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

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

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is easily one of the most popular supplements in the US. Its popularity stems from claims that supplementation with DHEA slows down aging, increases energy, increases muscular strength, boosts immunity, and decreases body weight. Below is an overview of DHEA and what science and the medical community actually knows about its supplementation. Read on to learn exactly what it is, what it does, and why people use it as a supplement. Also, learn about DHEA and aging and... 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

Where did interest in human growth hormone (HGH) begin? In 1990, Dr. Daniel Rudman and his colleagues published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine on human growth hormone therapy in men.1 The article suggested that HGH therapy for older men could produce positive body changes. The study showed that the male participants lost fat and gained muscle. After this publication, interest in and use of HGH therapy exploded. A multitude of anti-aging clinics opened and proclaimed this... read more

Growth hormone secretion drops significantly after early adulthood. Then, it continues to drop by about 15% per decade. Since aging is associated with declining growth hormone secretion, it has been hypothesized that some undesirable effects of aging may be partly due to this decline.1,2 While a direct link to growth hormone decline and the unwanted effects of aging has not been established, it is important to pursue lifestyle choices that slow this unwelcome decline. After all, growth hormone is responsible... read more

Why should you continue to follow-up with your physician throughout your course of testosterone replacement therapy?   1.  To check your total testosterone blood levels: When your doctor puts you on an initial testosterone replacement dosage, his or her goal is to get your total level to mid-to-high normal testosterone levels usually between 500 and 700 ng/mL. The initial dose does not always get you into this range, so it may need to be adjusted. Of course, the goal of testosterone replacement... read more

Testosterone therapy for men with clinically low testosterone can potentially improve health and quality of life. However, it is important to watch out for the most common testosterone replacement mistakes.   Common Testosterone Replacement Mistakes 1. Using Too Much Testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is just that: REPLACEMENT. To achieve optimal results your dosing regimen should be set to return low testosterone levels to normal levels. A testosterone level above normal levels (generally considered to be between 300 and 1000... read more

Testosterone injections deliver testosterone into the muscle. The testosterone is then absorbed directly into the blood stream over time. The absorption period depends on the type of testosterone injected. Injections usually take place in the thighs, glutes or deltoid muscles. Read on to learn about the most common forms of injectable testosterone, therapeutic dosages, pros and cons of testosterone injections, and injection demonstration resources.       Testosterone Injections Two Most Common Types of Injectable Testosterone The most common forms... read more