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Table of Contents High hematocrit: the main side effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) What are the symptoms of high hematocrit? What are factors that increase the risks of TRT polycythemia ? How to Lower Hematocrit? How to Manage Increased Hematocrit Caused by Testosterone Replacement Therapy High hematocrit: the main side effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one of the most effective ways to combat low testosterone levels, but it's vital that you understand the risks associated with the treatment. As with any form of hormone replacement therapy, there are a few downsides to receiving regular injections of testosterone. But do these risks outweigh the benefits? That's a decision you'll have to make for yourself! Note: Remember the purpose of TRT: to restore testosterone to NORMAL, healthy levels in the body. Ideally, testosterone levels should be normal after TRT. Even at normal levels, there is a risk of side effects. One of the primary risks of testosterone that is you need to be aware of is called polycythemia. This is a condition where your body produces too many red blood cells, also known as high hematocrit level. Hematocrit refers to the red blood cell content in your blood. If your hematocrit levels rise, your blood will become too thick or viscous. This can, in turn, make it more likely that you will develop strokes, heart attacks, and clotting events. Polycythemia is serious and potentially life-threatening if untreated.   What are the symptoms of high hematocrit? In recent years, there has been an increased association between TRT and polycythemia. With TRT becoming a more mainstream treatment, more people are experiencing the symptoms of polycythemia, which include: Weakness Fatigue Headache Itching redness of the skin bruising joint pain dizziness abdominal pain shortness of breath breathing difficulty when you lie down numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, feet, arms or legs Turning very red or "flushing" after workout When polycythemia occurs, the blood becomes very thick. But instead of being able to carry MORE oxygen, the increase of red blood cells can be dangerous. The risk of clotting increases as a result of the red blood cell count increase. Note: While there is a risk of hematocrit increase, there is no proof that TRT increases the risk of clotting events. It's vital to be aware of the potential risk, so doctors need to be careful when prescribing TRT to men with high hematocrit levels, red blood cell disorders, and obstructive pulmonary disease. All of these things increase the risk of clotting events as a result of the hematocrit increase caused by TRT.   What are factors that increase the risks of TRT polycythemia ? There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing this problem. According to Dr. Michael Scally, polycythemia "occurs quite frequently in people who are on replacement testosterone." Age also plays a role in your polycythemia risk. Young men are far less likely to experience this problem than older men. The mode of delivery and the dose of testosterone affect the increase in your hematocrit levels. Men who receive formulations of pharmacokinetically steady-state delivery hormones are far less likely to develop the problem than men who receive intramuscular injections of testosterone. Topical preparations only cause the problem in up to 20% of cases. 5 to 15% of those who use testosterone patches develop polycythemia, while 10 to 20% of those using the testosterone gel develop the problem. Of course, the amount of testosterone delivered per day (50 to 100 milligrams) also affects the risk of developing polycythemia. Testosterone injections may increase hematocrit more than gels, patches, pellets, nasal or oral testosterone formulations.  Smaller injection doses given more frequently may increase hematocrit less rapidly than larger dose injections, but data are lacking to prove that fact. Men with sleep apnea or those who smoke are at the highest risk of high hematocrit since their bodies are trying to compensate for the decreased oxygen level by producing more red blood cells.  TRT enhances that red blood cell production.   How to Lower Hematocrit? So what can you do about the problem? Is there any way to manage it? Those undergoing TRT must be aware that polycythemia is a real risk, as do their doctors. They must keep a close eye on their hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. If hematocrit rises above 52%, further examinations may be necessary. Some doctors counsel reducing or stopping testosterone treatment. However, for those who are undergoing TRT as a means of restoring healthy hormone levels, this may not be an option. Some means of managing and reducing the risk of high hematocrit levels include: Scaling back on the amount of testosterone gel delivered per day (50mg or less) or injection dose. Changing the method of administration (using more frequent injections with smaller doses, or using a testosterone gel or cream) Making sure that you are hydrated when you get your blood drawn for lab tests Stopping smoking Getting sleep apnea diagnosed and treated with a CPAP machine to enhance oxygen saturation levels when sleeping. If these options do not work, a therapeutic phlebotomy (blood donation) may be the answer. Removing just one unit of blood can help to lower hematocrit by as much as 3%. For those with very high hematocrit levels, the therapy may continue for months, gradually reducing hematocrit to safe levels over time. Some physicians even prescribe regular phlebotomies (no more frequently that every 56 days is the safe frequency to avoid iron loss) as a means of preventing overly high hematocrit levels. While phlebotomies are not covered by your insurance, they can be performed at any blood bank. Even if your insurance company won't cover the cost, you can solve the problem by donating blood (provided you are free of hepatitis, HIV, and other blood-borne infections). Experts agree that donating every 2.5 to 3 months is safe, and it's a good way to keep your hematocrit levels under control. It is important to note that hematocrit can stabilize in men on longer term TRT, so many men do not have to donate blood after a few months on TRT. Warning: Donating more than 1 unit of blood more frequently than every 2.5 months can lower your iron and ferritin levels. This can cause fatigue. Make sure to replace the lost iron with a supplement in order to prevent anemia. You can check your iron and ferritin with this iron blood test. It's recommended that you donate when you are in the 51-52% hematocrit range. However, some organizations (like the Red Cross) will reject blood with a hematocrit higher than 53%, so it is good to avoid that hematocrit high level if you want to donate blood. Hematocrit is included in the CBC and other panels: Get Your Hematocrit Test Now Testosterone, Hematocrit, Ultrasensitive Estradiol and Prolactin Panel Hematocrit + Total and Free Testosterone   To find out more information, click  How to Manage Increased Hematocrit Caused by Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Table of Contents Brain Aromatase and Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Reduce Its Activity Estrogen and its beneficial effects in bodybuilding Estrogen function in men and why inhibiting its production can be detrimental.  High estrogen levels and prostate cancer Testosterone’s conversion to estrogen is important to eliminate anxiety and depression Testosterone activity in the brain High estradiol levels are not correlated with erectile dysfunction Estradiol improve endothelial function in healthy men Estradiol and libido, erectile function and reproduction How estradiol works when testosterone levels are low Estradiol and its influence in eugonadal men (men with normal testosterone levels.) Analyzing the role of estradiol on hypogonadal men who undertake testosterone replacement therapy Aromatase inhibition can decrease insulin sensitivity The relationship between estrogen and bodybuilding Estradiol and DHT can make you age more slowly Symptoms of low estradiol in men Estradiol and reproductive function in men Brain Aromatase and Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Reduce Its Activity Every man has free and bound testosterone circulating through his bloodstream. The bound testosterone is attached to either sex hormone-binding globulin or albumin. The free testosterone is available in small quantities in comparison with the bound testosterone. A small portion of it is converted to estrogen using the enzyme called “aromatase”. Although estrogen is a female sex hormone, it plays an important role in a male’s body too. For example, estradiol, a type of estrogen, is vital for proper sexual functioning and libido in men. However, too much estrogen can be detrimental, leading to poor sexual functioning, poor erections, accumulation of fat in the abdominal area and male boobs (gynecomastia). During testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), some men take drugs to inhibit aromatase and prevent it to convert too much testosterone into estrogen. these drugs inhibit the aromatase enzyme. Although this might sound like a good idea at first, altering the normal production of aromatase can lead to brain inflammation, studies suggest. The levels of aromatase and estrogen have been measured in injured brains and it has been discovered that the aromatase enzyme increased to protect the damaged neurons and the connections between them. Evidence concludes that inhibiting the normal levels of aromatase can lead to inflammation in healthy brains and more injury to already damaged brains. This happens because the aromatase/estrogen expression is moved from neurons to astrocytes which are a different type of brain cells. Astrocytes act as a cushion for neurons and they are usually more active when brain injury is detected. These cells can help with the healing process, but if they stay active for too long, this can lead to further damage to the brain. Studies also show that an insufficient amount of brain aromatase can indicate neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Low amounts of aromatase can increase plaque development which damages the brain. That’s why it is recommended to be careful when taking an aromataseinhibitor during testosterone replacement therapy as this drug might mess with the normal levels of aromatase and lead to brain complications.   