Hormone therapy may help

      For decades, women have benefited physically and mentally by using hormone replacement therapy later in life. However, there is a steady trend that is now including men in research and therapy using various types of testosterone replacements.
      The basis behind hormone replacement is to slow the natural aging process of the body. With age, men start to lose their hair, their virility and their waistlines. With aging also comes the steady decrease of lean muscle tissue that is the basis for a normal metabolism.
      Can these new drugs be the cure for "male menopause?"
      Many researchers think so as do their patients who are seeing and feeling the results of these new drugs.
      We have seen recently, with the popularity of Viagra and Rogaine, that men are interested in maintaining their youthful appearance and vitality. Why should they then not benefit from hormones like women have for years?
      A typical American male loses 12 to 20 pounds of muscle between the ages of 40 and 70. He also loses 15 percent of his bone mass and nearly two inches in height.
      Sperm production also slows but not enough to keep some 90-year-olds from fathering children. Unlike women, men typically lose testosterone as they age, but the decline is far more subtle.
      There are several types of hormones that are now being prescribed to men that have offered encouraging results.
      Testosterone, as mentioned, maintains muscle, reduces total cholesterol, and increases energy and the libido. The risks include a triggering or stimulation of prostrate tumors, a reduction of HDL (good) cholesterol and blockage of sperm production.
      DHEA, which you probably have seen at your local nutrition store, also is playing a factor in slowing "male menopause." This supplement has shown to improve mood, energy and libido.
      It counteracts stress hormones, preserves muscle and strengthens the immune system. The risk of taking DHEA is it has not been tested in long-term clinical trials and the strength and purity of the over-the-counter variety are not regulated.
      DHEA should not be taken with wild abandon. Like hormones, it is important to find out if, in fact, you need this supplement and if so how much should be taken. Although DHEA is taken by both men and women, women in their child-bearing years should avoid this supplement.
      Melatonin is another over-the-counter supplement that helps to improve sleep, protect cells from free-radical damage, boost immunity and prevent cancer. The risk, again, is that this supplement is not regulated nor largely tested.
      It may cause grogginess and depression for some users. Again, only a blood test would show whether you truly are in need of this supplement; otherwise, it is all a guessing game unless supervised by a qualified physician.
      Finally, the grand daddy of testosterone is Human Growth Hormone (HGH). This prescription drug was once only used by body-builders and in clinical settings for certain ailments. Now, HGH is being prescribed regularly as a preventative measure for men looking to slow the aging process.
      The big benefits of HGH include preservation of lean body mass and skin, boosting of the immune system and improvements of the heart and kidney functions. The risks are also higher for this drug: diabetes, fluid retention and enlarged bones and internal organs are just a few of the risks.
      Unlike the above mentioned supplement therapies, HGH will cost you roughly $800 (or more) a month compared to $100. Just like an athlete taking steroids, HGH and other testosterone therapies will prove more successful for men who watch their diets and exercise regularly.
      Since there is no miracle pill, the user must take some responsibility for his health through a healthy lifestyle.
      Testosterone therapy is a personal decision and some will be disappointed to find that it does not work for them. Always weigh the risk as compared to the benefits when making a decision and involve a doctor who has experience with this type of therapy.
      There are many books and articles on the above mentioned supplements/drugs that will help you make a more informed choice. Whether men actually go through a menopausal-like stage is still under debate but there is no doubt that many men are now living life to their fullest due to anti-aging drugs.
     
     Mike Springer and his wife, Kim, are certified by ACE, NASM and ACSM as personal trainers. They can be reached at 233-9442, by fax at 233-9446 or by e-mail at springtrain@prodigy.net.