Author’s Note: I wrote this article on my other blog in June. I am re-posting it here because I will close down that blog and continue to write on this one. I feel this article is important enough to keep “alive”, if you will.
It has been well known for some time now that testosterone levels decrease as men age. The overall results of the loss of testosterone is a decrease in energy levels, muscle mass, and a loss of libido. In essence, feeling “old”.
For the longest time, this was just accepted as a fact of life, and that there is nothing one can do about it. However, in the last few years, hormone replacement therapy became very popular as an attempt to keep testosterone levels up to youthful levels in middle aged men.
In my opinion, the verdict is still out as to whether it works very well or not, but more importantly, what are the potential side effects? There is no drug that I know of that does not have side effects. More often than not, the side effects are worse than the original problem that the drug is supposed to cure. Could it be the same thing with Testosterone replacement therapy?
It looks like there is. Blood clots are becoming more prevalent from testosterone replacement therapy. WebMD explains:
In its statement Friday, the FDA said that after receiving reports of blood clots in the veins unrelated to polycythemia in patients taking testosterone products, it has now decided to require a more general warning on venous blood clots on the labeling.
The article goes on to explain that there is a rising concern among doctors about the potential increase in two particular types of blood clots: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which is where a blood clot travels to the lungs. Pulmonary embolism can be life threatening.
We live in a society that still thinks that most any health related issue can be treated with a pill. Slowing down the aging process is yet another one.
I do think testosterone replacement therapy can be a useful tool, but I think it is over prescribed. Personally, I believe that the aging process can be slowed down significantly with proper nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction techniques. This can all be done without exposure to some bad side effects.
I have dedicated my life, literally and personally, to slowing down the aging process naturally. I believe I have been very successful, for I am close to turning 51 (August 2014), and I am very lean and muscular. I have good energy levels, and my libido is just as high as when I was younger.
Here, in brevity, is what I found to work:
- Intense strength training. I am not talking about the typical “3 sets of ten”, pyramiding, or other split routines that most lifters use. I am talking about 20 to 25 minutes of very hard work. I do this two times a week. The “fight or flight” response needs to be triggered on an infrequent basis to rejuvenate the body
- Low carb eating. The Paleo diet plan is in vogue now, but Atkins understood the value behind low carb eating for years. Research is showing that refraining from carbs, coupled with intermittent fasting, shifts the gene expression of your body. It is easier to build and maintain muscle, keep testosterone and growth hormone production high (this is due to low insulin production…it seems that insulin production suppresses testosterone production), and steady energy levels are achieved eating this way.
- Stress reduction techniques. We all have a stressful life. If we don’t manage it, we release chronic levels of cortisol. This leads to fatigue and burnout. Moreover, this will also reduce testosterone production. I often times use meditation to counter the stresses of life. I usually do it right after a workout , and I will do it at least 3 or 4 times a week.
That is a simplified overview of what I do, but it works.
Regards,
Gregg Hoffman
Get a tailored Hystrength exercise program to help keep your “T” levels high. Click on the image to learn more.
Source: Testosterone Products Must Warn About Clot Risk. WebMD.
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