Testosterone Deficiency - How to Identify ?

Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testes are unable to produce enough testosterone to fulfill the body's needs. Testosterone deficiency has many possible causes, including genetic abnormalities, injury to the testes, and being on certain medications. Normal aging also may play a role in the decline of male testosterone levels. It is also known as low testosterone.

The testes produce testosterone regulated by a complex chain of signals that begins in the brain. This chain is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland in spurts, which trigger the secretion of leutenizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. Normally, the testes produce 4-7 milligrams (mg) of testosterone each and every day.

After puberty, testosterone production increases rapidly, and will decrease rapidly after age 50. Recent estimates show that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency and less than 10-percent receive treatment for the condition, which is growing in cultural acceptability.

Studies also have shown that some men with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension may be twice as likely to have low testosterone levels, though as stated, low testosterone and testosterone deficiency can be caused by taking certain medications, chemotherapy, infections and other basic causes.

Signs of testosterone deficiency depend on the age of onset and the duration of hormonal deficiency. Congenital testosterone deficiency is usually characterized by underdeveloped genitalia, and sometimes even undeterminable genitalia. Acquired testosterone deficiency that develops near puberty can result in enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia), sparse or absent pubic and body hair, and underdeveloped penis, testes, and muscle. Adults may experience diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle weakness, hair loss, depression, and other common mood disorders.

Author Kristy Annely
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Discover the Complications of Low Testosterone

Many men feel that changes in their mood or physical abilities are indicators that the days of getting older have finally arrived. What they don't know is that a lot of symptoms that seem like the effects of aging are actually signs of decreasing testosterone levels. 

Men often have the misconception that low testosterone levels only show themselves through low libido or hair loss but those are just a couple of the complications of low testosterone. 

Depression testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that affects mood, energy, weight and sexual arousal. These are key factors that contribute to a persons well being and overall disposition. When testosterone levels in men drop, beginning as early as mid to late thirty's, depression is very common.

Men who begin to experience mild to severe mood swings, poor mental and physical performance or just a sour outlook on life are often showing signs of complications of low testosterone. While dealing with these issues many men have difficulty fulfilling their roles as father, lover and businessman.  

Erectile dysfunction and Testosterone

Familiar complaints of many aging men are changes within their sexual relationships. There are definite parallels between erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels. Not being able to perform at all sexually or not being able to have the stamina of times before is one of the more common complications of low testosterone. Many men lose the desire they once had to engage in sexual activity and see a swift decline in their ability to connect sexually with their partners. 

Closely related to sexual and erectile dysfunction is self image. Depression caused by low testosterone levels can contribute to weight gain thereby diminishing self image.  Testosterone helps regulate fat distribution so when there are drops in amounts of testosterone fat is likely to begin collecting in certain areas. In many men this happens to occur in the abdomen area.

Muscle weakness develops and just an overall lack of energy settles in. Unwanted extra weight and the lack of energy to exercise to get rid of it pose a problem to many men with this condition.These things coupled with depression are the reason many men feel they have hit the dreaded midlife crisis. 

Studies have shown that decreased levels of testosterone can attribute to the development of insulin resistance and that men who have diabetes have lower amounts of free and total testosterone than men without diabetes. New research has also shown that diabetic men with extremely low testosterone levels are more prone to develop atherosclerosis (artery hardening), which can lead to heart attacks. 

With such serious complications of low testosterone it is a scary thought that approximately 13 million men in the U.S. have this problem but only a mere 10% receive treatment for it.  That means that a friend, spouse, father, or uncle you know probably suffers with this silent nemesis and has no idea that they are symptomatic. If you are a man that feels that you are experiencing complications of low testosterone it is to your benefit to seek medical advice.
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Erectile Dysfunction and Underlying Serious Ailments

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence can be a pointer to many underlying serious diseases. ED usually refers to the repeated inability to get or maintain an erection while performing the sexual act.  Recently conducted studies have shown that 80 per cent of erectile dysfunction (ED) cases are related to the physical vascular system and only 20 per cent to psychological problems.

