TESTOSTERONE

Coping With and Overcoming Low-T

Testosterone is the primary hormone associated with manhood. Although Testosterone is responsible for the changes which differentiate men from women after puberty, both sexes actually need and produce the vital hormone.

Men produce much higher levels of Testosterone from the Testes and the Adrenal Glands, whereas women produce much lower amounts from the Ovaries and Adrenal Glands. Even though Testosterone plays a much larger role in male health, it is also significant for women as well. Even though women produce much less Testosterone than men, they are far more sensitive to the hormone.

For men, Testosterone is incredibly important for the proper function of numerous systems throughout the body. Everyone knows and understands some of these effects. Everyone knows Testosterone contributes to increased muscle mass. They also know that Testosterone Stimulates the growth of male beard and body hair, and that it controls male sexual desire and functional ability.

There are many functions of Testosterone which few people fully recognize, however. Testosterone is intimately responsible for bone health, for example. Testosterone also regulates healthy red blood cell production and contributes to overall psychological health.

Nutrients that Can Increase Natural Testosterone Production

There are two essential nutrients that have been shown to be incredibly beneficial to natural Testosterone Production, Zinc and Vitamin D.

Zinc and Testosterone

Zinc is an important nutrient needed to ensure healthy and natural Testosterone secretion. A recent government assessment revealed that almost half of adults over the age of sixty have a zinc deficiency directly caused by a lack of zinc in the diet.

Studies have shown that Zinc Supplementation is highly effective at increasing natural Testosterone Production. After only 6 weeks of supplementation, men can experience positive results. Research also shows that purposefully removing zinc from the diet directly leads to a decrease in Testosterone Secretion. There are a lot of great Zinc sources, including:

• Yogurt

• Beans

• Raw Cheese

• Raw Milk

• Oysters

• Roast Beef

• Lamb

• Crab

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Watermelon Seeds

If you are using a Zinc Supplement, take a supplement which provides no more than forty milligrams of zinc per day. Forty milligrams seems maximally optimal, but if you take more, you run the risk of encouraging other mineral deficiencies, such as copper deficiency.

Vitamin D and Testosterone Production

Vitamin D Deficiency is becoming increasingly common in the United States. Although Vitamin D Deficiency affects both sexes, it appears to more severely affect male health.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone which is derived from cholesterol. It is important for the maintenance of male fertility, because it helps the nuclei of a sperm cell form. Without appropriate levels of Vitamin D, both sperm count and quality suffer.

Vitamin D is also intricately tied to Testosterone Production. There are simple tests that your doctor can perform which can reveal your Vitamin-D levels. For a healthy adult, it is important to get between fifty to seventy nanograms per milliliter of Vitamin D each day. The following are some of the best ways to get your daily recommendation of Vitamin D:

• Sun Exposure

• Salmon

• Tuna

• Flounder

• Fortified Milk

• Pork

• Eggs

• Responsible Use of Safe Tanning Beds

• Vitamin D Supplementation

The Correlation Between Low-T and Obesity

Perhaps the strongest indicator of Testosterone Health is weight. A study presented at the 2012 meeting of the Endocrine Society describes many of the intricacies regarding the connection between weight and T-Levels. Men that are overweight are far more likely to experience Low-T, and losing weight directly leads to an increase in Testosterone Production.

This is because Adipose fat cells have the capability to convert Testosterone into Estrogen, preventing men from experiencing healthy levels of Testosterone and increasing the risk of a number of different medical issues related to cardiovascular health.

Below are some recommendations which can help you to lose weight and restore healthy Testosterone Production:

Reduce Your Consumption of Processed Sugar to Lose Weight and Increase Testosterone

One of the main reasons why obesity is at epidemic levels in America is because of the consumption of empty calories directly from sugar. Sugary drinks and desserts pad on the pounds quickly, and removing these from your diet is an effective way to start carving your path to a healthier weight.

Although it is important to limit sugar consumption, try not to rely heavily on common artificial sweeteners such as Splenda and Nutrasweet, because these alternatives can have negative consequences as well.