Estrogen and its beneficial effects in bodybuilding Estrogen, one of the most important female sex hormone, is vital for professional athletes who aim at increasing their muscle mass. For example, estrogen can increase the anabolic response by modifying the way glucose is processed in muscle tissue. This hormone can influence the amounts of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase which is directly correlated to muscle growth and repair. In other words, having adequate amounts of estrogen can maximize muscle gains and strength. In studies performed on rats, estrogen has also been correlated with a whopping 480% increase in methyltrienolone which is an androgen connected to the levator ani muscle. The production of growth hormone and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) are also influenced by estrogen. This female sex hormone can increase the proliferation of IGF-1 in body tissues and liver which leads to greater muscle gains and protein synthesis. Estrogen also plays an important role when it comes to serotonin production. Serotonin is known for regulating the sleep/waking cycle. Bodybuilders who take aromatase inhibitors as drugs might have low levels of estrogen in the body. This can alter the serotonin production and lead to a thing called “steroid fatigue”. This is usually characterized by a general feeling of tiredness which can interfere with training regimes and prevent the athlete from performing at his peak. Maximizing muscle gains can be difficult in this case. Estrogen function in men and why inhibiting its production can be detrimental.  The aforementioned aromatase inhibitors are taken orally while one of them can be injected. There haven’t been studies assessing the short-term symptoms of these drugs on the physiology of an athlete. However, although drugs which inhibit aromatase and subsequently reduce estrogen levels are not usually used for a long period of time, they can cause problems when the estrogen drops under the normal range limit. Estrogen, particularly estradiol, is a powerful hormone which influences multiple body processes in both men and women. For example, estrogen can be anabolic in certain tissues such as bone and fat. It directly impacts bone density and can influence how much fat the body accumulates, particularly in the abdominal area. Estrogen can also have a stimulatory role and it influences protein production in the liver. It has a metabolic effect in the endocrine system and influences the binding globulins for vitamin D. Estrogen is also a neurosteroid influencing neurotransmitters in the brain. This can have an effect on emotions, motivation, and other functions. Since estrogen is so important in the human body, it is safe to assume that reducing it to dangerously low levels using drugs can have negative consequences on health. Similarly, having estrogen levels above the normal limit can also be detrimental for a male’s body. The key is to maintain balance when it comes to estrogen levels and make sure that estradiol E2 doesn’t drop below 20pg/mL.   The effects of aromatase inhibition on bone mineral density in older men A study was conducted at a tertiary care academic center in Boston, MA, measuring the levels of testosterone and estradiol of 69 men over 60 years of age. The participants had borderline or low testosterone levels and the study included a placebo group. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of aromatase inhibition on bone mineral density and bone turnover. Each participant received 1 mg of an aromatase inhibitor daily or a placebo drug. At the end of the study, the serum testosterone increased from 319 ± 93 ng/dl at baseline to 524 ± 139 ng/dl in month 3 and dropped slightly after one year. The estradiol levels also decreased from 15 at baseline to 12 after 3 months and remained there. The bone mineral density decreased in the aromatase inhibitor group in comparison with the placebo group. Taking aromatase inhibitors reduce the amount of testosterone which is converted to estradiol and because participants had less estradiol in their bloodstream, their bone mineral density also dropped. This concludes that estradiol is important for bone mineral density, particularly in older men. Is anastrazole for men a good idea?   High estrogen levels and prostate cancer Some studies conclude that high levels of estrogen might help develop prostate cancer cells, but men who already have prostate cancer don’t have high levels of estrogen in the bloodstream. Other studies show that a sharp increase in estrogen levels might lead to prostate cancer, but more information is required to reach a definitive conclusion. A small part of the free testosterone which circulates through the bloodstream is converted into estrogen. This hormone is required for maintaining proper health and avoiding cardiovascular diseases as well as diabetes type 2. On the other hand, low testosterone levels have also been associated with an increase in prostate cancer cells. A significant body of evidence indicates that high estrogen levels might be dangerous for men and affect their prostate only when testosterone levels are too low. Increasing testosterone levels through TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) will also increase estrogen levels in a natural way, but this doesn't automatically mean that the risk of prostate cancer will be higher. Approximately 50 years of studies show that testosterone administration alone doesn’t lead to prostate cancer.   Testosterone’s conversion to estrogen is important to eliminate anxiety and depression It is estimated that approximately 20 million adults in the United States are affected by depression each year. Many of these people receive antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, but this medicine can have different effects on certain people and they don’t come without side effects. Testosterone plays an important role in reducing anxiety and depression feelings in men, while estrogen and progesterone also act together as a protective mechanism against depression in women. Women, in particular, are 70 percent more predisposed to depression during their lifetimes, in comparison with men. However, certain low-testosterone males also develop depression and antidepressants seem to be inefficient for them. New evidence suggests that the conversion of testosterone to estrogen is necessary to reap the antidepressant effects of testosterone. Professor Mohamed Kabbaj reached this conclusion during his studies which were promoted by the National Institute of Mental Health. It has been discovered that there is a link between testosterone conversion to estrogen and depression in animal studies, but this link might be valid in human studies as well. This might lead to new antidepressants which impact the brain differently and are more efficient for low-testosterone men. Testosterone influences a plethora of pathways in the brain and it can have multiple side effects. That’s why it is important to develop a drug which acts only on the pathways responsible with anxiety and depression. Some of the side effects caused by antidepressants include heart problems and these should be avoided. Better drugs are necessary to impact the brain differently and safely treat anxiety and depression feelings. Dr. Kabbaj discovered that the antidepressant effects of testosterone happen only after this hormone has been converted to estrogen. The conversion process is regulated by a special enzyme in the brain. Dr. Kabbaj inhibited this enzyme in the hippocampus area of the brain. This area is responsible for mood regulation and has a strong influence on how a person feels. When this enzyme has been inhibited, the antidepressant effects of testosterone weren’t present. This leads to the conclusion that the conversion of testosterone to estrogen is very important. Testosterone impacts the MAPK pathway in the brain to produce these positive and beneficial antidepressant effects. However, this pathway is also implicated in multiple other body processes, including cell growth and cancer. More work is required to find out ways to get the antidepressant effects of testosterone without increasing the risk of cancer. Testosterone