The Men’s Testosterone Controversy | Santan Natural Medicine

Testosterone has been the subject of controversy since the 1960s, when it gained popularity among the athletes as a performance enhancer. The abuse of testosterone by athletes escalated testosterone into a federally controlled substance. Many men who are thinking about testosterone replacement express great concern about using a hormone that has received so much negative press.

Much of the fear that has been generated about testosterone is based on the side effects experienced by body builders and athletes…that is, the population of men who overuse and abuse testosterone. It is important to understand that every hormone in the body is essential to maintaining health and balance, however, when in too high amounts, any hormone can have detrimental effects.

When discussing testosterone replacement with men, I am frequently asked…what about the risk of conditions like prostate cancer or liver disease? Again, be aware that these risks are observed in men who are taking large amounts of testosterone, well above the recommended therapeutic doses.

Testosterone is an anabolic steroid, meaning it encourages the growth of tissues like muscles, bones, blood and nerves. When testosterone is being overdosed, it can stimulate overgrowth of these tissues, which can lead to diseases of the heart, blood, liver, and various other tissues. Additionally, the body may tend to eliminate excessive amounts by converting it to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and estrogen…two hormones that can cause prostate disease, among other conditions in men.

In the right therapeutic amount, however, testosterone stimulates regeneration of the tissues of the body keeping us young and vibrant, which makes testosterone a wonderful addition to an anti-aging protocol. In fact, testosterone has been shown to prevent and even treat many cases of prostate disease. It strengthens the heart muscle, tonifies the blood, and reduces the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

When men express concern about starting testosterone therapy, I try to point out that testosterone levels are highest in males in their late teens and early twenties. If it were indeed a hormone that was dangerous to the prostate and heart, prostate and heart disease would be more prevalent in men in this age bracket. In fact, just the opposite is true. Prostate and heart disease is least prevalent in men in their late teens and early twenties. Testosterone therapy is a safe, and frequently necessary therapy, in the prevention of many diseases, so long as it is monitored with regular blood tests.

MYTH	TRUTH
Testosterone therapy causes prostate disease	More recent data shows *prostate disease is the result of low testosterone* & high estrogen. Healthy testosterone levels actually improve the health of the prostate gland.
Testosterone therapy causes liver disease	The liver is the main organ that eliminates hormones from the body. *Most any of the sex hormones can place stress on the liver if present in excess amounts.* This is why it is crucial to monitor testosterone therapy with regular blood tests.
Testosterone therapy causes unhealthy thickening of the blood	Testosterone *increases the number of red blood cells in the blood improving stamina and endurance.* Testosterone only causes unhealthy thickening of the blood if used in excess – frequently seen in bodybuilders using high amounts of testosterone.
Testosterone therapy causes testicular shrinkage	Bodybuilders and athletes who use testosterone for athletic enhancement typically take between 2 ½ to 5 times the recommended dose. This high dose of testosterone can cause the testicles (the organs that produce testosterone) to atrophy.