One choice for people that don't want to forgo sweeteners completely is Stevia. This sweetener is produced from natural sources and thus far has shown no negative consequences, while containing zero calories. It can't be used for high-temperature cooking, but it is perfect for drinks and the flavoring of foods that are never cooked above about 280 Degrees.

Try to limit your sugar consumption to natural sources such as fruit so that you can get some nutrients in addition to your sugar. Try not to eat more than twenty five grams of sugar per day, and if you are sensitive to sugar, reduce your consumption to below fifteen grams each day.

Reduce Consumption of Processed Carbohydrates to Lose Weight and Increase Testosterone

Processed grains and other carbohydrates are just as bad, if not worse than sugar, and you should severely limit your consumption of simple carbs. Choose breads that are made from whole grain. Also avoid over-processed pastas for whole grain pastas as well. Choose brown rice over white rice, because white rice has been stripped of its essential nutrients and primarily provides you with empty calories and an insulin spike.

Choose Vegetarian Sources of Carbohydrates and Consume Healthier Forms of Fat

Generally, the carbohydrates that you consume from vegetables are better for you than those you get from grains, and infinitely better than those you get from simple sugars. It is important to eat polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that can be found in many nuts and vegetables, while limiting consumption of saturated fats. Do not eliminate saturated fats from your diet completely, however, because the body needs a certain level for healthy function, and the complete elimination of saturated fat can actually hinder Testosterone Release. Trans-fats are bad under any circumstances.

Healthy Fat Sources Include:

• Uncooked Nut Oils

• Palm Oil

• Grass-fed Animals

• Avocados

• Pasture-Raised Eggs

• Raw nuts, like Pecans and Almonds

• Organic Milk and Butter

• Coconut and Coconut Products

• Olives and Olive Products

Organic Dairy can Increase Testosterone Production

Whey protein, Quality Cheeses, and Organic Dairy can increase your production of proteins known as Branch Chain Amino Acids. Studies have shown that the increased consumption of products containing this form of amino acid can increase natural Testosterone Release while also increasing the effectiveness of anaerobic exercise.

There are many supplemental sources of BCAA, but natural sources are great too. It appears that the BCAA Leucine, is the most effective at stimulating Testosterone, and it is primarily found in the dairy products listed above.

Boost Testosterone with Exercise

Although all forms of exercise have a beneficial impact on Testosterone Levels, the most effective way to increase Testosterone with Physical Activity is through anaerobic exercise such as sprinting or weight-lifting. This form of muscle-exertion directly stimulates Testosterone Production.

Generally, exercising the largest muscles such as the quadriceps or core seems to induce the highest level of benefit, although alternating exercises daily will produce the best overall benefits, because your muscles need rest from this form of exertion.

Although cardiovascular exercise is important for its own special reasons, the ideal exercise routine will also include the following aspects in order to maximize the release of Testosterone (as well as Human Growth Hormone):

Strength Training - In order to boost Testosterone, it is important to lower the number of reps you lift while steadily increasing the amount that you lift over time. The most effective exercises are those that stimulate the greatest number of muscle groups simultaneously, such as dead lifts and squats.

Interval Training - In this form of exercise, your goal is to complete all of your lifting goals in a span of twenty to thirty minutes.

There are also advanced methods related to these forms of weight lifting which focus on completing reps very slowly in order to maximize strength training even further.

Alleviate Stress to Increase Testosterone

Excess Stress is the Enemy of Masculinity as well as Cardiovascular Health. Stress is directly caused by the release of hormones such as cortisol, which are responsible for the oft-mentioned fight or flight mechanism. Although Cortisol is a necessary hormone, the majority of us in America produce far more than is healthy, and increased Cortisol Levels sap our bodies of the Testosterone that we need to stay healthy and full of vitality.

This Testosterone Deficiency changes the way we live, reducing our overall health, while also inhibiting our sense of individuality, masculinity, and self. Although a little stress is unavoidable, many of us suffer from a condition known as chronic stress, as a result of a mixture of our bio-chemistry, diet, and environmental circumstances.

Because of this, it is important to engage in a healthy diet, reduce outside stressors, and engage in activities which physiologically reduce stress.

There are a number of mechanisms which you can use to resolve stress in your life. These tools include yoga, meditation, quiet contemplation, laughter, and breathing exercises. In addition to increasing Testosterone, these techniques can also encourage greater emotional health as well, allowing you to adopting a happier outlook and clearer mind.

