Monday, August 22, 2011

Low Testosterone in a Man


Although "normal" testosterone levels are defined differently in different labs, most studies define low testosterone ("hypogonadism") in men as a total testosterone of less than 300 ng/dl.

In men younger than 40 years old, there may be significant differences between morning and evening levels. Blood testing should thus be conducted in the morning, preferably before 11 AM. Since food intake may lower testosterone levels, bloods should be obtained in the fasting state.

Due to frequent variability in testosterone levels, an abnormal test should always be repeated.

Testing should not be conducted during an acute illness, as testosterone levels may decline when you are ill.

Deficiency of testosterone is very common among adult men in the United States.

Those at particular risk include men with Type 2 Diabetes (estimated prevalence of 30-50%), obese men, and men over the age of 60 years-old.

The HIM study (Hypogonadism in Men) provides a good estimation of testosterone deficiency in otherwise healthy men.

The study found that 38.7% of men 45 years or older evaluated during well patient primary care visits had testosterone levels of less than 300 ng/ml. Most of these men did not know their levels were depressed.

Male testosterone production occurs in the testicles.

Production is controlled by lutenizing hormone (LH), a hormone made in the pituitary gland.

Low testosterone levels may result from disease in the testicles (primary hypogonadism) or disease in the hypothalamus and pituitary (secondary hypogonadism).

In primary hypogonadism, LH levels are typically elevated. In secondary hypogonadism, LH levels are undetectable or inappoppriately "normal".

Measurement of blood LH levels is thus an important test in the evaluation of this disease.

Some men have abnormalities at multiple levels.

Identification of the cause of testosterone deficiency may require further blood testing. This should be discussed with your physician.

Radiologic imaging of the pituitary (typically and MRI of the pituitary with contrast) is recommended if secondary hypogonadism is suspected.

Whatever the cause, adult onset low testosterone may be associated with fatigue, reduced interest in sex, less frequent spontaneous erections, and loss of muscle strength. Fatigue is the most common symptom.

Since the symptoms are nonspecific, diagnosis of testosterone deficiency requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. If you are concerned, discuss this with your physician.

Replacement of testosterone is available via gels, patches or injections. Treatment will often result in resolution of your symptoms with improved energy and sexual function.

Once testosterone therapy is initiated, it is important to monitor testosterone levels as up to 30% of men will require a dose adjustment.

The timing of follow-up blood testing depends on which method of therapy you select.

Since testosterone therapy may result in side effects such as increased number of red blood cells and acne, close medical follow-up is very important. You should also obtain a thorough prostate evaluation by your physician before beginning therapy since Prostate Cancer is a contraindication to treatment with testosterone.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Idea Ideal Diet for Healthy Prostate


The prostate is a walnut-sized gland and its function is to produce a fluid that helps carry sperm out of the body. Since the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) passes through the prostate, are also involved in the control urine.

Prostate cancer affects one in six men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. This tends to develop in men over age fifty, though very much affects young men, too. It is often slow growing and slow the progress of cancer that show little or no symptoms. Some symptoms are: blood in urine, painful urination, frequent urination, increased urination at night, or have difficulty initiating or maintaining the flow of urine.

Nobody really knows what causes prostate cancer, but several factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and drugs increases a person's risk. Since there is no specific cause, there also is no known way to prevent it. However, doctors recommend adapting the prostate healthy lifestyle and diet, because it plays a major role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. An ideal diet for a healthy prostate means:

Low-fat diet. Studies show that men who maintain a high-fat diet have an increased risk for prostate cancer. The best way is to reduce the amount of a fatty meal or go for a low-fat options.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Vegetable diet is helpful in maintaining the lowest levels of PSA and prostate health. Studies show that diets high in fruits and vegetables - especially broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes - reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Eat more protein from vegetables. Research shows that diets rich in vegetable protein and animal protein, low positive affect prostate health by cutting down the time it takes for PSA levels increased 100 percent. Swap out meat protein with vegetable protein such as soy, beans, and peas.