Though ED is very common but its impact on our life can be devastating. But in spite of the risks and dangers associated with it, men tend to ignore ED and prefer to suffer in silence. They often experience a drop in self- esteem and believe they will become the subject of jokes if they seek treatment for ED or any sexual ailment. But the real fact is that we need to take erectile dysfunction as seriously as coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, stress, smoking, obesity and lack of exercise.

Never ignore ED as it's not just a sex-related problem. In most of the circumstances, ED may be the first symptom to develop a heart disease or stroke may follow. One clear connection between ED and the risk of heart disease or stroke has to do with changes developing in the small blood vessels of the man's penis that initiate ED. Similar changes in the larger blood vessels such as those leading to the brain or heart can eventually result in heart attack or stroke.

So those men who are experiencing erection problems should not hesitate to seek immediate medical help. ED can be treated effectively, and in case of presence of other hidden ailments, these can be detected and treated early. The treatment of ED is not a big issue as wide range of drugs are available to cater to this need. Apart from the available branded drugs you can also opt for the generic one. The ED generic pills are as effective as the branded one if not more. So, opt for the ED generic pills and get rid off this problem for ever.

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Go Back to Vegetables to Fight Prostate Cancer

According to FDA regulations, a low-fat product contains up to 3 grams of fat per serving.

A recent research study tracking men whose prostate tumors weren't aggressive concluded that a radical ultra low-fat diet together with regular exercising and yoga stress-management techniques may help patients having early stage prostate cancer to keep it steady, out of worse changes.

The above facts follow to previous observations that regimens plenty of fat increase the risk of prostate cancer, and that certain negative foods - such as broccoli or tomato lycopene - are protective.

This new approach in fighting prostate cancer doesn't mean men should opt for diet over conventional therapy. On the contrary, the diet may help male population undergoing therapy. Because many prostate cancer tumors grow slowly, the regimen allows patients to block its development. Some cellular tests confirmed the diet keeps a low level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) production.

This new theory definitely open the door to more research as it comes after another study suggesting that diets containing fats up to 10 percents from total calories, might help women avoid a recurrence of breast cancer.

It's quite surprising to learn that we must go back to vegetables if we want to be healthier. But this could be a step that really help battle cancer. The findings also revealed the importance of lifestyle in aging healthy as the only side effects of this diets are people feel better.

Also Read Ayurvedic Treatment for BPH (Prostate Enlargement )

Diabetes May Lead to Erectile Dysfunction

Researches have established that a diabetes patient is more prone to succumb to erectile dysfunction than a normal person. Erectile Dysfunction besides diabetes can prove a disastrous combination that can have an impending effect on the psychological and physical well being of a man’s life. Men who are having erectile dysfunction problem may became so concerned with the inadequacy that they try to avoid the sexual situation altogether. Same time it increases the stress level, frustration and can trigger a bout of depression.

It is estimated that more than 50% diabetic patient are suffering from ED. Erectile Dysfunction occur at younger age. Within 10 yrs of the diagnosis of the disease trait of ED begin to surface, although not all diabetics develop ED.

Why the diabetics are easy prey to Erectile Dysfunction? Men endowed with healthy blood vessel, nerves, male Harmon and “desire” to perform gets the erection on wish. Diabetes can kill blood vessels and nerves that make the erection possible. Therefore even the normal amount of male hormones and desire to have sex can not help getting a firm erection.

Medical people believe that presence of a blood sugar in diabetic prove an impediment to the enzyme that start the series of events which lead to erection.

Endothelial nitric acid syntheses (eNOs) enzyme considered responsible to start the chain of vascular events that produce and sustain erection.Enzyme (eNOs) cause the release of Nitric Oxide at the nerve ending in penis. The initial release of NO get a quick and short duration increase in penile blood flow it also cause short time relaxation in penile muscle to get an erection. Enhanced penile blood vessel and smooth penile muscle relaxation increase the blood flow in penis which results in erection.

When blood sugar O-GLcNac present in hyper glycemic(high blood sugar) circumstances interrupt eNOs enzyme this may cause permanent penile impairment over time.

A patient of diabetes should always take extra care to understand the complexities of his health psychosexual counseling is mandatory in these situations. Sexual therapy is vital for people with diabetes, since the chronic condition is fraught with situational stresses, performance anxiety, and problems in relationships.

