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Whats New 2003
Testosterone Boon or Bain?
In some men testosterone production declines with aging.
Studies have shown that this hormone has the power to
improve muscle and bone mass, improve blood supply,
lower LDL, the bad cholesterol, reduce depression,
increase energy, boost memory and improve libido and
erectile function.
Recent research in Australia has however
demonstrated that dihydrotestosterone, the stronger
testosterone has the capacity to upregulate those genes
associated with the blockage of blood vessels and the
development of heart disease.
Does this mean that testosterone could also be
the bad guy and that giving testosterone to men that
have reduced levels of this hormone has the potential to
do harm? I
spoke to the author of this study and he informed me
that the blockage of blood vessels occurs early in life
and that replacing testosterone in physiological amounts
in the context of aging will not be detrimental to
health. He
also agreed that it was dihydrotestosterone, which could
be the bad guy, and therefore taking the herb saw
palmetto, which reduces the conversion of testosterone
to dihydrotestosterone, could be protective.
Soy, by reducing the conversion of testosterone
to oestrogen via aromatase and fish, which decreases sex
hormone binding globulin levels also boost testosterone
levels, as do high protein diets, regular exercise and
the mineral zinc.
see
archives
Spa
Chakra Wellness Centre
The
Wharf
Woolloomooloo
Sydney
2011
02
93680888
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