Reducing the amount of dairy products consumed. It has been proven that men who ate the most dairy products have the highest risk for prostate cancer so it is recommended to reduce the cheese, milk, and yogurt.

Eat fish. Fresh fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, cod and fish contain omega-3 (essential fatty acids). Omega-3 has been associated with many health benefits and has been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk.

Drinking green tea. A study has suggested that the active ingredient, called polyphenols found in green tea can slow the progression of prostate cancer. Taking a capsule of green tea or consuming tea itself might help.

Limiting alcohol. Although there is no clear evidence that alcohol increases the risk of prostate cancer, a liquid such as alcohol, coffee, and soda is known to interfere with the prostate.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Various Impotence Treatments Revealed


Impotence or erectile dysfunction is a common problem in many parts of the world. It is a condition characterized by an inability to obtain or maintain an erection long enough in terms of sexual pleasure will be limited. This is one of the conditions that dreaded by men all over the world and therefore it comes as no surprise that quite a lot of cases go unreported. After all, it could be a very embarrassing condition. This problem has led to the outbreak of the house, reduced efficiency at work, broken relationships, loss of self-esteem and even depression. It is therefore reassuring to recognize that there are many impotence treatment that will at least improve the situation.

One thing you will admit is that the suitability of the treatment of impotence which is fixed at a specific cause of the condition. Truth be told, impotence itself is probably not a disease or an illness. In most cases, the signal on the underlying condition, which could be more serious. In this case, it is always important that you also consider the factors that could cause the condition. This can include unhealthy lifestyles, surgical procedures chaotic, stress, depression, and drug use and abuse of certain substances and certain nutritional deficiencies. Some of the treatment of impotence is as follows.

Penile prosthesis:
Penile prosthesis is a surgical procedure that involves two processes vary. You could have bent or shaped rod implanted into the sexual organs. This makes sexual organs erection at a certain time, which will save you trouble lifting the individual during sexual relations. However, it is not advantageous in that the sexual organs will remain stiff at any given time, which can be very uncomfortable for the individual. Or, you can have the device installed in inflatable penile region in which case you will have a lot of control over the erection. You will only have to pump air into the device so that the sexual organs get an erection. Two cylinders, pumps and a reservoir implanted in the area with the cylinder located in the penis. However, penile prosthesis is considered most effective when other methods are not.

Hormone Therapy:
This therapy is generally done when the impotence is as a result of hormones like testosterone. In some cases, this condition is caused by a reduced sex drive due to low levels of testosterone. Therapy will increase testosterone levels thereby increasing sex drive and achieve sexual intercourse. As stated earlier, the proper treatment of impotence is determined by the patient's mental and physical condition and therefore there is no uniformity regarding the appropriate treatment for each individual.

Use of prescription drugs:
Use of prescription drugs is one of the most common impotence treatments used. Erectile dysfunction can be traced with high blood pressure. In this case, most medications are composed of substances with the capacity to lower blood pressure. More often than not, prescription drugs contain elements that have the capacity to stimulate production of nitric oxide, which decreases blood flow. It is important to recognize that however much of the drugs come with unwanted reactions and side effects, which can actually cause erectile dysfunction lasting. This spells doom for healthy individuals who use this medication only for pleasure rather than treat impotence. It is also recommended that someone take care when buying medicines without a prescription because you can never be sure about their safety.

Natural treatment of impotence:
This actually has some of the most preferred treatment mainly because of its simplicity and effectiveness. They involve more exercise to improve blood flow to the blockage of blood vessels, the use of herbs such as ginkgo, use of vitamin supplements, fruits and vegetables (watermelon and garlic have been very very effective) and lifestyle changes such as drinking less caffeine and alcohol and stop smoking. Not only will this increase your sex drive, but they will also improve the general health of individuals.