bio-identical testosterone

[SunLord (imported)]

I just thought this article may be of interest. SL

Last month the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study stating that low levels of testosterone actually increase the risk of death in men. This information flies in the face of mainstream medicine, which has asserted for years that testosterone is "dangerous" and increases the risk of prostate cancer. Of course, as Dr. Wright always points out, if that were true, teenage boys -- with the highest levels of testosterone around -- would have the highest rates of this cancer. A situation that obviously isn't the case. But back to the recent study.

Researchers examined 858 men over 40, all of whom had had their testosterone levels measured regularly between 1994 and 1999. They then followed the men for another four years. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the men who had consistently low testosterone levels throughout the study period faced up to an 88 percent increased risk of death in the next few years.

This just confirms what Dr. Wright has been saying for years -- that a normal level of testosterone, sustained over the course of a lifetime, is one of the most important tools a man can have for staying healthy. It improves muscle mass and strength, rebuilds bone, strengthens the heart and blood vessels, lowers blood sugar, and lessens the chance of blood clots, just to name a few of its benefits (not to mention the most obvious one -- the positive effects on your sex life). It just depends on what type of testosterone you're using to get -- and keep -- your level where it needs to be. And the synthetic version just doesn't cut it.

If your level is low, you may need bio-identical testosterone. A physician skilled in natural medicine can help you with this sort of hormone replacement therapy. (To find one near you, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at www.acam.com.)

But before you get started, there are a couple of precautions you do need to keep in mind. First, make sure to have your PSA level checked before you begin taking bio-identical testosterone. While testosterone doesn't cause prostate cancer, it does increase the growth rate of pre-existing cases, so it's important to rule that out before starting a replacement program. Second, be sure to have your physician regularly monitor your testosterone-to-estrogen conversion. Some testosterone gets converted into estrogen in the body. This is a natural process that supplies your body with the small amount of estrogen it needs. But in some men, this conversion happens too quickly, leaving you with levels of estrogen that are much higher than they should be in men. The best way to screen for this is a 24-hour urine test for sex steroids, which your doctor can order for you.

What is...bio-identical testosterone?

Bio-identical testosterone is a natural substance that has the exact same molecular structure as human testosterone but has been produced from another natural source.

For example, back in 1935, Leopold Ruzicka discovered that it was possible to produce testosterone from cholesterol. The testosterone Ruzicka produced in his experiment was molecularly identical to the body's natural testosterone. Even though it was synthesized in a laboratory, the natural testosterone molecules couldn't be distinguished from human hormones, and the body treated them as such.

[kristoff]

please site the research article so that those wishing to make reference or pass to their doctors, if desired, may do so.

[Slammr (imported)]

please site the research article so that those wishing to make reference or pass to their doctors, if desired, may do so.

Could this be the site? acam.org (http://acam.org/)

[SunLord (imported)]

please site the research article so that those wishing to make reference or pass to their doctors, if desired, may do so.

That is all the information I had, but try http://archinte.ama-assn.org/reports/mfr2.dtl, and you have to be a member to access the article.

acam.org site has some info as well. I hope this is of assistance. SL

[kristoff]

That is all the information I had, but try http://archinte.ama-assn.org/reports/mfr2.dtl, and you have to be a member to access the article.

acam.org site has some info as well. I hope this is of assistance. SL

Thank you for the citation. Unfortunately, I cannot get the full text, until the next Archive journal comes out. My membership does not allow me to access until it goes to stale status (can't be current issue). I have the article flagged and will return to subject in the future.

K

[JesusA (imported)]

One key warning to all – don’t believe everything you read! I own an 1898 encyclopedia where the very brief article on Uranium lists it as a “nearly worthless grey metal, sometimes used for coloring glass.” It's also found “only in Bohemia.” Read carefully and critically….

Last month the Archives of Internal Medicine published a study stating that low levels of testosterone actually increase the risk of death in men. This information flies in the face of mainstream medicine, which has asserted for years that testosterone is "dangerous" and increases the risk of prostate cancer.

The Archives of Internal Medicine is a respectable medical journal, but when an article counters years of research to reach a diametrically opposite conclusion, the work needs to be very carefully done and well-vetted by other researchers.

