Testosterone and the Decline of Modern Male Health

Testosterone plays a key role in health and well-being as well as in sexual functioning. Not only is testosterone responsible for the sexual changes that occur at puberty, it also reduces fat, builds muscle and stimulates a man's sex drive. It also improves a man's mood, imagination and creativity and can even reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. When testosterone levels are low a number of symptoms can manifest including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, decreased sex drive and reduced muscle tone.

The latest disturbing estimates:

• Today the sperm count of the average male is half of what it was 70 years ago.
• 30-50% of all men in the U.S. have some form of erectile dysfunction.
• 25-80% of men over the age of 40 are affected with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
• 90% of men over the age of 80 show signs of prostate enlargement.
• 25% of all men are affected severely enough to require medical attention which often involves surgery.
• Approximately 32% of those undergoing surgery experience complications such as incontinence, impotence or enlargement of the breast tissue due to hormone imbalance.

Another sign of the decline in male reproductive health includes more frequent instances of prostate cancer and birth defects. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among American men and affects one out of every nine males. Birth defects of the penis and undescended testicles in newborn males are also a sign of a growing problem. Because these reproductive problems are now appearing in animals in the wild as well, this suggests that the problem is part of an even greater environmental issue.

Xenoestrogens – Breaking the Balance

As it turns out, a major cause of the decline in reproductive health stems from an environmental pollutant known as xenoestrogen. Xenoestrogens are chemicals that mimic estrogen, producing an estrogenic effect in the body. Since male health relies on the proper balance between androgens (hormones like testosterone) and estrogen (the female hormones men also produce in small quantities), the introduction of xenoestrogens creates an imbalance which can result in increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, infertility, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes in men.

The Source of Xenoestrogens

Whether men know it or not, they are being constantly exposed to xenoestrogens from a number of sources. One such source is the synthetic estrogens from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy for women that is finding it's way into our drinking supply. A recent article out of Canada has reported a 'Skyrocket of Estrogen Levels' as high as '90 times the normal rate' in the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.

In addition to the contaminated water supply, we are also exposed to xenoestrogens through our food supply. Estrogen supplements are fed to chickens and cattle to increase egg, meat and dairy production which is passed directly to us when we eat those products.

Another source of xenoestrogens are the estrogenic chemicals such as PCP and thalates found in plastic materials which are accumulating in the world's soil, water and air. Combine all of these factors together and most men are practically overdosing on xenoestrogens.

Avoiding Xenoestrogens and Improving Health

An important part in improving sexual health is reducing your exposure to xenoestrogens and other harmful chemicals. If you haven't already, you should make sure to use some sort of water treatment appliance to filter your water. This will also remove fluoride from your drinking water which is known to reduce testosterone levels in men.

Even though red meat has been shown to stimulate testosterone levels in men, most commercially raised red meat contains xenoestrogens. By eating organically raised, grass-fed beef, you can not only reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens but also enhance your testosterone levels at the same time. You can also add body-boosting supplements to your diet which will increase your body's natural production of testosterone, human growth hormone, and DHEA.

Pesticides such as DDT and organochlorines are also considered xenoestrogens. You can reduce your exposure to these chemicals by eating organically grown food whenever possible and making sure non-organically grown food is washed in a natural cleaning solution.

Since heat will release these chemicals from certain materials, you should always avoid using plastic containers in microwave ovens. You should also avoid drinking water (or other beverages) from soft plastic bottles that have been exposed to heat. Make sure that food has been allowed to cool before placing it into a plastic container for storage.

The exposure to environmental toxins like xenoestrogens combined with poor dietary habits is contributing to the decline in health of the modern day man. Fortunately we can still choose to do something about it. Now is the time to take back control of our own reproductive health and work to protect and preserve our sexual wellness!

© Penis Resources Blog, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: environmental pollutant, estrogenic, male reproductive problems, sexual wellness, testosterone, xenoestrogens

I can only speculate on the reason why the word 'andropause' seems to have escaped the common English lexicon. Perhaps because the visible effects it has on the male are seemingly less dramatic. Or maybe, like many beliefs in western society, we chalk it up to an unfortunate inevitability. Regardless, it is something that certainly exists – Male menopause? Yes, it's real.

The Onset of Andropause

Men usually start to exhibit andropausal symptoms between the ages of 40 and 55, although it can and does occur much earlier for some. During this period, men experience a sharp decline in male hormone levels (testosterone). Testosterone levels actually begin to decline at about age 30 and continue to drop at a tremendous rate of 10% every ten years.

The Importance of Testosterone

Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands and the testes. It is a vital component for maintaining normal sexual behavior, especially in the formation of erections. In addition to it's sexual health attributes, testosterone also affects many metabolic activities such as bone formation, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, the production of blood cells, as well as liver and prostate gland growth.

Symptoms and Risks

As testosterone levels decrease, men undergo a myriad of physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral changes including:

• Increased risk of osteoporosis
• Greater likelihood of cardiovascular diseases
• Loss of energy and sex drive
• Reduced blood circulation to the genitalia

Andropause and Erectile Dysfunction

As men grow older they face a higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction or impotence. While there can be numerous causes of erection failure, the decreased flow of blood to the pelvic region due to lowered hormone levels is one of the more direct. Without enough blood reaching the penis, a man cannot achieve or sustain an erection long enough to perform intercourse.

When we age, more and more fatty deposits are created in the arteries and blood vessels. Since the penis is composed of spongy tissues, it becomes more difficult for the arterial walls to carry the blood flow into these tissues due to the presence of these fatty deposits. Full engorgement of the penis eventually becomes impossible.

