Page 6 - Testosterone Tests

Table of Contents Testosterone Fractions in Men How SHBG Influences Free Testosterone What Factors Influence Your SHBG Levels? How Do You Know if Your SHBG Levels Are High? How to Lower SHBG and Automatically Increase Free Testosterone Levels? Raise Your Total Testosterone Level Lower Your Estradiol Levels DHEA Supplements Might Help What if My SHBG Levels Are Already Low? Now You Know More About SHBG and the Role It Plays in Your Body!   When people hear about testosterone, they immediately think about muscles, alpha males, confidence, and probably sports cars. This is the most important male sex hormone and one of the most important hormones in the human body. However, this hormone has several fractions. It is influenced by your lifestyle and it can influence how you think and how you feel. For example, too much sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) can decrease free testosterone which can lead to low libido and other symptoms.  That is why some men search for ways to decrease SHBG levels. If you are interested in testosterone fractions and how to naturally increase this sex hormone in your body then keep reading. You will find out more about the bioavailability of testosterone and why it plays a vital role in your health. You will also find out how to decrease SHBG levels. Testosterone Fractions in Men If you do a testosterone test, your doctor will mention your average levels. For example, the generally accepted healthy levels of testosterone for men are between 350 ng/dl and 1,100 ng/dl. If you have a total testosterone level under 350 ng/dL, you might be diagnosed with hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency). However, this is the total testosterone level in your bloodstream. This hormone is made up of several fractions and they are important too. For example, there are bound testosterone (bound) and free testosterone (non-bound) levels that circulate through your blood. Total testosterone is made up of these two types of testosterone. Free testosterone makes up for about 2% of your total testosterone levels. This is the one that goes to your muscles, brain, and influences other organs and tissues in your body. The bound testosterone usually attaches to two substances - albumin or SHBG. The amount of testosterone that is bound to albumin is about a third of your total testosterone. The amount of testosterone that is bound to SHBG is approximately two-thirds of your total testosterone. Albumin is a protein and it carries your testosterone through the bloodstream and releases it as it is needed. You often hear the term "bioavailable testosterone". This refers to the amount of testosterone that can be used by your body. Luckily, testosterone bound to albumin can detach if necessary and get used as free testosterone. The one bound to SHBG cannot do that. In this case, the bioavailable testosterone in your body is the sum of free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone. How SHBG Influences Free Testosterone It's a well-known fact that the levels of albumin in your blood are generally stable. This protein doesn't have massive spikes in quantity for a male adult. On the other hand, SHBG levels can increase and decrease based on various factors. Most importantly, the levels of SHBG influence how much free testosterone you have in your blood. High levels of SHBG are usually associated with low levels of free testosterone. Less testosterone is available for muscles, the brain, and organs. The vice-versa is also true. Lower levels of SHBG are associated with higher levels of free testosterone. This can positively influence your mood and libido. What Factors Influence Your SHBG Levels? Multiple types of factors influence how much SHBG there is in your bloodstream. Aging is one of the most important factors.  As men age, their SHBG levels will naturally go up while the free testosterone levels will go down. However, you can do something about the other factors. For example, liver problems can increase SHBG levels in men of all ages. If you have a fatty liver due to chronic alcohol consumption or other reasons, chances are that your SHBG levels are also higher than normal. This is true for other liver problems such as cirrhosis or cancer. Thyroid problems can also increase SHBG levels. If your thyroid gland is less active or hyperactive, you might start to feel the symptoms of this health issue. Too much estradiol in your body is also responsible for increasing SHBG levels. Obesity and high triglyceride levels are commonly associated with an increase in SHBG levels in the blood. If you are overweight and your lipid profile is not very good, chances are that your overall testosterone levels might drop. Finally, inflammation is another factor that could increase SHBG levels and decrease free testosterone ones. Acute inflammation is good for the body to help you fight diseases. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can lead to life-threatening issues and raise your SHBG levels. How Do You Know if Your SHBG Levels Are High? A simple blood test provides the best opportunity to test your testosterone levels accurately. Medical technology got very advanced, and it's possible to find out exactly how much testosterone is flowing through your blood quickly and safely. However, remember that most tests will communicate your total testosterone levels. You should dig a little bit deeper and find out the exact SHBG and free testosterone levels. These are the ones that interest you the most in this case. If the percent of total testosterone that is free testosterone is below 2 percent, then you may have high SHBG. For example, the optimal SHBG levels in adult males are between 10 and 60 nmol/L. If you have more than that, chances are that your free testosterone levels are also smaller than normal. Ask your doctor for assistance if you cannot figure out the SHBG levels independently. Discounted Labs sells several tests, including the SHBG test as part of lab test panels.   How to Lower SHBG and Automatically Increase Free Testosterone Levels? Now that you have learned more about SHBG and how it can influence your body, the next obvious question is to find out a way to decrease SHBG levels. You cannot stop the aging process, but you can do something about the other factors that influence SHBG. Raise Your Total Testosterone Level This is the simplest and often the best method to reduce SHBG and increase free testosterone. If your testosterone levels are low, do something to increase them. For example, you can lose weight, start exercising more often and clean your diet of junk food and processed meals. This will automatically increase your total testosterone level. A fraction of this level is free testosterone, but it's a fraction of something larger than before, so you'll definitely experience its positive effects. Lower Your Estradiol Levels Another way you can reduce your SHBG levels is by lowering the number of estrogens in your body. Estrogens are the maprimaryemale sex hormones but are also needed by the male body. One of the most important estrogens is estradiol. Men have small amounts of estradiol too, but too much can lead to high SHBG levels and even gynecomastia if low testosterone is present. Lowering estrogen levels is possible for men of all ages. For example, you should avoid soy-based products as these have the tendency to increase your blood estrogen levels. At the same time, try to minimize alcohol consumption, exercise more, lose weight if you are overweight, and get plenty of sleep. DHEA Supplements Might Help DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone, is one of the most abundant steroids in the human body. It's a weak estrogen and androgen hormone. It serves many purposes in the body and it can be sold as a supplement. Some studies show that small doses of DHEA administered to men might decrease SHBG levels. However, more research is needed as increasing the levels of DHEA in the body can have serious side effects in the long run. For example, high levels of DHEA are commonly associated with Parkinson's Disease. This complex neurodegenerative disease can lead to memory loss and poor brain function. If you decide to take DHEA supplements, make sure that you speak with your doctor first. Remember that these solutions might work for people with SHBG levels higher than normal. If your SHBG level is low, you should not worry about lowering it further. What if My SHBG Levels Are Already Low? In this case, your free testosterone levels are optimal and you don't have to do anything to increase them. However, more SHBG is needed too. This could signify an underlying health condition that must be explored further. For example, if you have low SHBG in your bloodstream, you might have a fatty liver or metabolic syndrome. This condition can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption or other factors. A liver problem is usually associated with insulin resistance too. Generally speaking, low SHBG levels are good predictors of diabetes in people of all ages. You must do a blood glucose and a A1c test to see how glucose is processed in your body. If you're pre-diabetic, you can still do something to increase insulin sensitivity and avoid this chronic condition. Now You Know More About SHBG and the Role It Plays in Your Body! Although deciphering the mysteries of testosterone and SHBG is not easy, major medical advancements are made each day. As you can see, too little SHBG is bad, but too much of it is not good either. Patients must aim for an optimal level of SHBG and monitor it closely using a SHBG blood test.    