activity in the brain Tests have been done on rats to discover the behavior of testosterone when it enters the brain. Castrated rats have been injected with estradiol instead of testosterone and the recovery process of intromission and ejaculation worked normally. The estradiol was injected into the hypothalamus. However, when DHT was injected instead of testosterone (DHT is a powerful androgen which doesn’t convert to estrogen), no recovery process was detected. This concludes that testosterone converts to estrogen when it is injected into the hypothalamus and facilitates sexual behavior. The aromatase enzyme is present in this part of the brain as well as estrogen receptors. It has also been discovered that injecting drugs which block the aromatization process of testosterone to estrogen can change the behavioral effects of testosterone and significantly influence sexual function. This means that testosterone must convert to estrogen to enable proper male sexual behavior. Further studies show that inhibiting the aromatization process in monkeys can interfere with their sexual behavior. Men who have a congenital deficiency of aromatase also have a low sex drive and they can benefit greatly from small doses of estradiol to improve sexual functioning. The testosterone’s effects on male sexuality are twofold. This hormone influences libido directly with the help of androgen receptors and indirectly using estrogen receptors. However, more work is necessary to determine the exact differences between these effects.   High estradiol levels are not correlated with erectile dysfunction Contrary to the popular belief, high estradiol levels are not associated with poor sexual function in males. A study was conducted on low testosterone centers in the United States, comprising more than 34,000 men. The participants had different ages, some of them being younger than 25 while others being older than 65. Estradiol levels were measured using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay and it has been discovered that having too much estradiol in the bloodstream doesn’t lead to poor sex drive and erectile dysfunction. It has also been discovered that those with low or normal estradiol levels have a higher incidence of poor sex drive and potential erectile dysfunction.   Estradiol improve endothelial function in healthy men Studies show that estradiol (sometimes written as oestradiol) can improve endothelial function in healthy men. The endothelium is a very thin membrane which lines up the insides of your blood vessels and heart. It can also be found on lymph vessels. Its role is to release substances which help relax or constrict the blood vessels, depending on various factors. The endothelium is also important for controlling platelets, blood clotting and to regulate immune function in men and women. It is already known that supplementing with estrogen (particularly estradiol) is linked to a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease in women who are deficient in this hormone. The purpose of the study is to determine if estrogen can also be beneficial for the endothelial function in healthy men. The study included 23 men aged 32 years, give or take up to 8 years. They were split into three groups. One group was given testosterone supplements alone, one group received a combination of testosterone and 10mg of estradiol and the third group received testosterone and 20mg of estradiol. These participants were measured one month and six months after multiple tests were performed to determine the influence of estradiol on their health. The study concluded that those who received estradiol supplementation had a better endothelial function. This means that administering estradiol to healthy men can improve their cardiovascular system.   Estradiol and libido, erectile function and reproduction Estradiol impacts multiple processes in a human body and it can have a strong influence on the brain. This hormone can directly influence the brain and dictate the sexual behavior of mammals, creating arousal states and moods which are conducive to reproduction. This is done by the release of pheromones. These substances can increase activity in the area anterior to the hypothalamus. Neurons play an important role in converting testosterone to estrogen using the aromatase enzyme. There are billions of neurons in the brain and they transmit electrical information 24/7, helping humans function correctly. Another important brain cell is the astrocyte. These cells help the neurons transfer information from one part of the brain to the other. They are star-shaped cells which play an important role, particularly when the brain is injured and they also use the aromatase enzyme to convert testosterone to estrogen. The anterior area of the hypothalamus contains numerous estrogen receptors. These receptors work similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which are known for lowering sex drive. This might indicate that estrogen can significantly influence sexual functioning and behaviors in men.   How estradiol works when testosterone levels are low Having low testosterone levels can definitely lead to poor sexual functioning and lack of libido. To determine the efficacy of estradiol in men and what influences it has, it is important to analyze it in people who have normal as well as low testosterone levels. Studies have been done on men with low testosterone. They received doses of estradiol and reported an increased sexual drive. These human studies are supported by the ones performed on rats. Castrated rodents were given estrogen and it has been discovered that this increased their sexual activity. Another important finding consists of patients who had prostate cancer and received androgen deprivation therapy. This type of therapy is known to slow down or completely stop the advancing of prostate cancer since the cancerous cells require testosterone to grow. When the androgen levels reached a critical point, the patients reported symptoms which are commonly found in people who have a low sex drive and erectile dysfunction such as hot flashes and other adverse effects. It has also been discovered that androgen receptor blockers are more efficient in maintaining sexual activity in comparison with castration. This might happen as a result of testosterone conversion to estrogen. It is possible that supplementing with estradiol might make patients who undertake androgen deprivation therapy have increased brain activity in those areas responsible with sexual behavior.   Estradiol and its influence in eugonadal men (men with normal testosterone levels.) Eugonadal means men with healthy testosterone levels. Estradiol has been proven beneficial for people with low testosterone levels, increasing libido, and sexual desire. However, some studies show that the same positive results don't apply to eugonadal men. One study was performed on men with healthy testosterone levels. They received estradiol on a regular basis and they reported a decrease in sexual functioning, libido, masturbation, and erections. On the other hand, another study reported that administering estradiol to 50 men aged between 20 and 40 years didn’t influence their sexual function and libido at all. More research is required to understand how estradiol affects eugonadal men, but administering this hormone exogenously can be beneficial for people who have testosterone levels, increasing their libido and sexual desire.   Analyzing the role of estradiol on hypogonadal men who undertake testosterone replacement therapy Testosterone supplementation therapy aims to improve the quality of life of hypogonadal men as well as increase the levels of circulating testosterone in their bloodstream. This therapy also tries to increase the number of testosterone metabolites such as estradiol which is known for playing a vital role in sexual desire. In a test performed on men with secondary hypogonadism, c l o mi phene was used to increase the levels of testosterone by influencing the estrogen receptors directly. Secondary hypogonadism means that the testicles function correctly, but there is a scarcity of luteinizing hormone produced by the pituitary gland and this translates into low testosterone levels. The clomiphene citrate managed to increase testosterone levels in men with secondary hypogonadism as well as increasing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Other studies show that clomiphene citrate can increase sexual desire and libido. Another study performed in 2013 looked at the role of testosterone in healthy men and how it can influence sexual behavior. Some of the study participants received testosterone in combination with aromatase inhibitors, while others received testosterone without aromatase inhibitors. As a result, the sexual function was impaired when aromatization was inhibited. Other studies show that sexual desire increased significantly when men received testosterone supplementation therapy and had estradiol levels above 5 ng/dl. Even when testosterone levels were below 300 ng/dl and the estradiol levels were higher than 5 ng/dl, the sexual desire was increased. Yet another study looked at the sexual behavior of men who received l etr ozole which is a powerful aromatase inhibitor. These men had low testosterone levels and after being given le tro zole, their estradiol level dropped even lower. The result was that libido was significantly decreased. This means that both testosterone and estradiol are important in people who have testosterone deficiency to achieve and maintain healthy sexual desire and libido.   