Quantitative Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (qADAM) Questionnaire The following quantitative ADAM questionnaire assesses whether or not you should ask your doctor about low testosterone. Question Answer 1) How would you rate your libido (sex drive)? Terrible Poor Average Good Excellent 2) How would you rate your energy level? Terrible Poor Average Good Excellent 3) How would you rate your strength and endurance? Terrible Poor Average Good Excellent 4) How would you rate your enjoyment of life? Terrible Poor Average... read more

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and the Heart The Misconception Historically, a major concern about testosterone replacement therapy was that it was potentially harmful to the heart. Testosterone has traditionally been regarded as a hormone that is harmful to the heart.     Why the Misconception? This misconception stems from the belief that testosterone causes heart disease. Additionally, the high doses of testosterone used by bodybuilders can damage the heart, leading to a variety of diseases and often necessitating surgery   to correct... read more

Testosterone nasal gel delivers testosterone directly into the nostril. Natesto is the only FDA approved nasal testosterone replacement therapy. It is administered three times daily once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening (6 to 8 hours apart). According to the Phase 3 clinical trials for FDA approval, the average testosterone concentration in the blood was in the normal range for 90 percent of men who used the nasal gel three times daily, compared with... read more

The following article discusses the subject of co-administering anastrozole with testosterone therapy. As a note, The Endocrine Society currently does not recommend for or against the use of anastrozole. Some physicians do prescribe it to mitigate symptoms of high estradiol levels, like gynecomastia and edema. With this being said, estradiol plays an important role, even in men, so taking it in the absence of clinically diagnosed high estradiol levels and related symptoms may be counterproductive. At this time, there is... read more

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) suppresses the natural production of testosterone by the testes. It also reduces sperm production. In most men, it reduces sperm production to levels below what is necessary for fertility. As a result, most men on testosterone therapy are infertile. While this side effect may not concern certain men, men looking to conceive a child or remain fertile must be aware of this potential side effect of TRT. While infertility is usually reversible, the testosterone dosage must either... read more

Gynecomastia is breast enlargement in males due to benign (non-cancerous) breast tissue growth. It is caused by an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. In other words, there is too much estrogen relative to testosterone. It can be physically uncomfortable, psychologically distressing, and may have a negative impact on self-confidence and body image. Male breast tissue contains receptors for androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens.1 Most men think of estrogen as an exclusively female hormone, but men also produce it. Normally, the... read more

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland (a small endocrine gland in the base of the brain). Once secreted in men, it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and sperm. Thus, FSH plays a vital role in the hormonal status and reproductive ability of men. Abnormal levels (levels that are too high or too low) may indicate either a problem with testicular function or hypothalamic/pituitary function.   The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis The anterior pituitary secretes... read more

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland (a small endocrine gland in the base of the brain). Once secreted in men, it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone, which acts as the primary male hormone and is essential for the production of sperm.1 Similar to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which is also produced by the pituitary gland, LH plays a vital role in the hormonal status and reproductive ability of men. Abnormal levels (levels that... read more

What is Dihydrotestosterone? Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a sex hormone, like testosterone. It plays a significant role in both the development and maintenance of certain male physical and sexual characteristics. It also plays an important role in certain men’s health problems, like benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement aka BPH) and male pattern baldness. For these reasons, dihydrotestosterone has long been a source of scientific study for the potential benefits of both supplementation and blocking.     How is DHT Formed?... read more

What is Sex Hormone Binding Globulin? Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds to and transports sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, through the bloodstream. It safeguards these hormones so that they are not eliminated by the body too quickly. When SHBG is bound to testosterone or estrogen, these hormones cannot exert their effects on the body. In this state, they are not active or not bioavailable. When not bound to SHBG or other protein carriers, these... read more