Table of Contents The 6 Most Popular Discounted Lab Panels Online Why Using Direct-to-Consumer Labs? How Do Online Lab Tests Work? What Lab Tests Can You Choose? What Are the Most Popular Blood Tests Online? 1. Heavy Metal Test Symptoms of Heavy Metal Poisoning 2. Hormone and Wellness Panels for Men and Women 3. Comprehensive Fatigue Panel 4. Erectile Dysfunction ED Panel 5. Electrolyte Panel 6. Elite Male Blood Test Panel Get Your Blood Test Today! The 6 Most Popular Discounted Lab Panels Online   According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases kill millions of people each year. Diabetes alone accounted for nearly 1.6 million deaths in 2015. Deaths caused by neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia doubled since 2000, and this number is expected to grow in the upcoming years. Although these are alarming facts, you might be happy to find out that numerous diseases and injuries, particularly chronic illnesses, can be prevented. To prevent a disease, you first need to be aware of it. To be aware of it, you need to do the right thing and get your health checked periodically. Discovering a predisposition to the disease earlier on gives you a massive advantage. You’ll be able to follow special treatments and minimize its risks or eliminate them. But how to get tested for various diseases which might affect you? Well, one of the simplest and most efficient ways is by using direct-to-consumer labs. These are usually discount labs you can purchase online at affordable prices and have your general health checked in a matter of days. Why Using Direct-to-Consumer Labs? Direct-to-consumer labs are discounted labs sold by various companies such as DiscountedLabs.com. Many people decide to buy their lab tests instead of working with their primary physicians because this route offers numerous advantages. For example: You can choose your preferred test from hundreds of labs available online You save money since you eliminate the middle man and buy "directly from the source” and not having to pay for a doctor’s visit copay. You get your results back in just a few business days.  Your information and results are confidential and secure You can draw blood or offer a urine sample in the nearest clinic from your house You have more control over your health More and more people are taking advantage of this opportunity to buy a cheap blood test and become more aware of their health, so why shouldn’t you? How Do Online Lab Tests Work? Getting a blood test online is not rocket science. The procedure has just a few steps: 1. Order your preferred test from DiscountedLabs.com 2. Get a form which allows you to go to the nearest lab or clinic to draw blood that you can download after your purchase. 3. Have your blood samples analyzed by a Quest Diagnostics laboratory in your state or the nearest state. 4. The results will be available for you to download in 5-7 business days from the day of your lab blood draw. 5. You can visit your doctor to help you interpret these results or compare them against reference values you find online As you can see, the process is simple, confidential and secure. You don’t even have to visit your doctor for a prescription since DiscountedLabs.com provides that for you. What Lab Tests Can You Choose? There are numerous things you can test in a human body using just a blood, urine or saliva sample. For example, some of the most popular tests include a complete blood count test which tells you how much hemoglobin there is in your blood, the number, and type of your blood cells, etc. You can also go for a pregnenolone test or a cheap testosterone test to determine your testosterone levels. Cheap blood tests are also available, and they can show information about your cholesterol levels, triglycerides, inflammation biomarkers and more. Buying a testosterone test online is increasingly popular especially if you’re a bodybuilder and you want to monitor your T levels or if you think you have testosterone deficiency. DiscountedLabs.com offers dozens of affordable tests for both men and women, so you have a lot of options at your disposal when it comes to taking care of your health. What Are the Most Popular Blood Tests Online? If you’re buying for the first time and you don’t know what to focus on, keep reading to find out a list of some of the most popular direct-to-consumer labs you can buy today. These tests can be obtained using a discounted labs coupon to help you save some money in the process. Here is a way to compare all discounted lab panels to see which one is best for you. 1. Heavy Metal Test The dangers of having heavy metals in your body are real. The heavy metals category includes mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead and other types of toxic substances. These elements can stick to your bones and organs, causing serious health problems in the long run. The body can easily eliminate trace amounts of heavy metals regularly. However, if you get too high of a quantity of arsenic, for example, you're exposed to serious health risks. Lead is one of the most poisonous heavy metal out there. It can cause brain damage, depression, anxiety, and even panic attacks. Testing for heavy metals can be done using a single blood sample or a urine sample. The Heavy Metals Profile I is performed using a blood sample, and it determines the levels of arsenic, mercury, and lead in your body. There are two more tests sold by DiscountedLabs such as the heavy metal profile II and the urine test. These also come at affordable prices and allow you to discover the levels of cadmium, lead, and arsenic in your system. Symptoms of Heavy Metal Poisoning Having a high amount of toxic metals in your body puts you in a risky situation, so you need to see your doctor immediately if this happens. Moreover, you’ll be able to experience certain symptoms along the way, and you shouldn’t ignore them. These symptoms depend on the type of metal which caused the poisoning. For example, these symptoms are common among people: l Stomach pain l Diarrhea l Nausea l Dizziness l Tingling in your feet l Weakness and headaches l Vomiting Some of these symptoms are your body's desperate attempt to eliminate the accumulated heavy metals. Help your body by getting tested for heavy metals immediately and find out if you're at risk. 2. Hormone and Wellness Panels for Men and Women Any hormonal imbalance you might experience can drastically influence your health. For example, testosterone deficiency can lead to poor sex drive and even symptoms of anxiety and depression in men of all ages. Instead of looking for “testosterone testing near me” on Google, you can order a testosterone test online and have your hormonal levels checked quickly. In women, estrogen levels are the most important. One of the most popular estrogens is estradiol. This hormone directly influences mood, cognition, sex drive, libido, and other functions in women. It is also possible to check the estradiol levels for men and see if they are elevated. Very high estradiol levels in men might be caused by testosterone replacement therapy. This is a rare but known side effect of TRT, but it can be minimized with certain medications. Another common side effect of TRT has high hematocrit. If you’re wondering what high hematocrit mean then you should know that this is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. An elevated hematocrit might cause various health problems in the long run. Donating blood can be the answer if you’re wondering how to lower hematocrit on TRT, donating blood can be the answer. However, you shouldn’t donate blood more often than one or two times per year because this can lower your ferritin levels which causes anemia. There are high hematocrit symptoms to which you should pay attention. For example, having high hematocrit levels can lead to: l Fatigue l Itching l Bone pain l Blurred vision l Excessive sweating As you can see, there are numerous important hormones you need to be mindful of such as testosterone, estrogen, estradiol, ferritin, etc. A complete hormone and wellness panel can make your life easier because it provides a complete overview of your health. DiscountedLabs.com sells a Complete Hormone & Wellness Panel for MEN and a Hormone & Wellness Panel for WOMEN, so pick the one suitable for you to learn more about your hormonal health. 3. Comprehensive Fatigue Panel If you feel tired after a long day at work, it’s normal to be so, especially if you also found some time to visit a local gym for half an hour. However, if you constantly feel tired, even in the morning when you wake up, then this is not normal. Diagnosing excessive fatigue is not that easy. There are numerous potential causes which need to be analyzed independently. For example, here are a few factors which might directly influence your energy levels and how tired you feel regularly: l Your thyroid function l Whether you have hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia l Your total and free testosterone levels l The amount of iron in your blood cells l The number of red blood cells in the blood l Any adrenal problems you might have One hormonal imbalance in these areas can make you feel excessively tired. Also, keep in mind that such health problems don’t get corrected on their own. You need to do a thorough health checkup and see what causes your tiredness. A comprehensive fatigue panel takes all these factors into account and analyzes multiple hormones and substances in your bloodstream. Based on the results, your doctor can make appropriate health recommendations. For example, people who have low energy levels as a result of insufficient iron in their bloodstream might need to take an iron supplement. Similarly, those who have low testosterone levels might benefit from TRT or various lifestyle changes to improve their total and free testosterone levels. 4. Erectile Dysfunction ED Panel Another commonly purchased panel is the ED blood test. Unfortunately, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is quite high, especially among men who are 40 years old or older. However, this health condition can be treated in numerous ways. There are both invasive and non-invasive procedures as well as pills which can improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Certain lifestyle changes can also improve one's erection. However, the most important thing is to know exactly what caused the ED and how to treat it efficiently. For example, having low testosterone levels can lead to erectile dysfunction in men of all ages. In this case, TRT might be the appropriate treatment method to improve libido. Similarly, high estradiol can also be linked to erectile problems. Estradiol is a female sex hormone. If there is too much (or even too little) estradiol in the bloodstream, the person in question will experience erectile dysfunction. ED can also be caused by thyroid problems. For example, the TSH, T3, and T4 are all thyroid hormones which directly influence the production of testosterone and sex drive in general. If these hormones are out of balance, one might not be in the mood for sex that often. Prolactin is another important hormone in the body. It is produced by the pituitary gland, and if it’s not secreted correctly, ED can appear in men. As you can see, there are numerous factors which influence sex drive. The Erectile Dysfunction Panel which can be bought from DiscountedLabs.com looks at all these hormones to determine which one is out of balance. All you need to do is to buy the panel online and go to your nearest lab for a blood sample. The results will be communicated to you in a few business days, and then you can begin looking for appropriate solutions to your ED problem. 5. Electrolyte Panel Electrolytes are important substances in the human body. The most popular ones are potassium and sodium. Other electrolytes include chloride and carbon dioxide. The job of electrolytes is to regulate important bodily functions such as maintaining correct blood pH, muscle and nerve function. When electrolytes go out of balance, various physical symptoms can appear. For example, too much sodium in the body makes the blood acidic. This can lead to chronic illnesses in the long run. At the same time, too much potassium can cause heart problems and other similar health conditions. The Electrolyte Panel which can be bought from DiscountedLabs.com looks at four different important electrolytes in the body such as carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium. This is one of the most affordable blood tests online, and it requires only a small blood sample to run it. 6. Elite Male Blood Test Panel If you want to have a broader overview of your health, the Elite Male Blood Test Panel is highly recommended for you. This is one of the most comprehensive panels sold on DiscountedLabs and one of the most affordable in the United States. Using just a simple blood sample, you get to find out more information about multiple hormones, enzymes, and substances in your body such as testosterone, prolactin, thyroid hormones, IGF-1, PSA and more. This panel looks at more than ten different hormones in your bloodstream, helping you diagnose certain conditions or preventing more serious diseases. A lipid panel is also included in this package, revealing information about your good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Another important hormone checked by this panel is sensitive estradiol. This hormone is linked to sex drive, and if it is in high quantities, it can lead to gynecomastia which is also known as “male boobs.” The estradiol levels might increase as a result of testosterone replacement therapy. If you’re currently using TRT, you might want to get this panel to find out if you’re prone to develop gynecomastia in the future. The Elite Male Blood Test Panel also looks at your complete blood count. It analyzes your hematocrit, the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin in your bloodstream, etc. Knowing more information about red blood cells helps you determine if you’re predisposed to anemia. Similarly, having a high hematocrit can cause problems in the long run so that you can monitor this important parameter with the Elite Male Panel. Another important aspect checked by this panel is the metabolic function. More precisely, the test looks at the kidney and liver health. As you probably already know, your liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It is responsible for eliminating toxins and producing numerous hormones required for a healthy living. Once you know the state of your liver, you'll be able to make appropriate lifestyle changes to improve its function. The same story goes for your kidneys. For example, creatinine is a byproduct which needs to be excreted by the kidneys. If this process doesn't happen correctly, you can develop kidney problems in the future. The Elite Male Blood Panel helps you look at all these vital aspects and have a broader understanding of your health. Get Your Blood Test Today! As you can see, ordering direct-to-consumer labs is efficient, more affordable and saves time. You don’t have to search for “discounted labs tests near me” on Google anymore; the answer comes directly from DiscountedLabs.com.  