Take Conscientious Steps to Live a Longer and Healthier Life

Remember that the body and the mind function as a unit, and the key to a long and healthy life is to take the steps to optimize your health, while engaging in the world in a thoughtful way in order to limit stress in your life.

If you want to keep your mind, body, and soul in optimal shape, make sure you are living your life right in all aspects. It's a lot easier than it sounds, and you'll never want to look back!

How Do Chemicals Hinder Testosterone Production?

Although man's ability to control chemistry and biology has changed the way that humans live today for the better, there are also numerous negative consequences related to our many decisions. As we produce more and more industrial chemicals, we are actually changing the nature of the environment around us.

The Problem with EDCs

Many of these chemicals have the ability to alter and impact the function of both human and animal endocrine systems. Scientifically, these chemicals are known as Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, abbreviated EDCs. These chemicals can impact a number of different aspects of hormone production, and some even have the capability to affect the sex hormones, causing both males and females to demonstrate certain aspects of the opposite sex.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals are everywhere these days. You likely have dozens of products in your house that contain these ingredients, including common contraceptives, cleansing agents, and even certain hygiene products such as soaps and shampoos. Many foods contain ingredients which have been proven to impact hormone production. If you aren't careful, they can even contaminate your drinking water.

Many EDCs Lower Testosterone Levels in Men

Part of maintaining optimal health is recognizing potential risks and minimizing their impact as much as possible. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals can have a significant impact on male health, because there are so many that degrade the natural production and function of Testosterone, which can hinder male health significantly over time.

Effect of EDC Pollution on Fish

Here is one powerful example: In Great Britain, researchers have conducted a number of studies regarding the impact of chemical pollution on the rivers and lakes throughout England. Many fish species are particularly sensitive to chemical contamination. In a number of rivers associated with high levels of pollution, the researchers discovered that half of the male fish were actually producing eggs as a result of EDC Contamination.

These chemicals entered the waterway primarily via sewage, and were having such a tremendous impact on the ecology of the rivers that male fish were actually starting to transform as a result. Although half of the male fish were producing eggs, the impact on sexual function was even more pronounced. Over three quarters of these fish which were impacted by these chemicals exhibited a reduced ability to reproduce.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals can have an Effect on Male Health from Birth

Without any outside stimulation, sexual development generally occurs during two periods. A certain level of sexual differentiation occurs prenatally: Primary Sex characteristics develop, and there are arguably some differences in psychological development which take place. The period in which boys and girls change sexually and develop secondary sex characteristics is during puberty. Puberty usually occurs a bit earlier in females, but normally, this change occurs between 11-13.

EDCs Can Induce Early Puberty

In recent decades, however, scientists (and parents) have seen a significant number of children enter puberty much earlier than normal. In one study released in Pediatrics, it was discovered that boys are entering puberty between 6 months and 2 years earlier than normal as a result of the increased incidence of childhood obesity and the increased exposure to chemicals which are triggering puberty.

This means that there are certain boys and girls that are entering puberty as early as nine years old! Although this might not seem like a major issue at face value, early puberty can impact both psychological and physiological health in countless ways. Early puberty also increases the risk of developing certain cancers associated with the endocrine system.

Psychological Issues Related to Early Puberty

The combination of puberty and immature psychological development can lead to a number of behavioral and emotional problems, including:

• Self-Esteem Issues

• Anorexia or Other Eating Disorders

• Depression

• Increased possibility of Alcohol Exposure

• Premature Sexual Activity

• Increased Risk of STDs

Prenatal EDC Exposure

Women can also accidentally expose their children to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals while they are in the womb. Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy can actually impact male physiological and psychological development before birth. In Japan and the United States, for example, the male birth rate has dropped consistently over the course of the last thirty years, meaning that more fetuses are developing into females than males.

The greater the exposure to these chemicals, the more likely that the mother will bear a male child with certain testicular issues. They may develop testicles that are abnormally small, or the testicles may not properly descend fully upon puberty. These issues, and others, have a significant impact upon Testosterone production throughout the lifespan, and it can also obstruct male fertility as well. These chemicals can significantly depress sperm count.