A range of different modes of medication are available for the diabetics. Penile injection or vacuum erection device therapy has been used by many patients with satisfaction. A penile prosthesis was certainly a viable option in these individuals should they fail those therapies or wish to go directly to penile prosthesis. Obviously one must bear in mind that diabetics have a higher incidence of infection and thus they should be counseled in that regard.

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Walnuts May Improve Sperm Quality

These are the findings of a new study that shows healthy American men in their 20s and 30s who ate a 75g (2.5 ozs) packet of walnuts a day were able to increase the vitality, motility and structure of their sperm compared to counterparts who did not eat walnuts.

A report on the study appeared online on 15 August in the Biology of Reproduction journal's papers-in-press section.

Infertility and subfertility is a common problem that affects about 70 million couples worldwide. Between a third and a half of cases are due to poor semen quality in the male partner, with scientists giving a number of reasons for this in industrialized societies: pollution, unhealthy lifestyles and the Western-style diet cited amongst them.

Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which play an important role in maturing sperm and preserving the integrity of the membrane around the cell which in turn affects its ability to fertilize an egg.

In the Western-style diet, PUFAs are usually found in fish, fish oil supplements, flax seed and walnuts. Walnuts also offer an important source of linolenic acid (ALA), a natural plant source of omega-3.

read complete article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249191.php

Also Read   Walnuts for Erectile Dysfunction, Sperm and PCOS- Ayurveda View

Herbs and Herbal Remedies For Erectile Dysfunction - Worth Trying

Use of herbs for treating erectile dysfunction initially was an eastern practice but it has been growing very rapidly all over the world. There are some real benefits of treating this problem by herbs as herbs do not cast any sort of side effects and they are safe compared to other erectile dysfunction medications, apart from this they are very effective and results are much better than others.

In most of the cases erectile dysfunction is related to the problem of blood circulation, poor circulation of blood all over the body or in the genitals causes weak or no erection in males. Most of the herbs used in treating the problem of ED focus on improving the circulation of blood by clearing blockages in the blood vessels, improving absorption capacity of tissues in the genitals and enhancing duration of holding the blood within those tissues.

There are several other reasons also which may initiate this problem in any male such as cardio-vascular problems, stress and anxiety, diabetes, renal or neurological problems, deficiencies due to malnutrition or bad eating habits, lethargic or sedentary life style and muscular or tissue related problems. These are few commonly found reasons for this problem and herbal treatment can address all the issues very well.

Shilajit has been used for over all health since ages, it is a mineral herb which comes out of rocks in the northern mountain ranges of India. It is also known as Indian Ginseng. This herb improves stamina, stimulates metabolism and balances hormonal production. It is an old and time tested herb which is also treated as herbal alternate for Viagra. It also has strong anti-oxidants to improve blood flow and clear the blood vessels.

Horny goat weed is another effective herb which is used to treat the problem of ED and has all round effects to alleviate the situation. This herb improves functioning of thyroid gland, reduces the levels of cortisol a harmful hormone which suppresses the desire for lovemaking and increases the levels of testosterone hormone, very crucial hormone, for initiating desire for lovemaking activity in males.

Mucuna pruriens was initially used as HGH releaser as it has properties to stimulate functioning of pituitary gland to promote release of growth hormone but it also acts as prolactin inhibitor. The high levels of prolactin decrease the desire for lovemaking in males, use of Mucuna pruriens inhibit the excess production of this hormone and promotes secretion of testosterone which eventually improves performance of male in the lovemaking act.

Another very effective herb for improving male libido is Tribulus Terresteris, it works as natural testosterone enhancer, excellent circulatory system tonic and build muscles and improves strength. This herb is also used to cure many reproductive organs related problems in females also. It improves libido in males and improve blood flow to increase duration, desire, performance and frequency of lovemaking activity in males.

Garlic is perhaps most commonly found and also very easy to be used treatment for the problems of ED. Garlic can correct many problems which may lead to the situation of ED, it improves body's reaction to nitric oxide and improves the activity of central nervous system. Garlic resolves problems like hyper tension, atherosclerosis and blood pressure etc.