Are you feeling sluggish, having trouble concentrating or noticing decreased libido? These are all signs that could indicate low testosterone levels. Before taking any hormone therapy, it is critical to recognize the source and assess your present health status accurately. A hormone quiz can be an effective tool for men interested in learning more about their hormones and if they may need further testing or treatment. Taking this type of quiz will help provide insight into potential imbalances within the body as well as how best to address them with natural solutions such as diet changes, lifestyle adjustments, and other therapies before turning to prescription medications. Read on to learn more about what a hormone quiz entails, its benefits, and how to get started today. Table of Contents What is Testosterone? Definition of Testosterone: What is the Hormone Quiz? Benefits of Taking a Hormone Quiz How to Get Started with a Hormone Quiz? Hormone Quiz for Low Testosterone: What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone (Deficiency)? Benefits of Normalizing Testosterone Determining If You Have Testosterone Deficiency Testosterone Deficiency Causes Conclusion References: What is Testosterone? Testosterone is a male sex hormone, produced primarily in the testicles. It’s responsible for many of the physical and emotional characteristics associated with manhood. Its production peaks during adolescence and early adulthood, then gradually declines with age. Definition of Testosterone: Testosterone is a steroid hormone that helps regulate reproductive organs, bone mass, muscle mass, body hair growth, fat distribution and red blood cell production. It's also known as an “androgen” because it promotes masculine traits like strength and aggression. Testosterone is a critical factor in the regulation of male sexual function, stimulating sperm production, sustaining libido, promoting erectile function, and augmenting energy levels and cognitive performance while improving mood and bolstering self-confidence. Additionally, testosterone helps to promote muscle growth and development as well as aiding weight management through its influence on metabolism rates. If you can relate to any of these, it may be beneficial to take a Hormone Quiz and assess if your testosterone levels are lower than optimal. Testosterone is a vital hormone which has implications for various aspects of health and wellbeing. Gaining knowledge about the effects of testosterone can assist in making knowledgeable decisions related to health. Gaining insight into how hormones influence your body and which lifestyle modifications could be advantageous can be achieved by taking the Hormone Quiz. What is the Hormone Quiz? The Hormone Quiz is an online questionnaire designed to help men identify potential issues with their testosterone levels. The quiz consists of a series of questions about lifestyle, health, and medical history that can provide insight into the current state of a man’s hormones. By honestly responding to the questions posed in the Hormone Quiz, males can get a precise appraisal of their hormone levels and ascertain if they require additional testing or treatment. The intent of the Hormone Quiz is to give men insight into their testosterone levels without needing a medical consultation or laboratory exams. It provides quick feedback on possible symptoms associated with low testosterone so that individuals can take action before it becomes more serious. Additionally, this quiz allows men to evaluate their own lifestyle choices and adjust accordingly for better overall health outcomes. The Hormone Quiz includes queries regarding physical activity, sleep quality, dietary habits, stress management techniques regularly employed as well as any medications taken or illnesses experienced in recent years. These are all important considerations when assessing overall hormonal balance since they can directly impact how our bodies produce hormones such as testosterone. Other items covered include age range (since hormone production tends to diminish with advancing age), family history related to hormone imbalances like diabetes and obesity, and whether there has been any significant fluctuation in weight recently which may be indicative of other underlying issues that could potentially affect one's hormonal equilibrium. The Hormone Quiz is an invaluable asset for comprehending one's hormone levels and the potential effects on wellbeing. By taking the quiz, you can gain insight into what treatments or lifestyle modifications may be beneficial to your health in the long run. By taking the Hormone Quiz, you can gain insight into potential health benefits that may be derived from making lifestyle changes or receiving treatments.   Key Takeaway: The Hormone Quiz is an efficient way for men to gain insight into their testosterone levels without the need of a doctor's appointment or laboratory tests. By answering questions about lifestyle, health and medical history honestly and accurately, individuals can get an accurate assessment of their hormone levels and take action if necessary before things become more serious. This quiz also provides an opportunity for self-reflection in terms of making healthier lifestyle choices that could positively impact hormonal balance. Benefits of Taking a Hormone Quiz Taking a hormone quiz can be extremely beneficial for men who are interested in their health and fitness. Early detection and treatment of low testosterone levels is one of the primary benefits of taking a hormone quiz. Testosterone, a key hormone for men, is responsible for the regulation of metabolism, muscle mass, bone density, libido and energy levels. Low testosterone can bring about signs such as tiredness, despondency, changes in weight and libido. By taking a simple blood test at an accredited lab through our website you will be able to detect any potential issues with your testosterone levels early on before they become more serious problems. Another benefit of taking a hormone quiz is improved quality of life and well-being due to increased energy levels and libido associated with normal testosterone production. High testosterone levels often result in greater feelings of happiness due to increased energy and improved performance, as well as a heightened libido for couples. Additionally, having adequate amounts of this important male hormone also increases sexual desire making it easier for couples to enjoy intimacy together without worrying about erectile dysfunction or lack thereof due to hormonal imbalances that come from low T-levels. Completing a hormone quiz can be an essential starting point for comprehending one's body and its requirements, granting the ability to make educated choices about self-care. With the right lab and knowledge on hand, getting started with a hormone quiz is easy - all it takes is some research into accredited labs for testing and learning more about what your results mean.   Key Takeaway: Taking a hormone quiz can be an invaluable tool for men, as it allows them to detect any issues with their testosterone levels early on before they become more serious. A hormone quiz can be a great way to identify testosterone-related issues early, helping stave off more severe health concerns and boosting vigor and libido for better day-to-day performance. How to Get Started with a Hormone Quiz? If you’re looking to take a hormone quiz, the first step is finding an accredited lab for testing. You want to make sure that the laboratory has been certified by a third-party organization such as CLIA or CAP so that your results are reliable and accurate. Once you have found an accredited lab, it’s time to get tested. The tests used in hormone quizzes typically measure levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and other hormones in your blood or saliva sample. Once the laboratory has yielded your outcomes, it is imperative to comprehend their significance and consult with your physician if need be. Your doctor can help explain any abnormal test results and provide advice on how best to address them through lifestyle changes or medications. It's also important to note that while some symptoms may be caused by low hormone levels, they could also be due to other medical conditions so getting professional guidance is essential before taking any action based on test results alone. Finally, making lifestyle changes can go a long way towards improving health when dealing with low hormone levels. Eating healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals like fruits and vegetables can help boost energy levels naturally while exercising regularly will help improve circulation which helps hormones circulate throughout the body more efficiently leading to better overall health outcomes over time. Additionally reducing stress through activities like yoga or meditation can also help balance out hormones naturally without having to resort to medication or supplements unless advised by a doctor after discussing test results further. Taking care of yourself should always be priority number one.   Key Takeaway: Discovering a certified lab is the primary step to undertaking a hormone examination, which typically assesses levels of testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. It's important to understand your results and discuss them with your doctor before making any changes - but lifestyle modifications like eating healthy foods or reducing stress can go a long way towards balancing hormones naturally. Hormone Quiz for Low Testosterone: Here is a hormone quiz for men who think they may have low testosterone symptoms: How often do you feel tired or fatigued? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you noticed a decrease in your sex drive or erectile function? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you experienced a decrease in your muscle mass or an increase in body fat? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you experienced a decrease in your beard or body hair growth? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you experienced mood changes, such as irritability or depression? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you experienced hot flashes or night sweats? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you noticed a decrease in your bone density or been diagnosed with osteoporosis? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you noticed a decrease in your energy levels or motivation? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you experienced sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always   Have you experienced a decrease in your overall sense of well-being? Rarely Sometimes Often Almost always If you have answered 3 or 4 in at least 5 questions, then it is a good idea to talk to a doctor about testosterone testing. This quiz can be used as a preliminary tool to detect low testosterone levels, but it is important to note that a diagnosis can only be made by a medical professional. If you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, it is best to schedule an appointment with your doctor. What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone (Deficiency)? A number of tests are available to assist people assess whether they are suffering any of the symptoms associated with low testosterone levels in males, which can include a wide range of signs and symptoms. One such test asks about exhaustion or fatigue, a decline in erectile function or sex desire, changes in muscle mass or body fat, mood swings, hot flashes or night sweats, changes in bone density, sleep issues, and a decline in general sense of well-being. Yet, it's crucial to keep in mind that only a doctor can provide an official diagnosis of hypogonadism, or low testosterone. Lowered sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, melancholy, low energy and appetite, altered body composition, decreased strength, decreased body and facial hair, diminished mental clarity, and decreased bone density are some of the symptoms of hypogonadism that are frequently seen. Restoring sexual desire, enhancing erectile function, enhancing mood, increasing lean body mass, strength, and stamina, enhancing bone density, and reducing fat mass are just a few of the advantages of restoring normal testosterone levels. The Androgen Deficiency in the Aged Man (ADAM) questionnaire, a screening tool, can help with the diagnosis of hypogonadism in addition to blood testing and physical examinations. [1] [4] As mentioned previously, hypogonadism is the medical term for the condition in males that is caused when the body is not producing sufficient amounts of testosterone. What most people don’t realize is that in addition to sexual desire, testosterone also affects lean body mass, strength, bone density, mental focus, mood, fat loss, and other important factors in both males and females. Common complaints for men with hypogonadism include: lower sexual desire (libido), erectile dysfunction (softer erections or lack of erections), depression, low energy and appetite, changes in body composition (lower lean body mass and higher abdominal fat), lower strength, reductions in body and facial hair, less mental focus and  decreased height and osteoporosis (decrease in bone density). Normalizing testosterone in people who have lower than normal levels has dramatic benefits, among which are increased sexual desire, lean body mass, bone density, strength, mood, motivation, mental focus, and stamina. However, these benefits can be erased if proper monitoring, dose adjustment, and appropriate choice of testosterone replacement option are not accomplished. Benefits of Normalizing Testosterone Restored sexual desire Improved erectile function Improved mood/ sense of wellbeing Increased lean body mass, strength and stamina Improved bone density Decreased fat mass Determining If You Have Testosterone Deficiency In addition to blood tests and physical examination, a brief screening instrument has also been developed by researchers at St. Louis University to aid in the diagnosis of hypogonadism. Known as the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire:   Do you have a decrease in sex drive? Do you lack energy? Have you experienced a decrease in strength and/or endurance? Do you feel shorter? Have you lost height? (Lower bone density can decrease height.) Have you noticed a decreased enjoyment of life? Are you sad and/or grumpy? Are your erections less strong or gone? Has it been more challenging to maintain your erection throughout sexual intercourse? Are you falling asleep after dinner? Has your work performance deteriorated recently? Other questions that are usually not asked by doctors, but which I’ve found to be important are the following: Are you relating well with people around you? Are you being loving to your lover or life partner? Are you able to pay attention when someone talks to you? Note that several of the above-mentioned problems can be caused by many other issues unrelated to low testosterone. Depression, anxiety, stress, medications and/or sleep disorders can cause nine of those 10 symptoms (decrease in height would be the only item unrelated to anything but bone loss or back surgery). This questionnaire is not a perfect predictor of low testosterone and should not replace tests for testosterone blood levels. The benefit of the above questionnaire is that it may encourage some men to seek medical advice.  