Exposure to EDCs has also been linked to an increased risk of Testicular and Prostate Cancer. Males that experience these symptoms are said to suffer from a disorder known as Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome, which is directly caused by endogenous and exogenous factors that severely depress Testosterone Production.

Phthalate Contamination

One particularly common group of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals are Phthalates. Overexposure to these chemicals can actually inhibit normal endocrine function in males, leading to symptoms of feminization. These ingredients are very common in plastics, and they actively inhibit Testosterone Production while also reducing male fertility.

Prenatal exposure to high levels of Phtalates has been strongly correlated with male birth defects, and it seems that these chemicals cause the male genitals to develop abnormally, causing them to be more feminine in appearance.

What do Phthalates do?

Phthalates disrupt male development and sexual function in a particular way. Studies have shown that pregnant women with DBP and DEHP, two forms of Phthalate, are significantly more likely to birth sons that display female characteristics.

Phthalates are in a variety of products that we use every day in America, including food packaging, plastic bags, hair sprays, perfumes, anti-antiperspirants, shampoos, soaps, detergents, vinyl flooring, and plastics used in the production of automobiles.

Other Chemicals Which Disrupt Hormone Production

Bisphenol-A (BPA) - This chemical is most commonly found in a number of plastic commodities, such as food cans, reusable bottles, and dental sealants. Exposure to this chemical can affect prenatal development, as well as increase the chance for a woman to develop breast cancer.

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) - This chemical agent is used in order to create surfaces which are resistant to grease and water. There is also strong evidence that overexposure to this chemical increases the risk of a number of different types of cancer. There are many forms of non-stick pan that use this chemical, and the highest levels of exposure likely come from a very common source: the inner lining of popcorn bags. It is suspected that popcorn bags actually contribute to the highest levels of exposure.

Vinclozin (fungicide) and Methoxychlor (insecticide) - Animal studies have shown that these two chemicals have the potential to alter the fetal development of rats over the course of multiple generations.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) - These chemicals wreak havoc on the male endocrine system because they have characteristics which cause them to mimic the feminine hormone estrogen. These chemicals also have the ability to alter genetic expression and the function of certain glands such as the pituitary.

Bovine Growth Hormone - All animals produce their own form of Growth Hormone, and many agricultural firms inject Bovine Growth Hormone into cows in order to speed up the growth process and produce more meat. Bovine Growth Hormone is also present in many forms of dairy product. The problem is that Bovine Growth Hormone can imitate Estrogen and Human Growth Hormone in some ways, impacting normal hormone production and function.

Non-Fermented Soy Products - Unfermented Soy contains chemicals known as phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant hormones which share a lot in common with Estrogen, and in high doses can actually function similarly to Estrogen in the human body. In particular, infants should not be fed foods containing soy. One study shows that a child that consumes only soy formula consumes a level of estrogen that is equal to 5 birth control pills. In addition to this, Unfermented Soy also contains proteins which can affect Thyroid Function as well.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) - Classically, MSG used to be added to many foods at Chinese Buffets in order to add flavor and induce fullness. What most people don't realize is that today, most Chinese restaurants avoid adding MSG to their foods, but many American restaurants and domestically processed foods contain MSG, because they are not so closely scrutinized in regard to the use of MSG. The body creates its own necessary MSG, and the introduction of outside sources can affect natural hormone production.

In addition to this, the process of creating MSG produces many contaminants, peptide fragments and amino acids not used by the human body which can hinder proper hormone health. In fact, MSG can alter both male and female fertility. In males, excess MSG consumption can drop fertility rates by as much as half. In women, MSG can alter the menstrual cycle, making it harder to conceive.

Metalloestrogens - Certain inorganic elements and compounds have the ability to mimic estrogen in the human body. Among these are tin, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, antimony, and aluminum. Although solid metal forms of most of these Metalloestrogens are perfectly safe (except mercury, lead, cadmium, and other specific Metalloestrogens), incidental ingestion and inhalation of these products can lead to particular issues, and can copy the effects of estrogen while also preventing the proper function of Testosterone.