Aromatase inhibition can decrease insulin sensitivity Insulin sensitivity is extremely important when it comes to diseases such as diabetes type 2. Those who have low insulin sensitivity are more predisposed to become diabetic in the future. Inhibiting the aromatase enzyme through different types of drugs can have a significant influence on insulin sensitivity in both humans and rats. A study conducted at a clinical research facility tested 17 healthy men with ages between 18 and 50 years. This was a double-blind, controlled study. Each participant received an aromatase inhibitor, or a placebo drug for 6 weeks. The study concluded that inhibiting aromatase can lead to poor insulin sensitivity, particularly when it comes to peripheral glucose disposal.   The relationship between estrogen and bodybuilding It is well known that estrogen gives you a feeling of wellbeing and the lack of it can lead to depression, mood swings, emotional instability, and even depressive thoughts. Aromatase inhibitors can reduce the amount of estrogen the body produces and it usually makes a person feel lethargic and unhappy. For example, menopausal women seem to become more emotionally unstable and being haunted by feelings of anxiety and depression. Studies show that this can also be the case for bodybuilders and top athletes who regularly take aromatase inhibitors to convert less testosterone to estrogen. Estrogen is vital when it comes to sexual drive and libido as well and it is a well-known fact that aromatase inhibitors can negatively impact sex drive. A study on two groups of men reached the conclusion that estrogen is very important for libido. The first group received testosterone treatment alone while the second group received testosterone and an anti-estrogenic agent. At the end of the test, the group who received only testosterone treatment had better sexual drive and libido. Researchers also believe that lowering the estrogen levels too much in healthy men can lead to anxiety feelings, depression and even osteoporosis.   Estradiol and DHT can make you age more slowly Another study performed in Australia looked at the link between telomere length and the amount of serum estradiol and DHT in men. Telomeres are sequences of nucleotides at the end of each chromosome. They are used as a biomarker for aging. Having shorter telomeres means that the biological age is higher, regardless of the actual age of the person. Having longer telomeres correlated with a smaller biological age which basically means that the person is younger than his or her real age. The study performed in Australia looked at the telomere lengths of men aged 53, give or take approximately 15 years. The conclusion of the study was that estradiol and DHT correlate with telomere length and a small reduction in estradiol can amount to an approximate age increase of a decade. Estradiol alone can influence telomere length and that’s why it is important not to reduce it too much using aromatase inhibitors.   Symptoms of low estradiol in men A study performed in a medical center on several hundred men concluded that lack of estradiol can give certain vasomotor symptoms similar to those menopausal women have. These symptoms include hot flashes, sweats and flushes. The study participants were healthy men with ages between 20 and 50 years. They had normal serum testosterone levels and were split into two groups The first group of men was administered goserelin acetate which stops gonadal steroids. After 4 weeks, they received placebo drugs or different doses of testosterone gels. The second group of men received a treatment similar to those in the first group, but they also received an inhibitor of the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen. The study concluded that those who received aromatase inhibitors and had low estradiol levels experienced vasomotor symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. Similarly, those who received high doses of testosterone gel (approx 10 grams daily), as well as aromatase inhibitors, didn't experience the same symptoms. This means that when high amounts of testosterone are administered, it can suppress the effect of the aromatase inhibitor and leave estrogen levels intact.   Estradiol and reproductive function in men The sexual function in males is directly influenced by a mix of multiple substances and organs including testosterone, estradiol, estrogen receptors, testes, penis, and brain. The aromatase enzyme and estrogen receptors have a similar location in the brain and they are important in the development of sexual function early in life. They also influence sexual behavior in adulthood in combination with other substances called pheromones. Estrogen influences the mood and libido of a man, enabling him to alter his cognition for a mental state conducive to reproduction. Spermatogenesis is another important part of male reproduction. The creation of sperm cells relies on estradiol and these cells contain estrogen receptors and the aromatase enzyme. Men who undertake testosterone supplementation therapy should also be monitored for their estrogen levels. This is because an estradiol level below 5ng/dl can cause a significant drop in sex drive and libido.   Conclusion The role of estrogen in the male body is unquestionably important. Bodybuilders, professional athletes, and patients who undertake testosterone replacement therapy should be careful when it comes to managing estradiol levels since this hormone can significantly impact their wellbeing, sex drive, and bone density.   Get Your Estradiol Blood Test and Find Out More!

Table of Contents Why is Vitamin D Important? · Anti-Inflammatory- · Blood Sugar Control- · Optimal Immune Function- · Blood Pressure- · Decreased Risk of Obesity- Vitamin D Levels and Health Reference: GET YOUR VITAMIN D BLOOD LEVEL TESTED HERE Why is Vitamin D Important? Vitamin D is the name given to a vitally important group of micro-nutrients. When activated, vitamin D becomes a potent steroid hormone, switching our genes on or off, and instructing our cells what work to do. Vitamin D's effects are varied and profound. It is structurally similar to steroids such as testosterone, cholesterol, and cortisol. The term "vitamin D" refers to several different forms of this vitamin. Two forms are important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Foods may be fortified with vitamin D2 or D3, although humans should not rely on synthetic food fortification as a good source of Vitamin D3 since most fortified foods do not have enough Vitamin D to meet daily requirements. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is the major circulating form of vitamin D and the precursor of the active form (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D). Because of its long half-life, measurements are useful for assessing vitamin D status in patients. This test measures 25OHD using liquid chromatography, the most accurate test to determine Vitamin D blood levels. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) has many health benefits when levels are kept optimal. These benefits include: · Anti-Inflammatory- Chronic inflammation is becoming a major focus as a cause of many disease processes such as heart disease and cancer. D-3, also called “The anti-inflammatory” hormone, has been studied as an effective treatment to reduce chronic inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and others. Deficiency has also been associated with multiple sclerosis, Grave’s disease, and age related muscle wasting. Degenerative arthritis also progresses more rapidly when there is a deficiency of Vitamin D. · Blood Sugar Control- Deficiency of Vitamin D can inhibit the proper secretion of insulin and lead to increased insulin resistance. Studies show that supplementing with D3, especially during winter months, can help reduce the risks of Type II diabetes. · Optimal Immune Function- Vitamin D helps the immune system to fight infections. · Blood Pressure- Optimum levels of Vitamin D3 actually tend to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people. Supplementing with Vitamin D can help reduce the risk for hypertension. · Decreased Risk of Obesity- Deficiency of Vitamin D3 can lead to metabolic syndrome which contributes to the rapid accumulation of fat mass. Vitamin D Levels and Health Different studies suggest that higher vitamin D intakes beyond current recommendations may be associated with better health outcomes. Evidence is summarized from different studies that evaluate threshold levels for serum 25(OH)D levels in relation to bone mineral density (BMD), lower extremity function, dental health, risk of falls, admission to nursing home, fractures, cancer prevention and incident hypertension. For all endpoints, the most advantageous serum levels for 25(OH)D appeared to be at least 75 nmol/l (30 ng/ml) and for cancer risk reduction, and desirable 25(OH)D levels are between 90-120 nmol/l (36-48 ng/ml). An intake of no less than 1000 IU (25 mcg) of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) per day for all adults may bring at least 50% of the population up to 75 nmol/l. Thus, higher doses of vitamin D are needed to bring most individuals into the desired range. While estimates suggest that 2000 IU vitamin D3 per day may successfully and safely achieve this goal, the implications of 2000 IU or higher doses for the total adult population need to be addressed in future studies. Reference: Optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for multiple health outcomes. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2008;624:55-71.     GET YOUR VITAMIN D BLOOD LEVEL TESTED HERE

