditions like heart disease. Additionally, improper use or overuse of TRT can lead to hormonal imbalances and other complications, The complexity of the endocrine system lends to complications. Just giving testosterone does not address this complexity. You can have high testosterone and hormone receptor insensitivity and still have all the symptoms of low testosterone. Conversely you can have low testosterone and very sensitive receptors and have no low testosterone symptoms.

Study: old age does NOT lead to lower testosterone in healthy males

There’s this idea out there that testosterone loss is inevitable as you age, and it starts as soon as you reach 30. I came across an interesting study that completely rejects that idea. If you have low testosterone levels, you’re probably suffering from an underlying health issue which is causing you to have low testosterone

A decline in testosterone levels as men grow older is likely the result — not the cause — of deteriorating general health, say Australian scientists, whose new study finds that age, in itself, has no effect on testosterone level in healthy older men.

Functional perspective.

If you look at the body from that perspective that everything has a reason and everything has a cause, then you will look at low testosterone as a result Of some type of dysfunction in the body. Using the principles of functional medicine we can identify the cause of low testosterone and restore normal function.

If we utilize the principles of functional medicine and optimize the body’s function, we can correct low testosterone in younger males as well as maintain healthy testosterone levels in older age. This does not mean that there are some instances where testosterone replacement therapy might be needed but I believe that it is being used way too often and that we are neglecting the big picture of getting the body healthy and allowing it to function on its own.

Personal perspective

I have been studying hormone optimization for many years, and I practice what I preach. At age 58 my most recent blood work showed a total testosterone of 910 ng/dl.

Healthy Testosterone levels by age

If you’re looking to optimize your health and optimize your hormones and specifically keep your testosterone levels at their optimum level, a functionalist approach might be for you. At the total Health Center we have been helping people just like you be the best that they can be.