Contrary to the long-held assumption, results of a recent study suggest that low androgen status may be a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) or atherosclerosis. It had previously been assumed that testosterone and other androgens had the opposite effect, since men have higher rates of heart disease than women do.
To summarize the findings of the study and recommendations of the authors and an accompanying editorial:
Low androgen levels were associated with an increased incidence of CAD.
Men with CAD had 22% lower 'free androgen index'.
Androgen replacement therapy may be beneficial in older men.
More long-term and comprehensive studies should be undertaken to evaluate estrogen/androgen balance in both men and women.
Androgens are a group of steroid hormones, including testosterone, which stimulate the development of masculine characteristics.
European Heart Journal June 2000;21:868-871,890-894.
Clearly, balancing hormones is essential to long-term health. However, it is important to let the body do the balancing. I would normally not advise most of my patients to take testosterone to receive this benefit. It make far more sense for the body to produce it from its natural precursors, DHEA and pregnenolone. However, one should NOT take these over-the-counter supplements without some type of monitoring as, like most things in life, if you have too much testosterone you will also have a problem.
For the thousands of health care professionals who receive this newsletter, I advise connecting with Bio Health Diagnostics (800-570-2000) for information on how you can use saliva hormone testing to monitor therapy. If you are a patient you can call their office for physicians in your area who can provide this service. There are a number of other companies who provide this service, but my experience with them has shown me that Bio Health is the best for service, quality, price and support for the physician in understanding this highly complex system.
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