Then they can get their testosterone checked and have a physical examination to help determine whether they are indeed hypogonadal.   Testosterone Deficiency Causes As previously stated, hypogonadism occurs when the testicles fail to produce normal levels of testosterone. One type of hypogonadism has low testosterone levels while high LH and FSH levels. In another case, there is insufficient LH and FSH secretion to signal the testicles to produce the required testosterone. Medication such as Megace (an appetite stimulant), Nizoral (an anti-fungal agent), Prednisone (an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid), and Tagamet (an antacid) can all reduce testosterone production. Illness and aging can reduce testosterone and/or increase sex hormone binding globulin levels (SHBG). Furthermore, High prolactin hormone levels may indicate a pituitary tumor causing a drop in testosterone production. To determine the type of hypogonadism you have, your doctor must measure hormones in the HPGA cascade. The most common type of hypogonadism is low testosterone with normal or elevated FSH and LH levels, indicating that your testicles are not responding to both LH and FSH signals. This is known as primary hypogonadism. There are several possible causes for low testosterone levels • The pituitary gland, which regulates testosterone production by secreting LH, is not secreting enough LH to stimulate testosterone production by the testicles. Total testosterone would be low in this case. • The hypothalamus isn't working properly. LH levels less than 2 ng/mL indicate a lesion in this region of the HPGA. • Despite adequate LH levels, the testicles have lost their ability to produce testosterone. Despite the low testosterone level, the LH level would be high (greater than 10 ng/mL). • Infections or disease. • Prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as street drugs (more on this later). • Foods (more on this later). . Obesity and poor sleep Environmental Factors • Mistake in the laboratory. . Biotin supplementation in high doses and using an ECLIA-based testosterone test (interference) • High prolactin levels may indicate the presence of a pituitary tumor, which impairs the production of hormones that tell your testicles to produce testosterone (rare condition, but worth noting!) • Gene defects that affect LH and FSH production.   Conclusion The hormone quiz is an invaluable tool for men to use when considering if they may have low testosterone levels. Taking the time to answer a few questions can provide insight into whether or not further testing and potential treatment are necessary. It's important that men take charge of their health, so don't wait any longer - get started on your hormone quiz today. Take control of your hormone health with DiscountedLabs.com! Our convenient online blood tests provide you with fast, accurate results without the need for a doctor's visit. References: [1] "By age 30 or 35, testosterone levels decrease by about 1% each year. This gradual drop is a normal part of aging. By age 80, half of all men have low testosterone, according to the Urology Care Foundation. But testosterone levels can fluctuate daily, and even change from hour to hour. They are highest in the morning, which is why doctors run ..." URL: https://share.upmc.com/2022/01/do-i-have-low-testosterone/ [2] "Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles. Testosterone affects your appearance and sexual development, stimulates sperm production and sex drive, and helps build muscle and..." URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/warning-signs [3] "The truth about testosterone quiz: Low testosterone and ageing in men Health A-Z Drugs Supplements Living Healthy Mens Health Quizzes Quiz: The truth about testosterone 1 / 17 If..." URL: https://www.webmd.com/men/rm-quiz-truth-testosterone [4] "Testosterone levels generally decrease with age, so older men tend to have low blood testosterone levels. Some men have low testosterone levels. This is called Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T). Deficiency means that the body does not have enough of a needed substance." URL: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone [5] "Our testosterone quiz can help determine if you have low testosterone and could benefit from treatment. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in many aspects of male health, including sex drive, muscle mass and strength, and bone density." URL: https://phoenixmenshealthcenter.com/testosterone-quiz/            

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and worldwide. It provides a safe, scientific treatment option for men who have low testosterone levels. In the US alone, almost 5 million men are hypogonadal (have low testosterone) and most males over 65 have testosterone levels below normal values. TRT doesn't only increase your testosterone levels, it can also provide other benefits, particularly to those who are obese and struggle with type 2 diabetes. Keep reading to discover a few studies that back up the idea that testosterone replacement therapy can improve your diabetes symptoms. Table of Contents Discovering the Effects of TRT on Men with Fatty Liver (NAFLD) Study 1 - TRT Improves NAFLD Grade in Obese Men Study 2 - Long Term TRT Improves Lipid Profile in Men Study 3 - Effects of TRT on Body Measurements Study 4 - TRT Effects on Diabetic Patients Expand Your TRT Knowledge References: Discovering the Effects of TRT on Men with Fatty Liver (NAFLD) Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver inflammation that could advance to life-threatening conditions if left untreated. This type of disease is caused by various factors and not by drinking too much alcohol. NAFLD is characterized by an accumulation of fat and toxins around the liver. This restricts blood circulation to this organ and prevents it from doing its job properly. NAFLD usually has little to no symptoms and could advance to liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. One of the main reasons people develop NAFLD is poor diet. Junk food in combination with a sedentary lifestyle could cause NAFLD in men of all ages. With that being said, studies have shown that long-term administration of exogenous testosterone could improve NAFLD and prevent it from advancing to more dangerous stages. Study 1 - TRT Improves NAFLD Grade in Obese Men For example, a study done on 55 obese men shows how beneficial TRT can be for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study was performed over 2 years. All 55 men had testosterone test to prove that they had functional hypogonadism and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The 55 patients were split into two groups. The first group of 28 men was given 1000mg of testosterone undecanoate every 3 months for two consecutive years. The second group contained 27 patients who received a placebo for the first year and 1000mg of testosterone undecanoate for the second year. This was a comprehensive study that looked at multiple parameters and important health signs. For example, both total and free testosterone levels were measured at the beginning and the end of the study. Other important measurements taken were fasting glucose, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, blood count, creatinine, electrolytes, liver enzymes, and more. After two years, the testosterone levels for all 55 men showed impressive changes. The administration of 1000mg of testosterone undecanoate normalized testosterone levels in both groups. Liver measurements also revealed that NAFLD grade was improved and patients no longer experienced significant symptoms associated with this type of liver infection. The improvements began immediately after starting TRT. Another impressive finding is that no side effects were observed as a result of administering TRT for 2 years. The patients didn't experience cardiovascular damage or prostate carcinoma. They report having more energy and self-confidence as a result of taking TRT. This study basically concludes that 1000mg of testosterone undecanoate might be enough to quell the symptoms of low testosterone in men. Additionally, it can reduce NAFLD grade and prevent major liver complications that could be life-threatening. Additionally, the medication adherence was 100% for all study participants. They received testosterone injections in a clinical setting and under medical supervision. Study 2 - Long Term TRT Improves Lipid Profile in Men Let's take a look at another study that reflects how beneficial TRT might be on overweight or obese men who struggle with low testosterone levels. A 12-year study analyzed the lipid profiles of 723 who were diagnosed with hypogonadism. These patients were either overweight or obese. Losing weight seems to be a problem especially in the United States. Carrying extra pounds of fat can lead to multiple life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, not to mention that it can augment some of the symptoms of hypogonadism. Luckily, some studies show that the administration of exogenous testosterone might be able to reduce the amount of fat hypogonadal men carry. This works best when coupled with healthy changes in diet and adhering to basic exercise regimens. In most cases, a short-term administration of testosterone usually lowers HDL levels. HDL is the "good cholesterol" while LDL is the "bad" one. However, more recent studies on long-term administration of testosterone undecanoate might have an inverse reaction. It can improve the lipid profile of patients and increase the levels of HDL. The group of 723 men who participated in this study was split into two categories. The first group contained 367 men and they received 1000mg of testosterone undecanoate for 12 weeks, followed by a pause of 6 weeks. This is the T group. The second group included 356 men and they received no exogenous testosterone. This is called the Control group. All lipid measurements were done before starting the administration of testosterone. For example, the measurements looked at a lipid panel including HDL, LDL, other cholesterol particles, triglycerides, waist circumference, etc. These patients were tested a few times per year and their lipid profile was recorded for comparison. These tests were done over 12 years. The results were clearly advantageous for the testosterone group. For example, HDL cholesterol increased significantly in the T group and decreased in the Control group. The LDL cholesterol decreased in the T group and increased in the Control group. Triglycerides were also measured and they increased in the Control group and significantly decreased in the T group. These results were seen consistently and the adherence to medication is 100%. All testosterone undecanoate injections were administered in a clinical setting under the strict supervision of a medical professional. In conclusion, long-term TRT can improve the lipid profile of overweight or obese men who also struggle with hypogonadism. It will also normalize testosterone levels and bring other benefits to a man's quality of life such as increased libido, more stamina, etc. Study 3 - Effects of TRT on Body Measurements Anthropometric parameters refer to measurements of the human body, particularly dimensions and shape. It's a science that looks at the particular measurements of an individual concerning other individuals in the same group. For example, it tackles waist size and circumference, length of feet, arms, height, weight, and more. This type of information is useful in various industries and fields. For example, experts in ergonomics and clothes designing need to know the general body measurements of individuals to create better and more efficient products and services. At the same time, anthropometric parameters need to be studied in relation to weight loss/gain as a result of following fitness programs or TRT protocols. This helps medical professionals come up with improvements and adjustments to help patients achieve their desired body shape, composition, and body mass index (BMI.) Multiple studies show that long-term administration of testosterone undecanoate can help improve anthropometric parameters in men with hypogonadism. For example, a 12-year study performed on hundreds of hypogonadal and obese men proves this fact. 476 men with low testosterone levels and obesity were selected for this long-term study. Their body measurements, dimensions, and shapes were recorded at the beginning of the study. This data was also updated with each visit for more than 12 years in a row. 281 men decided to receive 1000mg of testosterone undecanoate for 12 weeks, followed by a pause of 6 weeks. 