signs of hormone imbalance should con- sider natural supplementation, even when total testosterone is normal. It’s best to test before starting a rebalancing program and to retest after a few months. Establishing a record over time allows a man to monitor and adjust progress.
Hormone Help Starts Here
Taking supportive steps in nutrition and lifestyle choices can make a big differ- ence.
Diet. Proper nutrition, embrac-
ing a full complement of vitamins and minerals, is essential. Eliminate red meat, cheese, fast food and processed snack foods, which can increase estro- gen levels. Herbal supplements such as Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris), or puncture vine; ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Korean red ginseng (Panex ginseng) and maca (Lep- idium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum) can help by increasing testosterone levels, sexual libido or erectile function. Some influence testosterone levels di- rectly; others help enhance function by indirectly providing nutrients to improve circulation and general sexual health. Weight control. Excess fat, par-
ticularly around the abdomen, stores and produces estrogen. Reducing fat tissue can help both lower estrogen and enhance testosterone. Environmental exposure. Endocrine
disruptors, called xenoestrogens, from everyday exposure to toxic estrogenic industrial chemicals, can mimic the ef- fects of estrogen in a man’s body. These routinely appear in petrochemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dairy prod- ucts, meats, canned foods, personal care products and plastics. Bisphenol-A (BPA) in the lining of metal food cans is par- ticularly dangerous. Avoid microwaving foods in plastic containers, even when they are labeled as microwave-safe. Research medications. Dr. Eugene
R. Shippen, co-author of The Testosterone Syndrome, states, “High-dose statin drugs used to lower cholesterol definitely lower testosterone levels and are high on the list of causes of erectile dysfunction.” Exercise. Physically inactive people
lose up to 5 percent of their total muscle mass per decade. Exercise helps to lower estrogen levels and enhance tes- tosterone levels.
To find a local compounding pharmacy for natural bio- identical testosterone skin cream, as prescribed by a medical practitioner, visit
iacprx.org.
Testosterone Supplements Past incorrect beliefs that testosterone replacement therapy causes prostate cancer left many medical practitio- ners reluctant to prescribe it. The latest scientific research shows that a healthy man does not increase the risk by rais- ing his testosterone level to the normal biological range for his age. Renowned medical oncologist and prostate cancer researcher and survivor, Dr. Charles “Snuffy” Myers, has stated, “There is ab- solutely no hint that testosterone at high levels correlates with prostate cancer.” He founded the American Institute for Diseases of the Prostate, near Charlot- tesville, Virginia. Natural bioidentical testosterone
cream labeled USP, for United States Pharmacopeia standard, is available at compounding pharmacies. Bioidentical means that a substance has the same chemical form as that produced by the human body. Other forms of testosterone
therapy, including biweekly injections, skin patches and pills, typically employ
synthetic chemicals that are similar, but not identical, to natural testosterone. Thus, such products are not completely recognizable by the body. About 15 years ago, bestselling author and hor- mone balancing expert Dr. John R. Lee published his startling conclusion that synthetic hormones can cause serious side effects, including an increased risk of stroke, cancer and liver damage. His findings were subsequently confirmed by the Women’s Health Initiative study. Injections, skin patches and pills sub- ject the body to unnatural fluctuations in testosterone and estrogen. In con- trast, skin creams permit precise daily or periodic dosing as prescribed by a qualified health care practitioner. As they age, some men strongly
feel the effects of a cumulative decline in testosterone levels and experience significant symptoms, while others barely notice it. Restoring testosterone to its biological norm can be rewarding. Remember that hormones are powerful and a little can go a long way. Beyond a prescribed amount, more is not better and can reverse benefits.
James Occhiogrosso, a natural health practitioner and master herbalist, spe- cializes in salivary hormone testing and natural hormone balancing for men and women. For a phone consultation, call 239-498-1547, email DrJim@
HealthNaturallyToday.com or visit
HealthNaturallyToday.com.
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natural awakenings June 2012 25
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