How to Minimize Exposure to Hormone Disrupting Contaminants

There are many ways to limit your exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Contaminants. Of course, it will be impossible to safeguard yourself one hundred percent from these compounds, but by being conscientious, you can significantly safeguard yourself and your hormones. You don't have to walk around in a bubble, you can change your life in a completely practical way.

Avoid Teflon for Your Health

One way to limit exposure to these chemicals is to choose pans that do not contain Teflon or related coatings. We recommend cooking with cast-iron cookware. This form of cookware is affordable, and when used and maintained properly, it is just as non-stick as Teflon. In addition to this, there are companies that make Teflon-Alternatives that are completely made out of green ingredients which are safe to accidentally consume in the case that they are scraped off. Ceramic pans are also an excellent choice.

Avoid Canned Foods

Also when possible, choose dried or fresh vegetables instead of canned vegetables, because cans are often sealed using oil-based chemicals which can impact hormone balance. These chemicals are called Bisphenols, and these chemicals have been shown to negatively affect fertility. Excess Bisphenol exposure directly correlates with decreased Testosterone Production.

Choose Healthy Cleaning Supplies

In addition to this, be conscientious about the cleaning products that you use, and always use them in a well-ventilated area, preferably with gloves. Also, seek out green alternatives to the products you use, which don't contain a melting pot of potentially unhealthy chemicals. Use natural air fresheners and green or hypo-allergenic fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Remember that most shower curtains are made out of vinyl, and choose curtains that do not contain vinyl compounds. There are a ton of cheap alternatives if you keep your eyes peeled.

Choose Organic Hygiene Products

Choose simple soaps and shampoos which only use safe ingredients. There are only a few bare essentials to a quality hygiene product, so there is no reason to choose a product filled to the brim with exotic chemicals.

In regard to your eating habits, limit your intake of processed foods and go for the real thing. In general, organic foods are superior to other forms, but remember that even organic foods sometimes contain ingredients that can be harmful. The best rule of thumb is to buy foods which are as close to their natural form as possible, and ideally, you should purchase food from trustworthy sellers, whether this be from a local farmers' market or from a reputable company.

Take Control of Your Health and Your Hormones

Knowledge is the first step in safeguarding your health. By limiting your exposure to chemicals which affect your hormone production, you can maintain hormone balance more effectively which will sustain your long-term health in countless ways!

Testosterone and Prostate Health

Testosterone is not Linked to Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer

Historically, many scientists have hypothesized that Testosterone contributes directly to the development of Prostate Cancer in correlation with age. There are even a minority of doctors which have utilized castration as a means to prevent Prostate Cancer. New research suggests that the link between Testosterone and Prostate Cancer is weaker than once believed, and there is a significant chance that Testosterone has absolutely no link to the development of Prostate Cancer.

What we are actually learning now is that Testosterone is vitally important for the optimal function of the Prostate.

Testosterone Levels Fade with Age

There is a major problem, however. The older that we get, the less Testosterone that men produce. Generally, Testosterone Levels remain high beginning at puberty and extending forward to the late twenties. After this period of optimal hormone production, however, our bodies start to produce many vital hormones, including Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone, less efficiently.

Beginning in the thirties, Testosterone Levels start to drop at a slow and steady rate, hindering our health and preventing us from maintaining our health and vitality. Although medical professionals have long recognized that Testosterone Production drops with age, the mechanisms for that decline have largely been a mystery.

What Causes Testosterone Deficiency?

In recent years, however, scientists are starting to more fully understand the mechanisms which cause Testosterone Secretion to decline. Today, endocrinologists have discovered that there is a certain enzyme which seems to be primarily responsible for Age-Related Testosterone Deficiency, known as 5-Alpha Reductase. It appears that as we get older, out bodies start to produce too much of this hormone, limiting the body's ability to maintain healthy Testosterone Levels.

5-Alpha Reductase is a hormone which actually has the capability to deconstruct Testosterone, converting it into a derivative hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone. Increased levels of Dihydrotestosterone are associated with numerous medical afflictions that were once hypothesized to be the result of Testosterone, including cancer, hair loss, prostate enlargement, and bladder control issues.

