Testosterone Myths and Misconceptions; BUSTED PART 2

Welcome to part 2 of Testosterone Myths and Misconceptions; BUSTED. If you missed part 1, start here.

Hopefully you will feel more equipped with the truth about testosterone after reading both parts of this blog series. It is our mission to help men everywhere obtain the information and tools to live their healthiest, most optimal life. Knowledge is power.

Myth: If I have low T, I should try testosterone boosters.

Truth: No! There are two main reasons to avoid these highly advertised products.

1. Buyer beware! Oral testosterone boosters do not raise testosterone a significant amount. In some cases, T boosters may cause a transient increase in total testosterone, but it will not sustain.
2. The most important reason to avoid oral testosterone boosters: they can be dangerous and toxic to internal organs, specifically the liver. 

You may wonder why testosterone boosters are on the market if they are dangerous. Good question. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. There is very limited monitoring and legal responsibility in producing T boosters, giving the producers of T boosters a lot of legal freedom and consumer demand for a “quick fix”. Companies who sell these products do a great job of preying on men desperately needing to feel better. Don’t fall for it. The best thing to do with symptoms of low testosterone is to find a highly trained medical provider that specializes in hormone optimization.  

Myth: Testosterone will make me angry.

Truth: This is simply not true. In fact, it is quite the opposite.  Some of the main symptoms of low testosterone include mental fog, decreased mood, depression, irrational thinking, and poor decision making. Emotional and mental well-being are expected to improvewhen testosterone is optimized. Remember, we are talking about optimal levels of testosterone, not super-physiological. There can be, in fact, too much of a good thing. It is vital to ensure your testosterone provider is well-trained on TRT and can manage levels to help you feel your best.

Myth: Testosterone therapy will negatively affect my heart heath.

Truth: Optimal testosterone levels are cardio protective. This topic has been controversial among medical providers for many years, but in contrast, there are more than 100 studies revealing cardiovascular benefits or improved cardiovascular risk factors with T therapy or with higher endogenous T levels. This appears to have been a largely media-driven phenomenon, since the science does not support it.

The natural conversion of testosterone into estrogen is also a large piece of this puzzle. As discussed in Part 1 of this blog series, it is absolutely vital to maintain natural aromatase of estrogen to protect cardiac tissue while on testosterone therapy.

Here’s what we do know:

Studies show low testosterone levels are associated with increased risk of cardiac events, endothelial dysfunction, increased coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, increased atherosclerosis. Whereas testosterone treatment shows an increase in coronary blood flow, decrease in myocardial ischemia, increase in skeletal muscle mass, decrease in body fat, and an increase in coronary vasomotion.  Testosterone therapy is effective, rational, and evidence based.  

NOTE: Although testosterone is shown to be cardio protective, lifestyle and other comorbidities play a huge role. Proper diet and exercise are critical to achieve and maintain good heart health.

Further References

Prevention of coronary artery disease in men: male hormone, female hormone, or both? Click here

Role of Testosterone in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease. Click here

Heavy Resistance Training and Supplementation With the Alleged Testosterone Booster Nmda has No Effect on Body Composition, Muscle Performance, and Serum Hormones Associated With the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Resistance-Trained Males. J Sports Sci Med. 2014 Jan 20;13(1):192-9. eCollection 2014. Click here

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Feb 1 1999, 84(2):573-577, “Bioavailable Testosterone and Depressed Mood in Older Men: The Rancho Bernardo Study.” Click here

Fundamental Concepts Regarding Testosterone Deficiency and Treatment: International Expert Consensus Resolutions. Click here