Article Source: [] Herbs and Herbal Remedies For Erectile Dysfunction - Worth Trying

The Battle With Gynecomastia

"Bob had mammaries", or so the movie character famously said. This opening one-liner from Fight Club is perhaps the most mainstream mention of gyno. It introduced a generations of moviegoers to the horror that is male breast tissue growth, although many were already familiar with it.

Gyno - What is it?

Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the breast tissue in males. It occurs naturally in about 1/3 of those who suffer from it, with the other 2/3 from drug use, usually anabolic steroids. Once it occurs, it is permanent, and can only be removed via surgery. It is caused by sensitivity to estrogen in the body, and is often spurned when stopping a steroid cycle.

Surgical Solutions

Gynecomastia is correctable with surgery and other various conditions. Liposuction, reduction mammoplasty, skin sculpture, and gland excision are all commonly used. Typically, a plastic surgeon will place a small incision at the border of the nipple complex. The glandular tissue is then removed. A vest is worn for several weeks to ensure healing occurs and the shape of the chest remains constant. Many bodybuilders - even the new young pros we see in magazines - opt for this procedure in the off-season during a break.

Over-The-Counter Remedies

The surgical solutions above are designed to remove gyno once it has become a major problem. Preventative medicine is always preferable to surgery. Gyno occurs during the weeks following a steroid cycle. Bodybuilders employ a technique known as PCT, or post-cycle therapy, in which two compounds are introduced to the body to correct the estrogen/testosterone imbalance. PCT consists of 1-2 AIs (Aromatase Inhibitors) and 1 SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) used to help correct the balance during that initial imbalance period, until the body begins producing testosterone on its own and the estrogen production slows. The top over-the-counter solution is probably Nolvadex-XT by Gaspari Nutrition. It is very popular with amateur bodybuilders and those without a doctor.

Gynecomastia, like acne or baldness, is a condition that comes with the territory when it comes to using steroids for competitive bodybuilding purposes. The trade-off can be minimized, however, if the user knows beforehand that gyno is indeed an occurring side effect, and takes preventative measures to ensure its impact is minimized. Too many bodybuilders run headfirst into the steroid realm without a true understanding of the side effects. Use of PCT, along with prompt surgery when that fails, ensures that one doesn't end up like our good friend Bob of Fight Club fame.


Author: Dane C. Fletcher

Men are more prone to fungal infections during monsoon

Men may be from Mars, but that does not stop them from being more prone to fungal infections during monsoon.

Doctors say that due to high humidity in the air, there are infectious bacteria and viruses which become active and lead to various infections in males.

"During monsoon males are more prone to be affected by various types of fungal infection which include toes fungal infection, joint area fungal infection and tinea versicolor" said Dr Sachin Dhawan, director and consultant dermatologist, Skin n Smiles, a dermatology and orthodontic centre.

Most common among the band of infection during this season is joint area infection. Fungus often strikes the folds of the body. The underarms, groin and the area below the chest are the most commonly affected. There are two types of fungi which may affect these areas-- ringworm caused by the dermatophyte species and thrush caused by the candida species.

The large joints are most often affected. Dr Dhawansaid, "Men with weakened immune systems who travel or live in endemic areas are more susceptible to joint fungal infection".

Tinea versicolor is a long-term (chronic) fungal infection of the skin. Tinea versicolor is relatively common. It is caused by a type of yeast that is normally found on human skin. This condition is most common in adolescent and young adult males. It typically occurs in hot climates. The symptoms include increased sweating and itching.

Meanwhile, toes fungal infection is very common in males. It causes peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores between the toes. The fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms and the floors of public showers. It is most common in the summer and humid climates. It occurs more often in people who wear tight shoes and who use community baths and pools.

"These infection occurs in male most often because male hormones induce more sweating in male than females," said Dr Dhawan.

Advisory to prevent fungal infections during monsoons:
* There are good quality Anti Fungal Powder, Cream and Soaps available to avoid the occurrence of any such condition

* Follow the hygienic practices for swimming like use personal sleepers, towel and have a gentle shower after swimming

* Consult your dermatologist as soon as you develop symptoms of fungal infection

* Avoid using home remedies and over the counter products for fungal infections

* Most importantly make sure that the Course of medication should be completed as per doctor's prescription

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-15/mumbai/32684484_1_fungal-infection-anti-fungal-powder-tinea-versicolor