Improving Blood Flow and Cell Activity

While there are several pharmaceutical drugs designed to address the sexual side effects of andropause, certain natural remedies are often more effective (and safer) in their direct treatment of the problem. One particular method includes the use of a special traction device that works to stimulate tissue growth through the use of tactile force.

By applying a continuous and gentle stretch along the length of the shaft, these devices excite cells and allow for an increase in penile blood flow. Another noticeable, and often desired effect includes the actual physical enlargement of the penis itself in both thickness and length. See this article for more information about this practice.

Growing older is not a choice, it's a natural biological process that we have little control over and it effects everyone. What we can control is how we choose to improve the quality of our lives, both sexually and otherwise. That choice, for as long we desire it, will always remain ours.

To learn more about andropause and aging, please read the article entitled 'Overcoming Male Mid-Life Crisis'.

© Penis Resources Blog, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: andropausal symptoms, andropause, male menopause, penile blood flow, testosterone

About Steroids

Steroids are synthetic substances that are used for various medical purposes and commonly utilized to increase body growth. Some forms are used during surgery to act as pain relievers. Commonly, steroids are used by bodybuilders and athletes to enhance their performance in sport. This practice however is banned in most professional sports. In fact, you've probably heard of a lot of big name sports personalities that have been negatively linked to the use of steroids. The misuse of these drugs can cause serious side effects including disease and even death.

Probably the most common form of steroid is the anabolic steroid. Essentially, these drugs promote the growth of tissue and muscle. Every man secretes a hormone called testosterone, which is responsible for the physical growth experienced during puberty. The purpose of anabolic steroids is to enhance this normal androgenic process and cause the body to develop at an even faster rate.

Unfortunately, the use of steroids has been proven to cause many negative effects in the body and can permanently damage the organs and other tissues of the body. The male reproductive organ is one of the most susceptible to the damage caused by steroids. Long term use can cause temporary or even permanent impotence. In essence, steroids paralyze the ability of the penis to perform its normal functions.

While there have been no direct links between the use of steroids and an actual shrinking of the penis, the use of these substances can interfere with the normal functioning of the penis. Weak erections, failure to maintain erection and impotence have all been linked to long term steroid use. Even though there is no scientific evidence that proves they actually effect the size of the penis, the fact remains that these drugs can and will influence the normal functioning of a healthy penis. If you've ever considered using them, do yourself and your body a favor and forget it. Having a statuesque physique that women admire is an appreciable goal, but what good is it if you can't even get an erection?

© Penis Resources Blog, 2007. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: anabolic steroids, erection, impotence, penis, steroids, testosterone

Some symptoms of andropause include urination and prostate problems, mood swings and depression, impotence, low sex drive and low sperm count, weight gain, low blood sugar or diabetes, dry skin, bone loss, water retention, fatigue, anxiety and an increased probability of heart attacks. The presence of xenoestrogens, estrogen that is not produced naturally within the body, serves to disrupt the natural hormonal balance and can lead to the development of andropause at ages much younger than normal. Xenoestrogens are contained in many products including:

• Herbicides
• Pesticides
• Plastic containers
• Detergents
• Pollution
• Meat from animals raised on hormone-rich food

The accumulation of xenoestrogens in the body usually starts in infancy and is compounded over the years by modern life. Dr. Allan Lieberman, from the Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine, has stated "The combined use of pesticides in growing the food and soft plastics in transporting and packaging the food raises our exposure to endocrine disrupters."

While this problem has become more prevalent with the advancement of society, there are certain precautions that can be taken to limit the severity of hormonal imbalance. A change of diet and lifestyle along with an increase in exercise can help to decrease the effects. Quitting smoking and excessive drinking, things that are likely to worsen andropause should also be avoided.

Aside from lifestyle change, certain supplements that are rich in zinc can also be beneficial. Zinc is vital to the healthy functioning of the prostate, testicles and immune system and certain xenoestrogens impair the body's ability to absorb it. Semen volumizer supplements for instance, help to increase libido and sperm count and are excellent sources of zinc. A decrease in sex drive or lower than normal sperm count can often be improved with the use of such natural formulas.

By making healthy lifestyle choices, increasing your amount of daily exercise and adding zinc rich supplements to your diet, you can effectively combat early onset andropause, increase sexual drive and enhance your quality of life.

© Penis Resources Blog, 2006. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: andropause, hormonal imbalance, semen volumizer, testosterone, xenoestrogens

Testosterone deficiency and its effects can be readily observed in older males since the level of hormones in the body gradually declines with age. While somewhat of a decrease in this hormone is to be expected with aging, a dramatic or premature drop in levels can signify a greater problem and possible malfunction of the male absorption system.

Since the physical and psychological identifying characteristics of men are directly linked to testosterone, any deficiency in production or absorption can trigger a significant change in these traits. Gaining weight, experiencing depression and anxiety, bladder and erectile dysfunctions, fatigue and other unpleasant symptoms are all common to testosterone deficiency. Frequent checks of testosterone levels for males over the age of 35 is recommended.

While there exists a number of drug treatments to elevate hormonal levels in severe cases, there are other natural alternatives to help combat this condition as well. Supplements rich in zinc, one of the key elements used by the male reproduction system, can help stimulate the production of testosterone without endangering the rest of the body. Natural formulas, such as those found in semen volumizer pills, contain healthy levels of zinc which help raise testosterone levels and increase the health of your sexual organs.

© Penis Resources Blog, 2005. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: androgen, hormone levels, semen volumizer, testosterone