Work on the life expectancy of eunuchs and castrati, while slim, has been absolutely consistent. The Italian castrati lived years longer than other, intact, Italians of their same economic class. Chinese eunuchs were known for their long life expectancy. Those castrated (as part of their “treatment”) in U.S. mental institutions during the 20th century lived an average of nearly 12 years longer than men in the same institutions who were not castrated. Research on the human immune system has given strong support to these observations. Robust data is needed if you are to counter hundreds of years of observation and a number of well-researched studies on the mechanisms involved. I have not yet been able to read the AIM article, but have seen nothing quoting it elsewhere. That’s normally a sign that it’s not being taken very seriously by others.

This just confirms what Dr. Wright has been saying for years -- that a normal level of testosterone, sustained over the course of a lifetime, is one of the most important tools a man can have for staying healthy. SNIP…. It just depends on what type of testosterone you're using to get -- and keep -- your level where it needs to be. And the synthetic version just doesn't cut it.

I know a Dr. Wright (maybe the same one) and think him to be a quack. He nearly killed one of my uncles, pumping him full of testosterone to “perk him up” in his late 70s.

If your level is low, you may need bio-identical testosterone. A physician skilled in natural medicine can help you with this sort of hormone replacement therapy. (To find one near you, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at www.acam.

org.)

This is the critical piece. ACAM is a new-age medical group. They advertise a total membership of “medical professionals” that is a fraction of the membership of the Eunuch Archive. They are, for IRS purposes a non-profit organization. But, an inspection of their web site shows a significant FOR PROFIT area, selling books, medical devices, and non-FDA approved “medications”.

For example, back in 1935, Leopold Ruzicka discovered that it was possible to produce testosterone from cholesterol. The testosterone Ruzicka produced in his experiment was molecularly identical to the body's natural testosterone. Even though it was synthesized in a laboratory, the natural testosterone molecules couldn't be distinguished from human hormones, and the body treated them as such.

This is new-age gobble-de-gook. The “synthetic” testosterone that is commonly used is synthesized from cholesterol. The ACAM is pushing to sell their own version at a high price.

Let the buyer beware….

[SunLord (imported)]

SunLord. It is a very interesting subject and it makes Staus Quo (not the rock group) a think of past.

It effects everyman with low Testosterone not only Eunuchs.

I now wonder how much T is produced by my remaining testicle.

My T level did go up to the highest point since I lost my testicle because of a medical mistake a year ago.

It is now 260 mg. Not too high but in the range. I will show this article to my doctor if I should go after the bio-indetical Testosterone.I wonder if it will make too much difference at my age (50) with one "ball" still making some.

I am currently on 10 mg of gel.(5mg in the patch and 5 mg in the pump.) This combo seems to work for me.I also started to use Tribulus as Hash suggested. I will see if there is any changes within a month. This kind of info is why I joined the EA and look where I mostly end Up. Down on the bottom fighting the "New Crusades". H.

Well good luck with all of that and please post any further information to the subject you find. SL

[SunLord (imported)]

One key warning to all – don’t believe everything you read! I own an 1898 encyclopedia where the very brief article on Uranium lists it as a “nearly worthless grey metal, sometimes used for coloring glass.” It's also found “only in Bohemia.” Read carefully and critically….

The Archives of Internal Medicine is a respectable medical journal, but when an article counters years of research to reach a diametrically opposite conclusion, the work needs to be very carefully done and well-vetted by other researchers.

Work on the life expectancy of eunuchs and castrati, while slim, has been absolutely consistent. The Italian castrati lived years longer than other, intact, Italians of their same economic class. Chinese eunuchs were known for their long life expectancy. Those castrated (as part of their “treatment”) in U.S. mental institutions during the 20th century lived an average of nearly 12 years longer than men in the same institutions who were not castrated. Research on the human immune system has given strong support to these observations. Robust data is needed if you are to counter hundreds of years of observation and a number of well-researched studies on the mechanisms involved. I have not yet been able to read the AIM article, but have seen nothing quoting it elsewhere. That’s normally a sign that it’s not being taken very seriously by others.

I know a Dr. Wright (maybe the same one) and think him to be a quack. He nearly killed one of my uncles, pumping him full of testosterone to “perk him up” in his late 70s.

