wpe1.jpg (7223 bytes)For Prevention and Quality of Life Issues.


In Dr. Eugene Shippen's book, The Testosterone Syndrome, it is made perfectly clear that the decline in testosterone levels in both males and females has a pervasive effect on our entire being, both men and females.   Symptoms relative to brain function, sexual function, general metabolic condition and musculoskeletal wellness are all inextricable linked to a healthy level of Testosterone.

Dr. Shippen has called this deficiency condition or state, "The Gray Zone". In Anti-Aging Medicine, it is known as Andropause., the male counterpart to Menopause in females.  Just as effected women are with the decline of estrogen and progesterone, males experience a similar more surreptitious process that leads to a decline in male characteristics.  But this does not have to be the final word.  A knowledgeable Anti-Aging Physician will perform blood laboratory testing to include both Free and Bound Testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, DHT, DHEA, Androsteine, and Estrogen levels. Based upon the results of these tests, if replacement therapy is indicated, it can consist of natural , injectable, topical or sublingual forms of testosterone. The goal being to replace the level of testosterone to those of a 20 - 30 year old.

So, how do you know if you are a candidate for replacement therapy? 

                    THE GRAY ZONE TEST
                   
                                       for

                TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY

A.

 Sexual Function in Men Rare
0		 Moderate
1		 Frequent
2

1.

 Decrease in spontaneous early morning erections?      

2.

 Decreased libido or desire for sex?      

3.

 Decrease in fullness of erections.      

4.

 Decrease in volume of ejaculate or semen      

5.

 Decrease in strength of climax or force of muscular pulsations.      

6.

Difficulty in maintaining full erection

      

7.

 Difficulty in starting erection-or no erection      

B.

 Sexual Function in Women      
  Decreased libido or sexual desire.      
  Reduction in vaginal sensation during intercourse.      
  Failure to produce vaginal lubrication during foreplay.      
  Failure to achieve orgasm.      

C.

 Mental Functions      

1.

 Spells of mental fatigue or inability to concentrate; feeling burned out      

2.

 Tiredness or sleepiness in the afternoon or early evening.      

3.

 Decrease in mental sharpness, attention, wit.      

4.

 Change in creativity or spontaneous new ideas.      

5.

 Decrease in initiative or desire to start new projects      

6.

 Decreased interest in past hobbies or new work-related activities.      

7.

 Decrease in competitiveness.      

8.

 Change in memory function; increased forgetfulness.      

9.

 Feeling of depression; a sense that work, marriage, or recreational activities have lost significance.      

D.

 Musculoskeletal Condition      
  "Sore-body syndrome"-aches, joint and muscle pains      
  Decline in flexibility and mobility; increased stiffness.      
  Decrease in muscle size, tone, and strength      
  Decrease in physical stamina.      
  Decrease in athletic performance.      
  Prolonged recovery phase after exercise.      
  Back pain; neck pain      
  Tendency to pull muscles or get leg cramps      
  Development of Osteoporosis or Inflammatory Arthritis      

E.

 Metabolic or Physical/Disease Problems      
  Increase in total cholesterol or triglycerides      
  Decrease in HDL cholesterol      
  Increase in LDL cholesterol      
  Rise in blood sugar level or onset of diabetes      
  Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the mid-drift      
  Increased fat distribution in breast or hip areas      
  Development of chest pain or hardening of the arteries.      
  Shortness of breath with simple activities.      
  Increased symptoms of asthma or emphysema      
  Lightheadedness, dizzy spells or onset of new headaches.      
  Ringing in the ears(Tinnitus)      
  Poor circulation in the legs.      
  Swelling of the legs with or without increase in varicose veins.      
  Change in visual acuity.      
  Decreased night vision.      

Your Score:
A: Less than 10: Levels of Testosterone, DHT and DHEA are probable very good.
B: 10 - 20: Have a work-up for Testosterone, Growth Hormone, Thyroid, DHEA and Insulin deficiencies.
C: More than 20: It is clear that there is a deficiency. Of what, needs to be evaluated with the testing described above.

Many of these symptoms can also be associated with a deficiency of Growth Hormone, Thyroid Hormone and micronutrients. Advanced comprehensive laboratory evaluations can frequently determine your levels of important hormones, minerals and trace elements.  If any of the above conditions or states are affecting you, speak to your personal physician and have him/her perform the appropriate laboratory tests to help you achieve the highest level of health that is possible.