MEN’S HEALTH
Bioidentical Hormones For Men
Q: What is testosterone?
A: Testosterone, progesterone and estrogen are the three sex hormones made by the human body. Testosterone is vitally important for a sense of well being and strength. It is produced by the testes, from which it gets its name. Men have ten times more testosterone than women, and women have far more estrogen than men. Too much estrogen can cause problems in men, as does too much testosterone in women.
DR. LANCE MAKI, 63, made his mark in the world of stand-up paddle and tandem surfing, and is currently ranked among the top Masters competitors in the world. Dr. Maki directs and sponsors the National Kidney Foundation Surf Festival’s Tandem and Stand-Up Paddle Surf events, held at the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Q: What are the primary functions of testosterone?
A: Testosterone is our primary sex hormone. It affects libido (desire for sex) as well the ability to have sex (get an erection and maintain it until reaching orgasm). It is also very important for strong bones, elasticity, strong heart, maintaining muscle mass, overcoming inflammation and helping to have a positive outlook on life.
Q: Why should testosterone be replaced?
A: Most men’s testosterone levels peak around 35 and start to decline slowly at the rate of 1-2 percent per year. Some men, Jack LaLanne, for example, seem to do very well for decades without losing their vitality. However, most people start a slow decline, and by age 50 begin to notice that something is missing.
Unlike menopause, which happens fairly quickly (6-12 months), andropause (the male version of menopause) takes many years and isn’t as obvious. One day you wake up stiff in all the wrong places and wonder where all your energy went. It happens so slowly and insidiously that a lot of men just say they’re getting old.
But, it’s important to realize that we don’t have to accept as inevitable the ravages of hormone decline. We have excellent testosterone bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) treatments that can make you feel and perform at the same levels as when we were much younger.
Testosterone Deficiency Quiz
Take this ADAM (androgen deficiency of the aging male) test to see if you might have a testosterone deficiency:
- Low sex drive
- Less strong erections
- Lack of energy
- Decrease in strength or endurance
- Loss of height
- Don’t enjoy life
- Grumpy and/or sad
- Fall asleep after dinner
- Decreased work performance
If you answer yes to either of the first two questions or four total you may have a testosterone deficiency.
Q: I scored enough points to think this could be me. What’s next?
A: Seek out a physician who is willing to take the time to go over your personal signs and symptoms to help determine if testosterone replacement is a reasonable option.
It’s very important that you find a physician who will talk with you about what you are feeling and personalize your treatment. While lab tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of low testosterone, treatment is not solely based on lab values, but rather how each person feels. Long term results depend on individually treating each person based on both labs and the achievement of overall well being.
Q: What forms of testosterone replacement are there?
DR. LANCE MAKI, and his wife Kris Maki, RN, (at left) specialize in longevity and life quality. The Maki’s combine 43 years of marriage and comprehensive medical credentials to help Boomers live more satisfying lives.
A: All testosterone for men is given as a bioidentical hormone (BHRT). Many men start by receiving regular intramuscular injections; others prefer transdermal (skin) applications of a cream or gel (testim, androgel). Some men are good candidates for pellets (testopel) that are inserted just under the skin along the hip. In no case should oral testosterone be taken as it has been shown to cause liver damage and cancer.
Q: Are there any side effects from taking testosterone?
A: Fluid retention, erythrocytosis (too many red blood cells), infertility, breast enlargement are some possible side effects. These tend to be temporary. Previous concerns were that testosterone caused prostate enlargement and cancer have been unfounded. Just a few years ago, many urologists told their patients that “using testosterone was like pouring gasoline on a fire.” This has been shown to be an untrue statement and most up to date urologists have no problems prescribing testosterone.
Q: What can I expect as a candidate for testosterone replacement?
A: Once you choose the type of testosterone that suits you best, you should start feeling the effects within a few weeks. Blood tests will be ordered regularly until you have the right regime and proper dose of your medicine.
Depending on what was missing when treatment was started, most men feel a greater sense of well being and improved clarity of thinking. Depression and moodiness are gone or greatly diminished. Muscle mass and elasticity has returned, along with a general reduction of general aches and pains.
And, of course, for those who thought sexual desire and performance were things of the past… well they’re back and better than ever!
Although some say it’s on the horizon, we don’t have the ultimate anti-aging solution yet. However, whether that’s true or not, most men will improve their quality of life by just adding back the testosterone that has seeped away.
My father passed away at age 89 from a hip fracture. He had severe osteoporosis (fragile bones). He was trim, ate well, and did exercise every day. He broke his hip while walking and died in a hospital with post op complications.
I am convinced that had he been offered testosterone when he went through andropause, he would still be enjoying life today at age 94.
Dr. Lance Maki
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Lance Maki
Dr. Lance Maki became interested in anti-aging medicine when a close friend suffered a heart attack and died at age 52. Dr. Maki attended California State University at Fullerton through the Marine Reserves and flew jets as an Air Force pilot before attending medical school. Dr. Maki received his M.D. from Texas Tech University Medical School in Lubbock, Texas, and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology through the integrated residency at Wright Patterson AFB/ Miami Valley Hospital/ Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He was an Air Force Flight Surgeon and Aerospace Physiologist and is board certified, and a fellow, in both OB/GYN and Anti-Aging/Functional Medicine. You may contact Dr. Maki at 321-305-5970.
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