Table of Contents Today's Young Men Have Almost 30 Percent Less Testosterone Sleep Disruption: Stress and Fatigue Can Reduce Testosterone Levels Carrying Too Much Weight Can Reduce Testosterone Levels Poor Diet and Consumption of Marijuana Might Be a Problem Lack of Physical Exercise Leads to a Decrease in Testosterone Levels Check Your Testosterone Levels Often References: There is no need to emphasize the considerable importance of testosterone in the human body, especially for men. This hormone helps build muscle, maintains healthy bones, improves cognition, and enhances sleep quality, not to mention its essential role in fertility. However, recent studies show an alarming drop in testosterone levels, particularly for young men. In other words, today's teenagers have less testosterone circulating through their bloodstream than the youngsters of 15-20 years ago. If you're curious to learn the causes of this drop in testosterone levels, keep reading this article. You'll find insightful answers to questions you already have about testosterone and know what lifestyle changes you can make to increase the production of this vital hormone. Today's Young Men Have Almost 30 Percent Less Testosterone It might be hard to believe, but recent studies show that men between 15 and 39 have almost thirty percent less testosterone compared to men within the same age group of 15-20 years ago. More specifically, if the average testosterone level was around 600 nanograms per deciliter of blood almost two decades ago, now it's about 400 nanograms per deciliter for men aged 15-39. That's a significant decrease caused by multiple lifestyle and environmental factors. Let's look at some of these causes and see why today's young adults experience this significant drop in testosterone levels. Sleep Disruption: Stress and Fatigue Can Reduce Testosterone Levels One of the most important causes of testosterone decrease is excessive stress. Today's young adults are very busy, and they're constantly bombarded with information and stimulation from social media and other platforms. They are sleeping less and exposing themselves to light from electronics late at night. This light can disrupt sleep patterns.  Several studies have shown that most hormones, including testosterone, peak during the sleep cycle.  A disrupted sleep cycle and circadian rhythm negatively affects testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid, and other hormones. This makes the adrenal glands release more cortisol which is the main stress hormone in the body. Too much cortisol coupled with fewer hours of sleep per night results in testosterone levels that can plummet faster than ever. Ideally, adults should sleep around 7 hours per night and engage in activities that decrease cortisol levels in the bloodstream. One of the best ways to reduce your stress levels is to go to the gym, walk or run, practice yoga, or play a musical instrument, not to mention spend more time with people you love. Carrying Too Much Weight Can Reduce Testosterone Levels Obesity and being overweight is another important factor that can explain the testosterone decrease in young men. Several studies show that higher body mass index (BMI) can result in lower testosterone levels.  There is an obesity epidemic in the US and most countries not only in adults but also teenagers and children. At the same time, being overweight increases your chances for chronic diseases, reduces your stamina and energy levels, as well as makes the body produce more toxic hormones. Do your best to exercise at least three times a week and your testosterone levels will eventually get back to normal. Poor Diet and Consumption of Marijuana Might Be a Problem Eating a diet that lacks nutritional value is hands-down one of the key factors when it comes to testosterone production. In other words, if you eat a lot of junk food, drink many fizzy beverages, and don't take a multivitamin supplement, your testosterone levels might significantly decrease each year. You should provide your body with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to help it function optimally. Try to eat more vegetables, fruit, and lean meats such as chicken and turkey, as well as healthy fats coming from seeds and olive oil. The Mediterranean Diet is one of the best ways to increase testosterone levels and longevity. At the same time, an increasing body of evidence suggests that excessive marijuana consumption is associated with a decrease in testosterone levels. The occasional joint might not do too much harm but smoking every day can have an impact on your hormones, particularly your testosterone. Lack of Physical Exercise Leads to a Decrease in Testosterone Levels As mentioned earlier, doing just three or four workouts per week for a minimum of thirty minutes can prevent a decrease in testosterone levels. Today's young adults spend a lot of time in front of their computers doing their work or getting entertained. This sedentary lifestyle is one of the most important causes of disease in the United States and throughout the entire world. It also makes testosterone levels drop at an alarming rate. The solution is not to quit your IT job and go work in a field. Instead, you should compensate by consciously engaging in physical activities a few times per week. Go for a jog, take your friends, and play squash or another racket-based sport. If you love it, go for a swim, as this is a wonderful cardiovascular activity that works the entire body. The bottom line is not to get stuck in front of your computer or on your sofa all day long. Work out a few times weekly to help your blood move better throughout your body and improve your testosterone levels. Check Your Testosterone Levels Often You might be happy to find out that checking your testosterone levels is very easy these days. You don't even need to talk to your doctor. You can order a direct-to-consumer lab test from trustworthy providers such as DiscountedLabs.com. When you do this, you get a form that you use to visit a nearby clinic to draw blood. Your blood is analyzed in a certified laboratory by medical experts, and your results will be emailed in a few business days. The process is fast, confidential, and secure. Checking your testosterone levels often helps you to see where you stand. You can compare the results against reference values and see if you need to readjust your lifestyle. For example, most experts agree that normal testosterone levels should be between 350 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood. Go to DiscountedLabs.com today and order your own testosterone test today! This test is the most affordable in the U.S. for a gold standard accurate test based on liquid chromatography, the most trusted test by top physicians and clinics.   ============= References: Alarming Drop in Testosterone Levels Stress and Fatigue Affect Testosterone Obesity Decreases Testosterone Levels Testosterone Information | Mount Sinai - New York

Estradiol is the most important female sex hormone, and it plays a significant role in developing female secondary sexual characteristics. It also plays a vital role in maintaining proper bone density, regulating body fat, and ensuring a strong erection in men. This type of hormone is one of the three estrogens found in the human body. The other two are called estrone and estriol. Estradiol is the most important and strongest of the estrogen hormones, and it is primarily made in testicles, fat cells, and liver. Approximately 80% of the estradiol found in a man's body comes from the aromatization of testosterone. A small amount of testosterone is converted to estradiol to maintain healthy reproductive and cognitive systems in men, among other body functions. Why is estradiol in men important? Because maintaining proper estradiol levels is paramount for ensuring the correct functioning of various body processes. For example, estradiol is involved in: · Maintaining correct HDL cholesterol levels · Improving penile sensitivity · Maintaining an emotional balance in men · Promoting high bone density There are numerous myths that circulate online when it comes to estradiol. Since this is a female sex hormone, some say that too much estradiol can give one "man boobs" or make him asexual. Although having very high estradiol levels can lead to various health issues, reducing the amount of estradiol in the body can also have negative consequences such as losing bone mass, having joint pains or having a decreased libido. Keep reading this article to learn more about estradiol and how it can negatively affect the body if it circulates in the blood in sub-optimal quantities.   