In addition to these internal causes of Testosterone Deficiency, it appears that there are many chemicals that contribute to Testosterone Deficiency as well. These chemicals have the ability to limit Testosterone Production even at an early age when Testosterone Production is supposed to be at its peak. Because of certain chemical contaminations, adolescents are even at risk of Testosterone Deficiency.

There is new evidence that certain Statin Drugs (used to treat abnormally high cholesterol) suppress the body's ability to produce Testosterone efficiently. Also, we are now learning that there are certain herbicides which affect the body's ability to produce Testosterone. The most common of these is a chemical known as gly-phosphate, which has been linked to numerous other medical issues as well.

How to Combat Age-Related Testosterone Deficiency

As we discussed earlier, Testosterone levels naturally decline as a result of the aging process. There are actually numerous ways that you can slow down this Testosterone Decline and safeguard yourself deeper into the lifespan. The following are ways that you can help maintain healthier Testosterone Levels:

The Hormone Replacement Method

Hormone Replacement Therapy, under the advice and guidance of a medical professional, is an excellent way to treat Age-Related Testosterone Deficiency.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, then you may be dealing with Testosterone Deficiency:

• Reduced Libido and Disinterest in Sex

• Inability to Produce or Maintain a Full Erection

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Cognitive Issues Related to Short Term and Working Memory

• Accumulation of Body Fat

• Loss of Muscle Mass

• Loss of Bone Mineral Density

A qualified physician can provide the blood tests necessary to properly diagnose Testosterone Deficiency. Once it has been determined that you are experiencing Low-T, there are multiple ways that you can treat your medical issue. The most direct way to treat Low-T is by taking supplemental Testosterone.

There are many forms of effective Testosterone Replacement Therapy, including Testosterone Creams, Testosterone Sprays, Testosterone Dermal Implants, and even Testosterone Injections. These forms of Testosterone Treatment supplement the body's own production with Bio-Identical Testosterone in order to help maintain a more optimal level of Homone Balance, encouraging the body to perform in a higher and more efficient state.

Avoid Oral Testosterone

Although there are multiple effective ways to provide Testosterone Replacement, it is important to note that taking Testosterone orally will either be minimally effective or completely ineffective. Testosterone is too complex to survive the digestive fluids of the stomach, and the Testosterone that you put in your mouth will not be the same as the amino acids which are absorbed into your system.

DHEA Hormone Replacement Therapy

There are other potential alternatives to Testosterone Replacement Therapy, especially if you are dealing with relatively minor levels of Testosterone Deficiency. One hormone that provides benefits for many people is known as DHEA. DHEA is a Bio-Identical Hormone which is actually a direct precursor to naturally produced Testosterone. DHEA is released by the adrenal glands, which are located just above your kidneys. DHEA is responsible for the proper synthesis of a number of hormones, including Testosterone.

Healthy production of DHEA is heavily correlated with age. Before puberty, the adrenal glands release a minimal amount of this hormone, but as puberty takes place, the body begins to produce high levels of DHEA, which leads directly to an influx of Testosterone Production. Production of DHEA peaks during the late teens and twenties, and begins to fall sometime between the late twenties and early thirties.

The decline is gradual, but becomes more significant the older that you get. The adrenal glands are also responsible for the production of other hormones, one of which is Cortisone. Although Cortisone is a natural and necessary hormone, the body begins to produce it in greater and greater amounts throughout life.

Cortisol Prevents DHEA Production

The problem here is that DHEA and Cortisol are created from the same component parts, and the more Cortisol that the Adrenal Glands produce, the less DHEA, and thus, the less Testosterone, that is created. Cortisol and DHEA are both synthesized using the substrate pregnenolone, and Cortisol production slowly hordes this hormone vital to Testosterone production.

Although the natural aging process increases Cortisol production, factors such as emotional stress, obesity, chronic pain, and even the over-consumption of gluten products can increase Cortisol levels unnecessarily.

Use DHEA Only with a Doctor's Permission

Although it is possible to purchase DHEA Over the Counter, it is important that you only utilize DHEA under the recommendation of a physician. In order to maximize the benefits, it is necessary that you have a responsible physician that can monitor your hormone levels and recommend optimal hormone intake. Although it is possible to take DHEA by mouth, ingestion still limits the effectiveness of the hormone.