195 men decided not to take exogenous testosterone and they were part of the control group. Some of the measurements recorded by medical experts were age, height, weight, waist circumference, BMI, fasting glucose, blood lipids, and more. A special emphasis was put on anthropometric measurements since this was the purpose of the study. The study results are impressive. Waist circumference decreased in the group who received testosterone undecanoate and increased in the control group. Weight decreased in the group who received exogenous testosterone and increased for patients who weren't on TRT. The BMI also decreased for the testosterone group and increased slightly for the control group. The waist-height ratio decreased for those who took testosterone and increased for the control group. Visceral adiposity is a parameter that measures the amount of visceral fat in a person. Visceral fat is a type of fat that envelops the organs. It's one of the most dangerous types of fats since it can promote the accumulation of toxins and reduce organ function. In the testosterone group, visceral adiposity decreased. It increased for the control group. In conclusion, the group who received testosterone undecanoate frequently experienced major improvements in anthropometric measurements. Apart from having higher testosterone levels after 12 years of TRT, they achieved better body composition and increased libido. It's important to note that medication adherence was also 100%. All testosterone injections were administered in a clinical setting, similar to the other studies mentioned in this article. Study 4 - TRT Effects on Diabetic Patients Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent and life-threatening disease. Almost 50% of hypogonadal men experience problems with processing sugar or are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This type of disease can be controlled with medicine, but it causes other health complications and decreases the quality of life. Luckily, multiple studies start to reveal the benefits of testosterone therapy for people with diabetes. Administering exogenous testosterone seems to improve the health of the patients, particularly their ability to process sugar. The positive results are best seen in long-term studies. For example, a 12-yearlong study performed on 865 men shows how a frequent administration of testosterone undecanoate can improve glycemic control, diabetes tests and the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. 361 of these men were previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 183 of them received a regular dose of 1000mg testosterone undecanoate for 12 weeks. 178 men decided not to take exogenous testosterone. All of the study participants had documented low levels of testosterone and many of them were also obese. Multiple parameters were measured for the study participants such as their glucose levels, waist circumference, blood pressure, and more. These measurements were done at the beginning of the study and on a regular basis for 12 years. The study findings are clearly advantageous for the group that received testosterone. For example, glycemic control improved significantly for those on TRT. This means that the participants received less and less insulin or anti-diabetes medications to stabilize their glucose levels. On the other hand, 22 patients from the control group started taking insulin during the 12 years. Fasting glucose and A1c also decreased in the testosterone group and increased for those who decided against TRT. Another important finding is that weight and waist circumference decreased for the testosterone group while increased for the control one. This is another proof that TRT can improve anthropometric measurements in hypogonadal and obese men who struggle with type 2 diabetes. Since all the testosterone injections were administered in a clinical setting, it's impossible to ignore the validity and impressive findings of this study. This prompts more health experts to look at the potential benefits of long-term testosterone for hypogonadal men. On top of that, the combination of lifestyle changes coupled with a frequent administration of testosterone undecanoate might be able to reduce the mortality rate in hypogonadal men. Some of these lifestyle changes involve physical exercises and a clean diet, free of junk and processed foods. Interestingly, pre-diabetics who follow a TRT protocol might also experience significant improvements in their blood glucose levels. This means that it might be possible to prevent diabetes altogether by administering the right amount of testosterone to individuals who need it. Expand Your TRT Knowledge Although there is much to be learned about testosterone and TRT in general, there is a significant body of evidence available online for those who want to learn more. For example, the Excelmale.com Forum contains hundreds of answers to questions about testosterone. This TRT forum is backed up by scientific studies and it can help you learn more about why some men have low testosterone levels and how they can mitigate this problem. You can get answers to your questions from experienced medical doctors, healthcare professionals, and TRT patients who have followed testosterone protocols for years.   References:   1- Endocrine Abstracts (2021) 73 PEP7.1 2- Endocrine Abstracts (2021) 73 AEP162 3- Endocrine Abstracts (2021) 73 AEP162 4- Endocrine Abstracts (2021) 73 OC2.3    

It has been estimated that approximately 1 in 4 adults have low total testosterone levels, especially those over 40. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for numerous body functions and processes. People with normal testosterone levels feel more confident, have more energy, increased libido and sex drive, and are more stable from an emotional point of view. On the other hand, low testosterone can cause mood swings, low libido, irritability, loss of muscle mass, lack of confidence, and poor mental clarity. One of the best ways to treat low testosterone symptoms is using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This is a tried and tested method of administering testosterone to patients using injections, creams, gels, patches, etc. However, many men with low testosterone levels are reluctant to go the TRT route. They usually try their luck with testosterone-boosting supplements, which claim to improve libido, and mood, increase energy levels and enhance the quality of life. But do these supplements work? Does science support their claims? This article is going to provide an answer to these questions, so keep reading. You’ll learn more about testosterone-boosting supplements, how they work, and whether they’re worth your money. Table of Contents Studies Done on 50 Testosterone Supplements Show Interesting Results Some of the claims by testosterone boosting supplements include: A Review of PubMed Literature on These 50 Testosterone Boosting Supplements Taking A Closer Look at the Claims Made by Testosterone Boosting Supplements Conclusions How Can You Test Your Testosterone Levels? References Studies Done on 50 Testosterone Supplements Show Interesting Results A study performed at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles reveals exciting details about testosterone supplementation. After a simple Google search, the researchers discovered 50 different testosterone-boosting supplements which make various claims and contain different types of ingredients. This study focused on literature published on PubMed regarding these supplements. It’s not a study involving actual people, control groups, etc. The purpose of the study was to determine if testosterone-boosting supplements’ claims are backed up by the academic literature. It has been discovered that nearly 50% of American adults take some form of supplement, including testosterone-boosting supplements. The reason why such supplements are taken is to help increase endogenous testosterone levels. In other words, American adults take supplements to help to boost their natural testosterone levels and reap all the benefits associated with it. Some of these supplements also contain popular herbs and plant extracts that claim to have anti-aging properties. Although testosterone-boosting supplements are popular, there’s little to no evidence to support their claims. These supplements are also loosely regulated by the FDA and other health organizations. For example, the FDA stated that supplements are not intended to treat or cure a disease, and they should not make claims such as “reduce pain” or “Improve libido.” With that being said, testosterone-boosting supplements are filled with such claims in an attempt to attract a broader audience. Some of the claims by testosterone boosting supplements include: 1.  Boost free testosterone 2.  Feel stronger 3.  Enhance sex drive and libido 4.  Increase muscle mass 5.  Help to burn fat more quickly The study has compiled a broad list of claims made by testosterone-boosting supplements on the market. A Review of PubMed Literature on These 50 Testosterone Boosting Supplements The 50 testosterone-boosting supplements found in this study have been closely evaluated. The researchers have discovered up to 109 different ingredients in their composition and analyzed them extensively. These ingredients have been analyzed and compared against the FDA’s Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) levels. At the same time, the ingredients have also been compared with the upper tolerable intake level (UL). This standard reveals how much of a particular substance or ingredient is safe for the human body. Each testosterone-boosting supplement contained an average of about 8-9 ingredients. Some of the most popular substances were zinc, vitamin B6, magnesium, boron, Maca Extract, and others. The PubMed literature contained no studies for approximately 67 of these ingredients out of the 109 studied. For the other ingredients, PubMed showed at least one or more studies analyzing their effect on testosterone levels and whether or not they had anti-aging properties. 27 of these ingredients showed that they could increase testosterone levels when supplementing regularly. Approximately 11 ingredients were decreasing testosterone levels. Twenty ingredients didn't do anything to improve testosterone levels and did not affect the human body. For the other 15 ingredients, there was no data on PubMed showing their effects on testosterone levels. Interestingly, some of the testosterone-boosting supplements analyzed contained zinc and vitamin B3 above the standard UL. This is not a good thing because over-supplementation with zinc can cause different types of health complications, such as an increase in bad cholesterol levels. Similarly, too much zinc in the body can interfere with the proper absorption and utilization of iron and copper, so patients must be careful when taking too much zinc. Taking A Closer Look at the Claims Made by Testosterone Boosting Supplements The 50 testosterone-boosting supplements analyzed revealed interesting claims which usually sound “too good to be true”. Most of these supplements mentioned that they could “boost free T levels” and “increase lean muscle mass.” However, as mentioned earlier, just 27 out of those 109 ingredients found in supplements might show an increase in testosterone levels. Some of them can decrease T levels, while most have no effect. From these facts, we can deduce that many of the claims made by manufacturers of testosterone-boosting supplements are invalid. Testosterone-boosting supplements usually attract men because they believe these products can magically improve their health and make them feel better. On the contrary, all reputable scientists and experts say there's no substitute for a healthy lifestyle consisting of regular exercise and a proper diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Therefore, when you see a testosterone-boosting supplement making claims such as “make you feel stronger” or “give you more energy,” you should take these statements with a gram of salt. Conclusions Although the study looked at the published academic literature without patient involvement, studies on the ingredients in testosterone-boosting supplements reveal that roughly 25% of them might have beneficial properties. Therefore, low testosterone levels shouldn’t be treated with testosterone-boosting supplementation. TRT is a safer and more efficient approach in this case. The patient should speak with his doctor and find out if he’s a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. How Can You Test Your Testosterone Levels? On top of that, people shouldn’t just take testosterone-boosting supplements because they think they have low T levels. If you do feel the classic symptoms of low T, such as excessive fatigue, poor performance at the gym, and decreased sex drive, then you should test your testosterone levels. The best way you can do that is by using a direct-to-consumer lab which can be ordered from DiscountedLabs.com. The total and free testosterone test based on liquid chromatography is ideal for most people, but if you want a more comprehensive test, you can check out this comprehensive total, free and biovailable testosterone test  ============== References 1. Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis disruptions in older men  2. Treatment of symptomatic androgen deficiency  3. Consumer usage and reasons for using dietary supplements   