Estradiol in Men Studies Maintaining optimum estradiol levels is key to flourishing health and enhanced fitness performance. There are several causes or factors which might disrupt proper estradiol balance and lead to very high or very low estradiol levels. · Various medications such as HIV meds, etc · Toxins from the environment · Various foods · Age · High Body Mass Index (BMI) To achieve correct estradiol levels in the organism, one needs to learn more about this type of hormone and find out how it influences the body. The following study analyzes how testosterone and estradiol can influence muscle development, strength and sexual function in men aged 20-50. Gonadal Steroids and Body Composition, Strength, and Sexual Function in Men Study Purpose This study aims to identify a direct relationship between testosterone and estradiol in men and various body functions and processes such as fat accumulation, muscle development, and fitness performance, libido, and sex drive, etc. Approximately 80% of the estradiol currently found in men results from the aromatization of testosterone. When if the levels of testosterone go down, estradiol levels will also be reduced, and this might lead to changes in body composition. Study methods Two groups of 198 and 202 men participated in this study. They were healthy men aged 20-50 who were carefully monitored for over 16 weeks to find differences in body composition and fitness performance. The first 198 men were given goserelin acetate which is a substance that suppresses natural testosterone and estradiol levels. They were also given a placebo gel as well as testosterone gel in different concentrations such as 1.25 g, 2.5 g, 5 g, or 10 g. The gel was administered daily. The second group received the same treatment, but they were also given an aromatase inhibitor which is a substance that prevents the aromatization of testosterone into estradiol. Study conclusions Key factors were monitored in these 400 men to determine the influence of testosterone and estradiol on muscle performance and strength, sex drive, and fat development. The study concluded that the body fat percentage increased in men who received a placebo testosterone gel or 1.25 g or 2.5 g of testosterone gel without getting anastrozole. Lean muscle mass also decreased in these men, and leg-press strength showed a significant decrease only in men who received the placebo gel. The significant increases in body fat are attributed to estrogen deficiency (suppression of the aromatization process of testosterone). Both androgen and estrogen deficiency caused a significant decrease in sexual function which was represented by sexual desire and erectile function. Men who received the placebo gel or 1.25 g of testosterone gel experienced the most significant decrease in sexual function, as opposed to those who received a higher concentration of testosterone gel. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and determined that decreases in testosterone levels primarily influence muscle strength and performance, decreases in estradiol can lead to a higher subcutaneous and intraabdominal fat percentages, and both androgen and estrogen deficiencies can lead to poor sexual function. Let's take a look at more negative consequences which can appear as a result of having too little estradiol in the body. Why low estrogen levels are dangerous for health and decrease fitness performance As mentioned earlier, having less-than-optimal amounts of estrogen in the body can lead to multiple health problems in men of all ages. Let's discover how low estradiol levels can hinder fitness goals or affect health. 1. Low estrogen levels prevent the translocation of Glut-4. Muscle hypertrophy is essential for fitness professionals and the protein carrier Glut-4 can help with recovery and growth by transporting nutrients from the surface to the core of the cells. However, this protein can sometimes become stubborn and remain inactive for long periods of time. As a result, insufficient amounts of nutrients are carried from the surface to the interior of the cells which might make the muscle recovery process less efficient. The role of estrogen, in this case, is to make the translocation of the Glut-4 possible which leads to a higher amount of nutrients being delivered to muscle tissues for repair and growth. Having very low amounts of estrogen can prevent the activation of this protein carrier which is a significant loss for any fitness professional or bodybuilder. 2. Low estrogen levels allow myostatin to interfere with the muscle-building process. As you probably already know, myostatin is an important suppressor of muscle growth in both males and females. It can be extremely powerful as presented in various studies and experiments performed on animals. For example, animals which had their myostatin gene removed experienced dramatic increases in muscle mass, sometimes reaching up to 100% more muscle in comparison with animals which haven’t been genetically altered. Studies show that the elevated estrogen levels in women can prevent myostatin from interfering with the muscle-building process. By having very low levels of estrogen, the myostatin substance is free to suppress muscle growth which is something all fitness professionals want to avoid. 3. Low estrogen levels can worsen insulin resistance. Insulin, a substance produced by the pancreas, is essential for "unlocking" cells in the bloodstream, allowing them to absorb the existing glucose – a process which gives the human body energy to survive and to perform daily tasks. When cells develop insulin resistance (as a result of a sedentary lifestyle, among other factors), type 2 diabetes can result. Doctor Evelyn Yu, M.D., an endocrinologist at the Harvard University, concluded that estrogen deficiency could lead to a poor glycemic index as well as an increased resistance to insulin. Men and women of all ages can be affected by this, and that’s why it's important never to reduce the estrogen hormone to a dangerous level. Another study conducted on men aged 40-74 years determined the important role of high aromatase activity in the body. Let's take a closer look at its findings. High Aromatase Activity in Men with Low Testosterone Is Associated with Higher Spine BMD, Increased Truncal Fat Mass and Reduced Lean Mass Study Purpose This study strives to determine a relationship between spine BMD (bone mineral density) and aromatase activity in patients with low testosterone levels. Study Methods 90 men aged 40-74 years were carefully monitored during a genetic study on the effects of the aromatase enzyme on the bone mineral density. These men underwent testosterone replacement therapy as a result of low testosterone levels. Their body composition was analyzed using advanced tools such as dual-energy x-ray machines and enzyme immunoassay, among other medical equipment. Study Conclusions The study concluded that men who had the highest estradiol levels in comparison with testosterone also registered the highest spine bone mineral density. At the same time, their high aromatase activity leads to an increase in truncal fat as well as a significant decrease in lean body mass. The most important finding of this study is that despite having low circulating testosterone levels, high aromatase activity can lead to healthy musculoskeletal health in men over 40 years old. The direct relationship between estradiol and high bone density is visible in this study. Summary The role of estradiol in men's health cannot be denied. There are numerous benefits this hormone can provide to men of all ages if it circulates in the blood in optimal quantities. This article is part of a series of documents which outline important findings of scientific studies on estradiol. The more information one accumulates on estradiol, the better decisions he can make when it comes to achieving healthy estrogen levels in the body. One of the best ways to determine how much estradiol one has in his body is by using blood tests. This is an inexpensive and highly efficient method of knowing the exact estrogen and testosterone levels. Do you have any questions? Do you know more about estradiol or want to provide feedback? Use the comment section below to ask your questions about estradiol or share your knowledge with everyone!   More interesting reading: THE TOP 18 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT ESTRADIOL'S ROLE IN MEN'S HEALTH

