10 Dec
Hormones

Mental Health in Men: Impact, Biological Mechanisms, Testosterone Therapy and Its Role in Treating Depression and Anxiety

Depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymic disorder, are significant mental health challenges, characterized by persistent low mood, negative thoughts, and chronic fatigue. These disorders have profound personal and societal consequences, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizing depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite the availability of various pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, around 30% of individuals with depression do not achieve sustained remission, even after multiple interventions. This treatment gap has spurred interest in exploring alternative therapies, including hormonal approaches like testosterone therapy, particularly for men. In this article we will investigate the biological mechanisms of depression, and how testosterone fits into those mechanisms. This helps to gain a better understanding of the biochemistry and endocrinology of testosterone and its effects on the brain and body. We will then go on the look at testosterone in clinical practice for men in the context of depression.

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03 Dec
Diabetes, Exercise, Hormones

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Improves Metabolic Biomarkers and Can Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

In this article we will be reviewing studies that investigate the impact of optimal testosterone on metabolic markers such as fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and triglycerides (explaining the importance of these markers as we go). We will look at a meta-analysis, one study from this meta-analysis and then a large study on using testosterone for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. As we dissect this literature we will also look at optimal dosing regimens and why some of the studies do this sub optimally.

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01 Nov
Hormones

Understanding Testosterone: Defining Low Testosterone

Thresholds for Low Testosterone: The term “low testosterone” generally refers to levels that fall below a clinically accepted threshold, typically assessed through measurements of total testosterone.

Total testosterone is widely used due to its routine availability, although free testosterone represents the biologically active portion that enters cells and is often considered more indicative of functional testosterone levels.

Guidelines: Looking at the British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on the assessment and management of testosterone deficiency in adult men, the threshold for low testosterone is 12 nmol/L. The guidelines note that the diagnosis of symptomatic TD requires the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms, plus reduced serum concentrations of total testosterone (TT) or free testosterone (FT). These are widely used guidelines amongst clinicians in the UK treating testosterone. It’s important to note that testosterone deficiency should always be treated in the presence of signs and symptoms.

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18 Jun
Hormones

Understanding Testosterone (Part 1)

Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, from muscle growth to cognitive health. It is essential for both men and women, but it’s often associated with masculinity and male characteristics. This article delves into the world of testosterone, its functions, regulation, and the controversies surrounding testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

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