This is the critical piece. ACAM is a new-age medical group. They advertise a total membership of “medical professionals” that is a fraction of the membership of the Eunuch Archive. They are, for IRS purposes a non-profit organization. But, an inspection of their web site shows a significant FOR PROFIT area, selling books, medical devices, and non-FDA approved “medications”.

This is new-age gobble-de-gook. The “synthetic” testosterone that is commonly used is synthesized from cholesterol. The ACAM is pushing to sell their own version at a high price.

Let the buyer beware….

You seem to be overly critical of an article that by your own admission you haven't read yet. I’m sorry if this has stirred up an emotional issue for you. I would value your opinions when you have read the article, either way, so please share with us when you do.

[SunLord (imported)]

In the world of 1898 uranium would have been just a ‘nearly worthless gray metal’ but as we all know that a 360 degree turn around has been done on that one!

The thing is there are plenty of examples of such instances to name eggs and coffee, in much more recent times, as a couple that come to mind quickly (once thought to be bad, but now are ok, within guidelines).

One benefit of today is that there are plenty of suitably qualified professional people that are prepared to challenge traditional methodologies and thinking, and often with the aid of new technologies arrive at new insights for the betterment of everyone. They can even examine historical data and provide greater insights as to why statistics read as they do.

This article was sent to me by my sister who lives in Florida, USA and it is posted exactly as received. I don’t know any of the organizations or people quoted in it and I neither condemn nor uphold it. I posted it purely out of interest for the readers of this board.

It is an opposing view to the bulk of information that I have read on these boards, but it is worthy of closer scrutiny. I anyone is able to access the article as published in the Archives of Internal Medicine and post it, that would be probably appreciated by all of us

As always it is the responsibility of the individual to do their own research on any topics that they consider relevant to themselves. And hopefully they share with the rest of us.

[kristoff]

Here is the abstract of the article:

Low Serum Testosterone and Mortality in Male Veterans

Molly M. Shores, MD; Alvin M. Matsumoto, MD; Kevin L. Sloan, MD; Daniel R. Kivlahan, PhD

Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1660-1665.

Background: Low serum testosterone is a common condition in aging associated with decreased muscle mass and insulin resistance. This study evaluated whether low testosterone levels are a risk factor for mortality in male veterans.

Methods: We used a clinical database to identify men older than 40 years with repeated testosterone levels obtained from October 1, 1994, to December 31, 1999, and without diagnosed prostate cancer. A low testosterone level was a total testosterone level of less than 250 ng/dL (<8.7 nmol/L) or a free testosterone level of less than 0.75 ng/dL (<0.03 nmol/L). Men were classified as having a low testosterone level (166 [19.3%]), an equivocal testosterone level (equal number of low and normal levels) (240 [28.0%]), or a normal testosterone level (452 [52.7%]). The risk for all-cause mortality was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates over a follow-up of up to 8 years.

Results: Mortality in men with normal testosterone levels was 20.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.2%-24.1%) vs 24.6% (95% CI, 19.2%-30.0%) in men with equivocal testosterone levels and 34.9% (95% CI, 28.5%-41.4%) in men with low testosterone levels. After adjusting for age, medical morbidity, and other clinical covariates, low testosterone levels continued to be associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.34-2.63; P<.001) while equivocal testosterone levels were not significantly different from normal testosterone levels (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.99%-1.92%; P=.06). In a sensitivity analysis, men who died within the first year (50 [5.8%]) were excluded to minimize the effect of acute illness, and low testosterone levels continued to be associated with elevated mortality.

Conclusions: Low testosterone levels were associated with increased mortality in male veterans. Further prospective studies are needed to examine the association between low testosterone levels and mortality.

Author Affiliations: Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (Drs Shores and Matsumoto) and Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education (Drs Sloan and Kivlahan), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Wash, and Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Drs Shores, Sloan, and Kivlahan) and Medicine (Dr Matsumoto), University of Washington, Seattle.

A reading only of the abstract would suggest that conclusory evidence is absent. This could potentially be only a chance co-variance in the data - replication is essential, as well as study and analysis from other approaches in studying the issue. When the full article is available, at least through my sources, I will more fully review the statistics. In the meantime, solely from the abstract's information, I don't place great credence in the reported evidence - show me more....