It is suggested that you talk to your physician about the need for proper blood tests before and during testosterone. Read this first since it is the most common testosterone side effect: High hematocrit Problem Solution and Comments Acne/oily skin Caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) effect on increased oil production · Accutane– a powerful prescription item - 40 mg/day for one week sometimes stops acne if started at the first sign or as directed by your doctor. Accutane is potentially highly liver toxic and can lower testosterone. Do not use unless as last resort. · Sporanox – Effective for some acne-like eruptions that are caused by fungi. Some doctors also prescribe antibiotics, like tetracycline, for acne with good results. . Minocycline . Shower with Nizoral shampoo· Anti-bacterial soaps - Use a scrubbing brush and wash twice a day, especially after sweating during a workout. · UV light or sunlight with moderation. . Zinc/copper supplements or zinc soaps may help some men with acne. . Other options: How to treat and prevent acne Hair loss Caused by DHT effect on hair follicles · Nizoral shampoo– Available by prescription and over-the-counter as a lower dose product. · Rogaine – Available over the counter · Propecia (finasteride) - Available by prescription. A few males experience decreased erections with finasteride. Do not use. Increased sex drive · A problem? Sex drive is part of quality-of-life. This is not necessarily a bad side effect. Enjoy it. Unresolved erectile function · ED Drugs– Available by prescription; enables robust erections. If you have sinus congestion or headaches/backaches take non-drowsy allergy medication and ibuprofen. ED drugs can be combined with alpha-blockers and/or nitric oxide precursor amino acids (arginine or citrulline) · Yohimbine (Yocon) - Available by prescription; increases sex organ sensitivity. Can increase heart rate and blood pressure · Muse - Available by prescription; pellet inserted into the urethra to produce an erection. Unpopular · Trimix – Available by prescription from compounding pharmacies. The best and cheapest formula for injection into the penis for lasting erections. · Caverject - Available by prescription. An injection into the penis that produces an erection that can last 1 to 2 hours. Be careful with injecting too much since it can produce dangerously ling erections that need to be treated in emergency rooms! Follow instructions from your urologist. · Papaverine – An older injectable medication, less expensive than Caverject. · Wellbutrin – Prescription at 300 to 450 mg/day; increases dopamine. · Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) – First dose is 2,000 IU, then 250-500 IU twice or three times a week. No protocol has been proven in controlled studies yet. Insomnia Usually, this is caused by dosages that are too high. Find the least amount that gives you a good result. · Sleeping medications – e.g. Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta, Restoril · Melatonin- 1 to 3 mg before bedtime. If you wake up groggy after 6 hours your dose should be lower. · Avoid working out too close to bedtime. · Limit caffeine, especially after 3 pm. · You may want to try a sleep formula with tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium. Nutrients do not work as well as drugs, but they can help some people. Article: How to protect your circadian rhythm Sleep Apnea · Have your doctor prescribe a sleep study if you snore and wake up tired even after 7 hours of sleep. Some people may have to wear a C-PAP machine to breathe at night. Visit Home - SleepApnea.org for more information. There are also oral devices for those people who fail CPAP. Fatigue- When Testosterone Is Not Enough Testicular atrophy · Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)– One 2,000 unit injection per week for 2 weeks, followed by maintenance of 350-500 IU twice a week. For men who want to remain fertile while on TRT, 500 IU every other day has been studied. Watch this video on hCG and men Enhanced assertiveness or reactivity. · Make sure you are getting enough sleep. . Count until 10 and be aware of your interaction with others. · Decrease caffeine. · Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, breathe from your belly for a few minutes when overreacting. · The testosterone dosage may be too high. · Ask yourself: Do I need to always be right? . Vent extra energy at the gym, sex, and sharing with your buddies at www.excelmale.com High blood pressure: Can be caused by sodium retention, high hematocrit, being overweight, and other factors · Blood pressure medications - Elevated blood pressure may be transient or not. Try ACE or ARBs since they seem to have fewer sexual dysfunction related effects.  · Magnesium (600 mg/day); vitamin B6 (100 to 200 mg/day); may help reduce water retention. · Water - Drink extra water every day to help flush the kidneys. . Make sure you are doing cardio exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 min. Sweat and lower your salt intake since TRT increases sodium retention in some men. Gynecomastia- RARE in TRT (male breast development) Caused by overproduction of estrogen in the presence of low testosterone and high IGF-1 · Arimidex Inhibits estrogen production. Available by prescription. 0.5 mg/week max. Ensure that your estradiol is never under 20 pg/ml (by sensitive test) since it is needed for bone, skin, brain, lipids, libido, good lipids and hair health. Only 0.3-0.4% of testosterone is aromatized to estradiol. Current lab ranges were derived from men not on TRT. Most men on TRT do not need anastrozole. Be careful not to crash your estradiol. · Nolvadex (tamoxifen)– Competes with estrogen for receptors. Available by prescription, 10 to 20 mg/day. Use of Nolvadex during a steroid cycle may reduce the net anabolic effect, as it decreases the production of GH and IGF-1.  . Severe cases may require removal of the breast tissue by surgery. · DHT cream- Some people have obtained great results by rubbing a 10% DHT cream on their nipples. Not available in the US but some people order it online from Germany . Read about medications/foods to avoid if you have gynecomastia. . Those who do know to respond to the above, check other reasons Watch this video about estradiol in men Check your estradiol with the right sensitive test. To find out how long it takes testosterone replacement to potentially show benefits, read this article. For affordable blood tests in most cities in the U.S. (Prescription provided): DiscountedLabs.com We also highly recommend reading this and other articles from our friend Lee Myers from peaktestosterone.com : Testosterone Risks Metzger, DL, et al. Estrogen receptor blockade with tamoxifen diminishes growth hormone secretion in boys: evidence for a stimulatory role of endogenous estrogens during male adolescence. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (1994) 79(2):513-518. [ii] el-Sheikh, MM, et al. The effect of Permixon (saw palmetto) on androgen receptors. J Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand (1988) 67(5):397-399. [iii] Suzuki, K, et al. Endocrine environment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: prostate size and volume are correlated with serum estrogen concentration. Scand J Urol Nephrol (1995) 29:65-68. [iv] Gann, PH, et al. A prospective study of plasma hormone levels, nonhormonal factors, and development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Prostate (1995) 26:40-49.   Buy testosterone tests on DiscountedLabs.com

The Importance of The Liver Test Panel and Why You Should Get It There is no doubt that the liver is one of the most essential organs in your body. It is responsible for more than 500 bodily functions, and its main job is to filter out toxins from the foods you eat and liquids you drink. But how healthy is your liver? You might never know unless you run a comprehensive Liver Lab Test Panel. This type of panel looks at various enzymes which help you determine the health of your liver. Here are the variables and enzymes a Liver Panel commonly looks at: 1. Total Protein This test checks the total amount of protein in your body. As you probably already know, protein is essential for tissue health and regeneration. Having less than optimal protein levels might lead to muscle wasting which is a dangerous condition. Although rare, muscle wasting means that the muscles are breaking down at an accelerated pace, leaving you fatigued and predisposed to other illnesses. 2. Albumin Albumin is one of the most important proteins in the human body. Too little albumin can indicate a problem with your heart or it might be a sign of malnutrition. Too much albumin might indicate a problem with your kidneys. Testing for albumin it's important to determine the health of your liver. 3. Globulin Globulin is another type of protein found in the human body. This protein is produced by the liver as well as the immune system and its main job is to fight bacteria and viruses, keeping you healthy. When you don't have enough globulin in your body, this can be a sign of a liver problem or a poor immune system. Small amounts of globulin also predispose you to other ailments. 4. Albumin/Globulin Ratio In healthy individuals, the ratio of albumin to globulin is clearly set and balanced. When this ratio becomes unbalanced, you might either have too many globulin or too little albumin. When the body produces too many globulins, this might be a sign of developing an autoimmune disease such as lupus or celiac disease. 5. Bilirubin Bilirubin is another substance secreted by the liver. It's also known as a cellular antioxidant and it's secreted as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. The amount of bilirubin in your bloodstream indicates the health of your liver. For example, too little bilirubin might signify that the bile flow is obstructed. Too much bilirubin can cause jaundice which is characterized by a yellowing of the eyes and skin. Jaundice also develops when the liver cannot cope with the number of toxins or drugs currently present in the bloodstream. 6. Alkaline Phosphatase This substance is also tested by the Liver Panel. The amount of alkaline phosphatase in your system might indicate whether you have bone problems or not. Too much alkaline phosphatase in the blood can also signify that you might have a liver problem. 