Free Testosterone (FT) is the active form of testosterone (T) that can enter the cell. The main binding of Testosterone is to SHBG and albumin. There are different ways to determine FT. Some use free androgen index method, which is done by a calculation formula. Recently the LC/MS-MS (liquid chromatography / mass spectroscopy) has become the most widely and easy-to-use method. Free T is usually 2 percent or greater of total T.  Values under 2 percent are associated with higher SHBG or albumin. As shown in the figure above, about 2 percent of the testosterone in the body is active. This “free testosterone” is not attached to binding proteins that would prevent it from interacting with its receptor.About 40 percent of the body's testosterone is attached to albumin. This is a protein that can release the hormone as the need for it arises in the body. Free testosterone and testosterone attached to albumin are referred to as “bioavailable testosterone.”In a healthy young male, about 60 percent of his testosterone is attached to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Hormones bound to SHBG can't be used by the body and lose their anabolic effect. As males grow older or if an illness is present, SHBG sweeps up more and more testosterone, lowering free testosterone and its benefits.Total testosterone is the sum of bioavailable testosterone and testosterone bound to SHBG. Measuring the total testosterone in the blood may not provide the whole picture and let you know how much “active” or usable testosterone you have. Types of Testosterone Blood Tests- How to Choose the Best One?   A new study indicates that measuring free testosterone and total testosterone may provide a more accurate picture than measuring total testosterone levels alone when diagnosing a deficiency of this male hormone. There is concern that, under current clinical guidelines, some men are misdiagnosed with testosterone deficiency and receive inappropriate therapy. In contrast, others who should get treatment don't receive it, D.r Leen Antonio (University of Leuven, Belgium) explained when presenting her research here at the European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) 2015. "I think it would be preferable to use free testosterone rather than total testosterone to measure deficiency, especially in men with borderline total testosterone levels. Our results suggest that free testosterone is more informative than total testosterone," she told attendees. Currently, total-testosterone levels are used to measure testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. However, she explained that only free testosterone, unbound by sex-hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), can enter and activate androgen receptors in cells, resulting in testosterone-mediated effects. Source  

According to the National Institute of Health, gynecomastia can affect more than 50% of adolescent boys during puberty. At the same time, gynecomastia can also affect up to 65% of men between 27 and 92 years, depending on their lifestyle, habits, drug intake, and other factors. But what is gynecomastia and why so many men get it? Is it dangerous? And what can you do to treat it effectively and safely? Keep reading this article to find out everything you need to know about gynecomastia, its types, causes, and treatment options. Table of Contents What is Gynecomastia? What Kinds of Gynecomastia Are There? Physiological Gynecomastia Neonatal Gynecomastia Pubertal Gynecomastia Aging Gynecomastia What Hormone Inbalances Can Cause Gynecomastia? Pharmacological Gynecomastia Caused by Medications How to Treat Gynecomastia Gynecomastia FAQ What is Gynecomastia? In simplest terms, gynecomastia is commonly known as “man boobs.” It’s a health issue characterized by an increase of the breast tissue in adolescent boys as well as adult males. Although this type of condition doesn’t usually pose serious health risks, it can have profound psychological consequences. Men simply don’t like having breasts which look like those of women. The prevalence of gynecomastia in seniors over 50 years of age is approximately 70%. In rare cases, untreated gynecomastia can lead to different types of diseases, including breast cancer, so that’s why it’s essential to accurately diagnose and treat them. Gynecomastia can also be referred to as male breast enlargement, and it splits into three main categories - physiological, pathological, and pharmacological. Let’s take a closer look at each one.   What Kinds of Gynecomastia Are There? Physiological Gynecomastia This type of gynecomastia is usually caused by an imbalance in the testosterone and estrogen ratio in the body. As you probably know, these two are the essential sex hormones, and they need to be present in specific quantities in the bloodstream in both males and females. For example, men have 40 times more testosterone than females, but they also have small amounts of estrogen. This estrogen helps with libido, bone density, and other critical bodily functions. Women have higher quantities of estrogen, but small amounts of testosterone for libido, muscle mass, mood, etc. Men who have relatively more estrogen than necessary to balance testosterone tend to develop gynecomastia. This can be caused by various factors. Neonatal Gynecomastia It usually happens at birth when the ratio of estrogen to testosterone is imbalanced. It should resolve itself after a few weeks. Parents must seek a doctor's help if the gynecomastia persists after one year. Pubertal Gynecomastia This type of gynecomastia usually happens among teenagers who reach puberty. The balance of estrogen to testosterone goes out of whack, and the breasts of adolescent boys grow more than usual. The issue should get resolved automatically in less than two years. If it doesn’t more investigations are required to determine the cause of this type of gynecomastia. Aging Gynecomastia Adult males who get old will also experience mild gynecomastia, which is caused by advanced age. This process happens as a result of an increase in aromatase activity. In other words, the brain, fat tissue, liver and testicles convert a larger portion of testosterone into estrogen. The resulting higher estrogen to testosterone ratio causes aging gynecomastia.   What Hormone Inbalances Can Cause Gynecomastia?   This type of gynecomastia is usually caused by an increase in estrogen hormones, a decrease in androgen hormones or a combination of both. Here are a few hormone inbalances that can cause gynecomastia: 1. Androgen deficiency Gynecomastia can be caused by a testosterone deficiency in males of all ages. When testosterone levels drop, estrogens become more prevalent and might dictate a breast enlargement in men. In such cases, gynecomastia acts as a symptom of testosterone deficiency and it helps individuals become aware of this health issue. Testosterone deficiency is usually associated with a higher aromatization rate (which converts more testosterone to estrogen) and a decrease in the production of luteinizing hormone (LH). The Klinefelter Syndrome is usually associated with hypogonadism in those patients. Unfortunately, this health issue can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer; that’s why it’s crucial to test the testosterone levels as soon as possible if gynecomastia is observed in patients. Breast enlargement caused by androgen deficiency can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In these cases, testosterone is administered in an exogenous manner by using injections, creams, pills, gels, etc. 2. Hyperprolactinemia Hyperprolactinemia is a health condition in which a male has higher levels of the hormone prolactin in his bloodstream. Prolactin is a hormone present in all mammals which allows them to produce milk. Hyperprolactinemia might be caused by a type of growth on the pituitary gland, a condition known as a prolactinoma. This growth triggers an increase in the production of prolactin, which causes hyperprolactinemia. Certain medications can cause increased prolactin. One side effect of this condition is gynecomastia. 3. Estrogen Excess Different types of estrogens cause an increase in breast development in both males and females. However, males tend to have a much smaller amount of estrogen in their bodies, so the breast enlargement stops after a while. In some cases, an excessive amount of estrogen can be produced, which leads to gynecomastia. Tumors tend to cause excess estrogen production, which in turn leads to gynecomastia. The administration of exogenous estrogens can also trigger gynecomastia in males of all ages. Patients who develop tumors also experience other symptoms such as Cushing's syndrome, weight loss, and an accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. In some cases, gynecomastia can also be a symptom of more severe disease such as testicular cancer. People who have gynecomastia should also receive a thorough investigation of the testicles to see if more serious health issues are present. 4. Thyroid Problems The thyroid gland is a vital contributor to the healthy development of a male. Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to abnormal secretion of testosterone, decreasing the levels of this hormone in the bloodstream. As a result, estrogens become more prevalent, and they cause gynecomastia in most patients. If patients are assessed, and their gynecomastia is caused by thyroid issues, receiving thyroid treatment is the most appropriate solution. After the thyroid hormonal balance is restored, gynecomastia usually goes away on its own. 5. Obesity People who are obese usually have gynecomastia as well. This happens because the aromatization of testosterone into estrogen occurs in the adipose tissue. As a result, having more fat around the body allows more testosterone to be converted into estrogen, which results in breast enlargement. 6. Growth Hormone Excess Another cause of gynecomastia might be represented by an excessive amount of growth hormone and IGF-1 in the bloodstream. These hormones are responsible for growing muscle mass and bones. Studies show a correlation between gynecomastia in pubertal boys and a high amount of growth hormone and IGF-1 in the blood. Men using growth hormone or growth hormone releasing hormones should be aware of this issue. 7. Other Causes Gynecomastia might also be caused by different other health conditions. For example, chronic liver disease can significantly decrease testosterone production, which leads to breast enlargement and gynecomastia. Resuming a healthy diet after a long period of starvation can also cause gynecomastia. That's because, during periods of food scarcity, the production of testosterone is reduced. Testicular damage might also trigger enlargement of breasts in men.   Pharmacological Gynecomastia Caused by Medications   It has been discovered as a result of numerous studies that gynecomastia can also be caused by various drugs. For example, some medications can reduce testosterone production; others might cause an increase in estrogen hormones or disrupt the sensitivity of androgen receptors. Opioids can also cause gynecomastia. 1. Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) in Athletes It is a well-known fact that various performance-enhancing drugs are taken by athletes and non-athletes to increase their sports performance. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are usually used to increase muscle mass, reduce recovery time, and improve sports performance. One side effect of abusing such drugs is the development of gynecomastia since most anabolic steroids shut down the body’s own testosterone production, which increases the estrogen to testosterone ratio. Abusing PEDs cause breast enlargement in men because it increases the aromatization process. This converts more testosterone into estrogen and gynecomastia appears as a result.  After a prolonged period of abuse, other health complications can arise, such as erectile dysfunction and infertility. 2. Getting Exogenous Estrogen The estrogen hormone can be absorbed into the bloodstream in various ways and usually accidentally. For example, animals who are treated with estrogen-rich food or drugs are eaten by men who absorb some of these hormones. Similarly, some creams which are used to treat baldness can cause an increase in estrogen production, which leads to gynecomastia. Similarly, soy-based products tend to contain estrogens (known as phytoestrogens), which can get into the bloodstream. Lavender and tea tree oil also contain phytoestrogens and are commonly found in food and cosmetics. 3. Using Recreational Drugs Different types of drugs, such as marijuana can also cause gynecomastia if abused. The experts are not yet aware of why this process happens, but there is a health condition known as marijuana-induced gynecomastia. It is believed that this drug can reduce the production of testicular testosterone, which leads to hypogonadism and gynecomastia.   How to Treat Gynecomastia As you probably have figured it out, there's no one-size-fits-all treatment for gynecomastia in men. This condition can be a problem by itself, or it can be a symptom of a more severe health issue which needs to be investigated immediately. As a general rule of thumb, gynecomastia can be caused by an increased aromatization of testosterone to estrogen, increased IGF-1, decrease thyroid function with or without a decrease in testosterone production. These two conditions can be triggered by drug abuse, organ damage, genetics, or other factors. Once the first physical symptoms are observed, the patient needs to visit his healthcare provider immediately to do more investigations. Gynecomastia is characterized by an increase of the hard to the touch breast tissue, especially under the nipple area. Therefore, it shouldn’t be confused with fat mass. The doctor can perform various investigations such as doing a blood test for testosterone and/or for estrogen levels. Depending on these results, the doctor might recommend other tests to discover why the testosterone to estrogen ratios are unbalanced. If testosterone blood levels are low, doctors prescribe testosterone replacement therapy.  