How is DHEA Most Effectively Delivered?

DHEA is most effectively administered via the mucous membranes of the rectum or the vagina, and it can help both sexes maintain healthy hormone production by providing the building blocks of Testosterone and Estrogen. It can also be delivered via the skin, but it's harder to apply a consistent dose. Patients with significant Testosterone Deficiency will likely still benefit from direct Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy, but DHEA is also a valuable option for a certain subset of patients.

The Prostate Cancer-Testosterone Myth and Saw Palmetto

As men grow older, they become increasingly at risk of developing a disorder known as Prostate Hyperplasia. This means that the prostate begins to grow abnormally large. This disorder most notably affects men that are over the age of sixty, and the risk continues to increase with continuing age. Although in the past, it was hypothesized that Testosterone and Prostate Cancer and Prostate Enlargement were linked, it appears in retrospect that this is not the case.

Rather than Testosterone, it seems that enhanced levels of Estrogen and DHT are responsible for these risks. Estrogen and DHT are created when Testosterone is maintained inappropriately by the body, causing it to break down into these alternative hormones.

There are two types of drugs which primarily treat Prostate Enlargement, and both of these treatments involve unhealthy and potentially dangerous side-effects:

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors for Prostate Enlargement

The most commonly prescribed forms of this medication are Proscar and Avodart. These drugs work by limiting the conversion of Testosterone into DHT. Although this can lead to an increase in Testosterone Levels, it does nothing to prevent Testosterone from converting into Estradiol and other Estrogen compounds.

For this reason, these medications increase the risk of prostate cancer even though they do effectively treat prostate enlargement.

Alpha Blockers for Prostate Enlargement

Alpha Blockers treat the symptoms of prostate enlargement, but do not solve the root causes. Alpha Blockers include Rapaflow, Cardura, Hytrin, and Flomax. These drugs work by helping the smooth muscles of the bladder and prostate relax, making it easier to urinate. Although they are very effective, they only hide the underlying issues related to Prostate Enlargement, without treating the disorder itself.

Saw Palmetto for Prostate Enlargement and Healthy Testosterone Production

Rather than turn to these synthetic medications, an option for many patients is completely natural: Saw Palmetto. There are more than one hundred studies that have been conducted regarding the efficacy of Saw Palmetto, and there is evidence that Saw Palmetto can relieve the symptoms of Prostate Enlargement without leading to adverse symptoms.

In addition to this, there is some evidence that Saw Palmetto Capsules can reduce the risk of Prostate Cancer as well. Although in the past, studies have provided mixed results in regard to Saw Palmetto Capsules, there is strong new evidence that the effectiveness of treatment depends upon the form of Saw Palmetto used as well as the way that it is administered.

Choose the Right Form of Saw Palmetto

There are many supplements which are manufactured using an ineffective plant formulation. When used effectively, Saw Palmetto can provide significant benefits. One physician tells us that for him, the most trusted form of Saw Palmetto is a form of Saw Palmetto Oil extracted usinga Super-Critical Carbon Dioxide Extraction echnique.

This form of Saw Palmetto will be an oil which is colored a deep green. It is also important to note that Saw Palmetto is soluble in fat rather than water, so it is absorbed most effectively when eaten with a food that contains fat, such as eggs.

Saw Palmetto and Astaxanthin

New research also shows that combining the Anti-Oxidant Astaxanthin with Saw Palmetto Oil can increase the benefits of both supplements. A study in 2009 showed that combining these two supplements had a cumulative effect, both limiting production of Estrogen and DHT while also boosting natural Testosterone Levels.

Natural sources of Astaxanthin include Krill Oil, Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Shellfish. It is also present in many vegetables, including Red Peppers and Carrots.

In addition to combining these two supplements, you can also choose foods and supplements which are high in aromatase-inhibitors which help prevent Testosterone from converting into Estrogen. These foods include Grape Seed Extract, Nettles, and White Button Mushrooms.

A Healthy Prostate is Important to a Long and Healthy Life

If you are growing older and are concerned with your prostate health, use the information in this article to inform yourself, and ask the opinion of a qualified medical professional. Be a proactive patient and do your part in avoiding prostate problems later in life!