7. Lactate Dehydrogenase Lactate Dehydrogenase can be found in the tissues of nearly all living organisms. It is primarily found in the heart muscle and it might indicate a heart problem if this enzyme is present in abnormal quantities in the body. 8. Aspartate Aminotransferase Aspartate aminotransferase is another type of enzyme found in the body. In healthy individuals, its levels are low. However, when the muscles are damaged, high levels of aspartate aminotransferase are released in the blood. Too much of this enzyme might also indicate a liver problem caused by excessive alcohol consumption. If indeed the aminotransferase levels increased due to alcohol, patients are required to stop alcohol intake and do the test again in about 6-8 weeks. Alcohol can cause serious liver problems including cirrhosis, liver cancer, fatty liver disease, and more.  9. Alanine Transaminase This is another enzyme commonly found in the liver. The Liver Panel checks the levels of alanine transaminase to determine the health of the liver. When this organ gets damaged by too many toxins, drugs or alcohol, the levels of alanine transaminase in the body are increasing. If you have high amounts of this enzyme, chances are that there might be a liver problem you need to investigate. 10. Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase Also known as GGT, the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase enzyme is present in liver cells. When too much GGT is found in the body, it might indicate a serious liver problem such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and more. Why It's Important to Do the Liver Test Panel? The liver test panel uses a single blood sample to check for these enzymes and hormones. Patients should do this panel to determine the health of their liver. As you probably know, it's impossible to live without a liver and any disease you can prevent will add years to your life! For example, some patients tried this panel and discovered a serious liver problem. The doctor then recommends certain therapies or diet changes to help mitigate the issue. The liver has an amazing capacity of regenerating itself. You just need to give it the chance to do this by stopping alcohol intake, if necessary. When Should I Test? It's always better to do a liver test sooner than later. Some liver problems are asymptomatic, so you might not even know that you have them. It's recommended to do a liver test panel periodically when taking certain medications that might affect your liver as well as if you see apparent symptoms of liver problems such as yellowing of the eyes. Once you have been tested and you get back the results, your doctor will help you interpret them. In some cases, and only if necessary, you might need to do additional tests such as a hepatitis virus test. A biopsy might also be required to confirm a specific diagnosis before beginning treatment. From Where to Get This Test? Nowadays, you can order blood test panels directly from the internet. You are mailed a form you can use to visit a nearby clinic to draw blood. Your sample is analyzed, and the results are sent back to you in a few business days. It's that simple! Order a comprehensive Liver Panel Test from DiscountedLabs.com at an affordable price!

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) From January 1 to May 10, 2019, over 839 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 23 states in the United States. This is an increase of 75 cases from the previous week. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. This increase has been fueled by the anti-vaccine movement and other factors.  Alarmingly, two-thirds of pediatricians and other primary care physicians expect deaths from measles or resulting diseases to increase, according to a recent survey by real-time market insights technology firm InCrowd done in April 2019. But how do you know if you are protected against Measles? What are Measles? Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in a space where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears. Early symptoms include high fever, a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two or three days later small white spots may appear inside the mouth. Within three to five days the red measles rash breaks out on the face and spreads down the body to the feet. The patient’s fever may go to 104 degrees or higher. In a few days, the fever goes down and the rash fades. If you have been exposed to measles, call your doctor immediately and let them know. Your doctor can determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence, and make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk. Are You Immune to Measles? As a disturbing surge in measles cases has been reported nationwide, Professor of Medicine at New York University Dr. Marc Siegel warns that if you were vaccinated between a certain time frame, you might not be as immune to the disease as you think. Dr. Siegel told "America's Newsroom" hosts on Tuesday that a primary reason the CDC is informing the public about these skyrocketing numbers is so that individuals born between 1963 and 1989 know that they should be checked by a physician to ensure their vaccines were successful. CDC considers you protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following: You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n) 1. a school-aged child (grades K-12) 2. adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers. You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n) — 1. preschool-aged child 2. adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission. A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life. A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles. (Buy a Measles Immunity Test Here ) You were born before 1957. CDC recommends that people get MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination. Children may also get MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This vaccine is only licensed for use in children who are 12 months through 12 years of age. Some people should not get MMR vaccine or should wait. Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine: 1. Has any severe, life-threatening allergies. A person who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of MMR vaccine, or has a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, may be advised not to be vaccinated. Ask your health care provider if you want information about vaccine components. 2. Is pregnant, or thinks she might be pregnant. Pregnant women should wait to get MMR vaccine until after they are no longer pregnant. Women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 month after getting MMR vaccine. 3. Has a weakened immune system due to disease (such as cancer or HIV/AIDS) or medical treatments (such as radiation, immunotherapy, steroids, or chemotherapy). 4. Has a parent, brother, or sister with a history of immune system problems. 5. Has ever had a condition that makes them bruise or bleed easily. 6. Has recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products. You might be advised to postpone MMR vaccination for 3 months or more. 7. Has tuberculosis. 8. Has gotten any other vaccines in the past 4 weeks. Live vaccines given too close together might not work as well. 9. Is not feeling well. A mild illness, such as a cold, is usually not a reason to postpone a vaccination. Someone who is moderately or severely ill should probably wait. Your doctor can advise you. Do not take a chance, find out if you have immunity to Measles by getting tested.

Sypolt Systems and ExcelMale.com today announced the immediate availability of a new Android and iOS app for men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy. The app allows users to enter treatment protocols and daily assessments which record how they are feeling while on a specific treatment protocol. The results are then displayed in graphs so that users and whoever they wish to share the data with can better understand important areas in quality of life for a given protocol. To download the app, visit: TRTData.com The app records data anonymously so that researchers can analyze results to look for more trends and patterns for more effective treatments. Men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy frequently have to adjust treatments because of age, health, and other issues, and it can become difficult to record and remember what works best and what areas need improvement. The new TRT Analyzer app allows users to record this data in a universal format so that patients and physicians stay informed. If you have any questions about the app, have feedback, have a problem, or want to see something added, please visit Sypolt Systems LLC develops custom applications. Jason Sypolt has been building web and mobile applications for over 16 years in healthcare, financial services, and many other industries. ExcelMale.com is a men’s health forum with over 13,000 members that include educated men, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, exercise trainers, nutritional supplement experts, and other professionals in the field. The site’s forum topics range from testosterone replacement therapy, Trimix injections use for ED, HCG use for better fertility and libido, estradiol management, thyroid function optimization, peptide information, exercise routines, best supplements for men, high protein diets, testosterone side effect management and much more.