If estrogen is high while testosterone is normal, doctors usually prescribe tamoxifen.  However, certain more advanced gynecomastia cases require surgery to extract breast gland tissue. In some cases, gynecomastia is caused by other underlying issues. For example, if it's caused by thyroid problems, the thyroid gland must be treated with appropriate medication. If gynecomastia is caused by liver damage, addressing the liver might help to fix gynecomastia for good. Those who are obese should consider losing weight to alleviate their gynecomastia symptoms. Entering a weight loss program and eating healthier foods can facilitate the process of losing weight.   Gynecomastia FAQ Here are a few answers to some of the questions you might have about gynecomastia. 1. Is Gynecomastia Painful? Some patients might experience mild pain in their chest area as well as tenderness, especially when gynecomastia gets into an advanced state. However, the pain is not sharp or intense, and it usually goes away once proper treatment for gynecomastia is administered. 2. Does the Breast Tissue Subside Once Gynecomastia Is Treated? One of the main concerns of patients with gynecomastia is whether the breast tissue will continue to "hang" after the condition is treated. Unfortunately, the tissue will not subside on its own in most cases, but there are solutions to this problem. Once the underlying cause of gynecomastia is treated, patients can perform small surgeries to remove the excess breast tissue and achieve a more "manly" chest. 3. Does Scarring Occur After Removing the Breast Tissue? Luckily, the scarring is minimal around the nipple area and almost invisible. Patients can go to the beach and not worry that someone will see that they had gynecomastia surgery because the scarring is virtually non-existent. 4. Are There Any Other Drugs or Substances Which Cause Gynecomastia? Certain drugs or substances might cause gynecomastia such as marijuana, steroids, or other performance-enhancing drugs. However, men might develop breast tissue enlargement as a result of consuming high amounts of alcohol too. Alcohol can damage the liver, which in turn decreases the production of testosterone. At the same time, certain drugs such as spironolactone, ketoconazole, and others can also trigger the development of gynecomastia. Cimetidine, which is a drug used to treat ulcer, is also associated with this type of health issue. Conclusions Treating gynecomastia can be done with relative ease these days, as long as you are aware of its existence. For a complete and thorough test which helps you diagnose this condition quickly, check out the Gynecomastia Test Panel. This lab test panel provided by Discounted Labs can be done using a blood sample, and you get the results in just a few business days. The results can help your doctor decide what therapies are best for you to eliminate your gynecomastia.   Reference: Sansone A, et al. Gynecomastia and hormones. Endocrine. DOI 10.1007/s12020-016-0975-9

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has changed the lives of many men around the world.  Like any therapy, it can have great benefits if properly managed but negative side effects if not monitored.  This article will briefly and simply review the different TRT tests that most physicians use to monitor your progress while minimizing potential side effects.   Table of Contents How to Know if You Need TRT Follow Up Lab Tests After Starting TRT Avoiding or Lowering High Hematocrit on TRT Avoiding Low Ferritin and Iron Monitoring the PSA Test on Testosterone Monitoring Estradiol Test on Testosterone Avoiding High Blood Pressure and Water Retention on TRT Monitoring Kidney Function Avoiding High Liver Enzymes Monitoring Thyroid Tests Maintaining Good HDL Levels on TRT Prolactin in Men with Low Testosterone: The Forgotten Hormone Where to Buy Your Own TRT Tests: How to Know if You Need TRT The first thing doctors actually measure before you get on testosterone replacement is your total and free testosterone blood levels to find out if you have low testosterone. They will also ask you a few questions to see if you have low testosterone or hypogonadal symptoms. They include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, low mood, and issues with cognitive capacity and function. So, testosterone replacement therapy includes anything to increase testosterone levels with either injections or creams, gels, pellets, oral, nasal, and other TRT options. Follow Up Lab Tests After Starting TRT Once you get on testosterone replacement, your doctor will have you come back either at week six or eight to run another blood test to see if your dosage needs to be adjusted and/or you may require other medications to monitor or to modulate or change levels like estradiol, hematocrit, etc. The first one obviously is testosterone total and free. You come back at week six or eight, and your total testosterone is not over 500 nanograms per deciliter, your doctor will probably choose to increase your dosage or your frequency of injections in the case of injections. Free testosterone is usually around 2% of total or higher. If you have lower than 2%, your doctor will probably focus on any issues related to high sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which is a protein that binds to testosterone and does not free it up for action. Avoiding or Lowering High Hematocrit on TRT Hematocrit is the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Testosterone tends to increase red blood cells.  Some men don't have that issue, but most men at least have a two to a three-point increase in hematocrit after starting TRT. Hematocrit increases a lot more in men on TRT who have sleep apnea and in smokers since these two can cause oxygen starvation.  High hematocrit can increase the viscosity of the blood and may cause cardiovascular issues. So, the magic number to go for is a hematocrit of 53 or below. When you're getting close to 53, you have to basically donate blood or go for what we call a therapeutic phlebotomy to bring down the red blood cell amount in the blood. And that's very important because as hematocrit goes up, your blood becomes more and more viscous, and your cardiovascular system gets compromised.  It's also very important not to let it go too high because above 52, most blood centers would not accept you as a donor, so you would have to require a special prescription for a therapeutic phlebotomy from your doctor for the blood centers to take your blood and dispose of it later. Keep in mind that donating more frequently than every three months may decrease your ferritin and iron stores considerably, which can cause fatigue and other issues. Here are some hematocrit lab panels, or you can buy them as part of the CBC panel. Avoiding Low Ferritin and Iron When your hematocrit is over 53, and you donate blood frequently than every three months, you can deplete your iron stores which makes you tired, depressed, and with no libido. Blood donations should not be happening that frequently because you'll lose iron. Some doctors will test your iron and your ferritin, and if you have low levels, they will put you on an iron supplement. Discounted Labs sells a blood donation panel that is designed to inform you if you can safely donate blood. Monitoring the PSA Test on Testosterone High PSA, prostate-specific antigen, is the only contraindication for testosterone replacement therapy if it is 4 or above. Obviously, physicians get very concerned that a man with higher PSA may have prostatic cancer, although it could be caused by an infection of your prostate (prostatitis) that could be easily treatable with an antibiotic. So, all high PSA tests do not mean you have cancer, but it could mean that you could have a treatable prostatic infection.  Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and retest your PSA after your antibiotic cycle is finished.  He or she may need to refer you to a urologist if your high PSA test does not come down.  But if you do have a PSA of four or higher, you are not going to be allowed to use testosterone replacement unless your doctor can actually prove that it's an infection that will eventually be treated so that your PSA can come down. Monitoring Estradiol Test on Testosterone Estradiol (E2) is a very important hormone for men. We need it because estradiol is actually linked to bone health, cognitive functioning, cardiovascular health, even sex drive, and decreased fat mass. Having very low estradiol of under 20 pg/mL is actually not good for you since it can decrease bone density and cause other issues. Having very high estradiol in relation to your testosterone blood level may also have some consequences.  Several studies have different opinions and conclusions on what high estradiol means. About 0.3 to 0.4% of testosterone gets converted into estradiol by the aromatase enzyme. So obviously, the body increases the amount of estradiol as your testosterone goes up. There's nothing wrong with that. Estradiol balances testosterone to keep a better lipid (cholesterol) profile and to keep healthy sperm counts, just to name a few benefits. But what level of estradiol in men is too high? For example, if you have a testosterone level after you start TRT of 700 nanograms per deciliter, obviously, your estradiol is going to be higher than when before you started TRT. Is that cause for concern? Most men on testosterone replacement therapy do not need to take medications to lower estradiol. Estrogen blocker medications like anastrozole (Arimidex) are being overprescribed by many TRT clinics.  Men with a history of gynecomastia or breast enlargement may have issues with gynecomastia again if your estradiol's over 50 pg/ml, but in most studies where men with gynecomastia were followed, a lot of those men had low testosterone while they had high estradiol. A large study in adolescent boys showed that most of the ones with gynecomastia also had high IGF-1.  Some studies have shown that the ratio of testosterone to estradiol is really the important factor to monitor, with ratios over 12 being needed for healthy sperm production in men. But the management of estradiol in men is a very controversial topic as there is not a lot of agreement in the field.  Some doctors insist on keeping an E2 level of 20 to 40 picograms per milliliter no matter how high testosterone levels reach. We have learned in the past three years that the old immunoassay-based estradiol test tends to overestimate estradiol in men. Two studies have shown that the real estradiol value is better tested with a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry sensitive estradiol assay. So, make sure that if your doctor is going to check your estradiol, you're using the right LC/MS E2 test. Discounted Labs offers several lab panels that contain sensitive estradiol.  Another concern of high estradiol is that some men feel that water retention is an issue, although that has not been proven by any studies. Most men with TRT-related water retention assume that their estradiol is high but fail to get it tested. Avoiding High Blood Pressure and Water Retention on TRT Some men on testosterone replacement therapy tend to have increased blood pressure related to water retention. There are some central nervous system effects that increase blood pressure and heart rate. These men can gain considerable weight during the first weeks of TRT.  Most lose most of that weight after a few weeks of therapy.  Some studies have shown that testosterone may decrease sodium excretion by the kidneys, which makes the body retain water to keep that sodium diluted. Ways to improve blood pressure are to lose weight, take a blood pressure medication, exercise, and decrease excessive sodium intake. Many men assume that their estradiol is high when they experience water retention. That assumption has not proven to be correct. Monitoring Kidney Function The estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, is a way to measure your kidney function. It's part of what we call a CMP blood test panel, and we are aiming at an eGFR over 60. Anything below that is indicative of a slowdown in the way your kidneys are filtrating toxins from your body. TRT does not really cause a decrease in eGFR. However, a lot of men taking creatine, exercising heavily, or eating very high protein intake tend to probably have artificial increases in creatine that decrease eGFR. You can Google eGFR formula and see how that's calculated. Avoiding High Liver Enzymes Current testosterone replacement therapy options have not been shown to increase liver enzymes; only the old oral forms of TRT used to cause that problem. However, doctors obviously follow it up. A very important distinction to make is that men that are exercising heavily with weights at the gym may artificially  increase in AST and ALT that has nothing to do with toxicity to the liver. Monitoring Thyroid Tests TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone, is also something else that most doctors follow up, although some actually do not. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism or high TSH) may have the same symptoms as low testosterone. TRT medical guidelines groups around the world recommend different schedules for monitoring men on TRT, and a few of them agree with each other. Rarely do any guidelines mention thyroid function monitoring in men on TRT. TSH levels above 2.5 may indicate that you have hypothyroidism. If you have high TSH, doctors usually tend to use a comprehensive thyroid panel that includes free T3 and free T4, along with antibodies, to see if you have an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto's that may be inducing hypothyroidism. Maintaining Good HDL Levels on TRT High-density lipoprotein or HDL is another one of the variables most affected by testosterone replacement, especially at higher doses. When I say higher doses, anybody using 200 milligrams of testosterone replacement per week — cypionate or enanthate — tend to have a lowering of HDL. Low HDL has been shown to cause cardiovascular issues, so your doctor will always follow your lipids. Testosterone replacement has not really been shown to increase LDL, and there are some studies that show that TRT improves triglyceride blood levels because testosterone tends to improve the way the body metabolizes carbohydrates. There's very little we can do to increase HDL besides aerobic exercise, losing weight, decreasing TRT dose, and taking a supplement. Niacin supplementation is one of the ways to increase HDL, but some people get flushing of the skin and face. Last but not least, the use of anastrozole, an estradiol blocker, can also decrease HDL since estradiol is known to protect HDL levels. Prolactin in Men with Low Testosterone: The Forgotten Hormone Prolactin is not a hormone that is usually measured at TRT baseline or even at follow-up unless you have severe erectile dysfunction, even with good levels of testosterone. Men that have low testosterone at baseline, and I mean low testosterone, very low — under 150 nanograms per deciliter — are probably the best candidates to get a prolactin test. It is a hormone that women and men produce – obviously, women that are lactating produce it at higher concentrations in their bodies because it helps lactation. It also has some other benefits; otherwise, men would not have it. Prolactin has some immune-enhancing benefits and some cardiovascular benefits that are starting to show up in studies. So, prolactin is not an evil hormone, but it can, at higher concentrations, cause erectile dysfunction. The reason for high prolactin could be a benign tumor called pituitary adenoma (diagnosed by MRI), which can be producing a lot of pituitary output for prolactin, and that could actually impair your testosterone replacement therapy benefits. So, it's a hormone that is hardly looked at unless you are a man that has very low testosterone blood levels at baseline or do not respond well (unresponsive erectile dysfunction) after eight weeks or ten weeks of testosterone replacement therapy and/or you are having high prolactin symptoms, like lactation. That's actually a very rare symptom that actually occurs in men with pituitary adenomas. Where to Buy Your Own TRT Tests: DiscountedLabs.com provides very low-cost blood testing in most US states. You don't need to see a doctor because the company has in-house physicians that provide a prescription. After ordering your lab test online, you receive an email with the lab request form that you take to the closest lab near you. Once you go to a lab and get your blood drawn, you receive an email with your results within five to seven business days, depending on the blood test. For more information, visit DiscountedLabs.com   Visit ExcelMale.com to download Nelson's latest book: Beyond Testosterone   Click here for TRT Resources

Testosterone supplements are all the rage, and it seems like every fifth commercial stars Frank Thomas telling everyday Joes like us (or even Doug Flutie) how their lives (sex lives, too, guys) can be greatly enhanced by using their product. But is that truthful? We all assume that testosterone supplement marketing claims exaggerate the facts. But do we expect downright lies and deception? What you don’t know can hurt you. Read this article and step out of the shadows and into the light. We understand what you’re going through. Testosterone levels decline with age, making you look and feel ways you never expected when you were younger. I know how it feels to be grasping at straws, and I understand the desire to believe in magic bullets and fairy tales. But what you need to know about testosterone boosters is that beyond the hype and the slick marketing campaigns tugging at your wallets, there’s little proof that they work.   Table of Contents Amazon Unwittingly Contributes to Testosterone Boosting Supplement Scam 10 Most Common Ingredients in Testosterone Boosters Misleading Labels don’t Mislead. They Outright Deceive According to a recent analysis of popular online testosterone boosting supplements, the evidence of any positive impact on testosterone levels is sorely lacking.[1] The study looked at five popular testosterone boosters:   Prime Labs Manufactured by Prime Labs Alpha Boost Manufactured by Invictus Labs Extra Strength Manufactured by Dr. Martin’s Nutrition Iron Brothers Manufactured by Iron Brothers Supplements Pro-T Manufactured by Prometheus Wellness LLC   Researchers chose these five testosterone boosting products because they represent the top five testosterone booster supplements based on cost, ingredient profile, and Amazon reviews. In other words, these are the best of the bunch and are likely products you’re familiar with. Amazon Unwittingly Contributes to Testosterone Supplement Scam Let’s first look at exactly how these five products were chosen. Researchers searched the Amazon marketplace database using keywords “testosterone” + “booster” with default search settings and ranking items based on relevance. According to the study, “The top 5 T-Boosters identified on July 22, 2018, were reviewed based on price, ratings, reviews, manufacturer details, and ingredients. Consumer reviews were categorized using core themes in the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire as a proxy to understand T-Booster efficacy and reanalyzed following filtration of untrustworthy comments using ReviewMeta.com, a proprietary Amazon customer review analysis software.” Why is that last part important? As some of you probably know, merchants have wised up to the fact that the way to win on Amazon, regardless of the product being sold, is to “get” great reviews from “customers.” The problem is that merchants have also realized that these great reviews can come from the companies themselves in a scam known as “brushing.” In a nutshell, brushing is when companies send out products to people who didn’t order them and then write reviews themselves using the unsuspecting consumers’ names. How much is a great review worth on Amazon? A heck of a lot more than the free products these scam companies are sending out, which is why those conducting this analysis sought to exclude those types of reviews. What percentage of reviews were determined to be scam reviews? A little more than 66 percent. This means if you’re one of the men who decided to purchase a testosterone booster based on customer reviews, you were more likely to be reading fiction rather than facts. The average review score for these five testosterone supplements was 4.56 out of 5. However, after filtering the reviews through ReviewMeta.com, here is the impact:   91 percent decrease in users reporting an increase in libido 59 percent decrease in reports of increased energy 93 percent decrease in reports of improved strength/endurance 60 percent decrease in reports of improved erections 67 percent decrease in reports of improved sleep 89 percent decrease in reports of improved sports ability   10 Most Common Ingredients in Testosterone Supplements   The 10 most common ingredients in the five testosterone boosters studied were:   Tongkat Ali Extract Horny Goat Weed Saw Palmetto Extract Boron Nettle Extract Maca Root Powder Ashwagandha Root Extract Fenugreek Bioperine DIIM (Diindolylmethane)   It should be mentioned that some of these herbs have real health benefits, but as the authors of this analysis discovered in their research, raising testosterone levels likely isn’t one of them. Of these 10 most common ingredients, there were a total of 191 studies conducted. However, after further review, researchers found that only 19 percent involved human subjects. Among those 37 studies that did use human subjects: 30 percent showed an increase in testosterone levels 3 percent showed a decrease 46 percent showed no effect 22 percent were indeterminate   Of the five popular testosterone boosters studied, three do not include the amount of each ingredient on their labeling and four of the five had the exact same ingredients in the exact same quantities. And all five refer to being produced in an “FDA registered facility,” which is half a world away from being “FDA approved.” The takeaway – marketing matters, also known as duping an unsuspecting population of men desperately searching for solutions to their low testosterone levels. Researchers of this study came to a similar conclusion, citing that their findings “raise questions as to the authenticity of both on-bottle marketing as well as reviews touting the benefits of these products,” and offers this bit of advice for men seeking therapeutics to raise their testosterone levels: “In the absence of additional human studies, patients should be cautioned before considering T-Boosters, given the availability of highly effective Food and Drug Administration approved therapies.” Another recent study looking at misleading labeling claims by supplement manufacturers found that “One such product, a purported testosterone booster, potentially mislead consumers by misusing and exaggerating scientific information.”[2] Regarding the testosterone booster in question, the report’s author sent an email to the manufacturer requesting information that would back up their marketing claims. However, what he received back from the company did not support those advertising claims in any way, shape, or form. The company specifically sent back three scientific articles and an Evidence and Safety Summary Report. The key ingredient in question, and the one reportedly most responsible for increasing testosterone levels, is D-aspartic acid. The first study the company sent back was on rats, not humans, and therefore dismissed. The second was a summary of D-aspartic acid’s role on the nervous and endocrine systems of mammals (not necessarily humans) but never looked at whether testosterone levels were increased. The third scientific article the company sent back, according to the study’s author, was the “only bona fide attempt at providing evidence for this product’s efficacy claims” and reports on the role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. The fourth document – the Evidence and Safety Summary Report – was simply a summary of the three previously mentioned studies plus eight additional studies, which also did “not provide any information to support the product’s testosterone boosting claims.” After scouring medical journals using the terms “D-aspartic acid” + “testosterone,” here is what the author of the study found:   There is no research on the effects of D-aspartic acid on human testosterone There is no evidence that supports the manufacturer’s claims that D-aspartic acid can boost testosterone levels There is evidence that people use it for the absorption of supplements and athletic performance.   Evidence that people use it for the absorption of supplements and athletic performance. No evidence that it has any effect on both.   Misleading Testosterone Supplement Labels don’t Mislead. They Outright Deceive   The study’s author writes that according to the marketing and manufacturer’s label, this “product can increase, support, stimulate, amplify, and boost testosterone levels. Additional claims are that the product has been clinically researched and that its results are clinically proven.”   Now, does that sound like misleading consumers or pure fiction compared to what the researcher found for the T-booster’s key active ingredient – D-aspartic acid?   The study’s author cites a few critical reasons why the product manufacturer’s claims are misleading:   Misuse of scientific information – one study involved men with the lowest testosterone levels (far below average) that were increased slightly but not enough to have a discernible effect.   One study cited used a different product, not the manufacturer’s testosterone booster, which had different ingredients.   One study contradicted several other studies on D-aspartic acid, all of which showed inconclusive results on its ability to increase testosterone.   Misuse of the product label’s bar graph – the graph shows only the upper half of the results, which essentially exaggerates the difference between the experimental and placebo groups.   The study’s author also notes that “The advertiser did not mention the decline in the participant’s total testosterone three days after the suspension of D-aspartic acid.” The study’s conclusions are cautionary at best when it comes to advertising claims like ‘100% clinically validated’ and ‘clinically researched’, as “the consumer could infer that the product has been subjected to relevant, unbiased and independent clinical trials, that it is safe and effective, and that there is sufficient scientific evidence to support these claims.” But as we’ve learned here today, you can’t believe everything you hear and read, especially when someone is trying to sell you something. Are the days of snake oil salesmen a thing of the past, or has the game and deception just evolved? The only way to truly know if a testosterone boosting therapy works is to get a blood test, both before and after. This is the first step. Otherwise, you’re just guessing about the efficacy while simultaneously flushing money down the toilet if a therapy isn’t working. Discounted Labs has the most trusted information on the best testosterone tests available today. Don’t waste another precious day living with low testosterone levels. Get tested today and begin your journey to living more fully and with more energy, vigor, and of course, more lead in your pencil.   REFERENCES   Testosterone Imposters: An Analysis of Popular Online Testosterone Boosting Supplements, Alexander W. Pastuszak, MD, Ph.D., 2020 Feb 1, PMID: 30770069 Testosterone Boosters: A Report of a Supplement’s Misleading Labelling Claims, RW de Lange, Ph.D., 2020, DOI: 10.17159/2078-516X/2020/v32i1a7426