By T.J. DePaola, PharmD
June is National Men’s Health Month, making spring the perfect time to remind men in our lives about the importance of prioritizing their personal health. A common concern for many men as they age is their testosterone levels lowering. Testosterone is an important hormone responsible for regulating a number of processes in the male body, including: muscle strength and mass, bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production and yes, sex drive.
It’s natural for a man’s testosterone levels to decline with age, but lower than normal testosterone levels can cause symptoms ranging from lowered libido to depression. According to the American Urological Association, 4 in 10 men over the age of 45 suffer from low testosterone. The good news is lower T levels may be addressed through lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise), supplements, or testosterone replacement therapy.
There are several proven benefits associated with achieving optimal testosterone levels:
Decreased body fat – as testosterone levels decrease, so does the body’s ability to regulate insulin, glucose and fat metabolism. Fat, known as adipose tissue, then begins accumulating.
Greater muscle mass – testosterone is well known for increasing muscle protein synthesis or improving muscle size and strength.
Stronger bones – testosterone increases bone density by stimulating bone mineralization and decreasing the release of calcium from bone tissue into the bloodstream.
Increased libido – testosterone is most notably recognized as the sex hormone responsible for a man’s sex drive. When T levels drop below normal, a lowering of libido and erectile dysfunction can result.
Increased tolerance for risk taking – testosterone is strongly linked with a man’s willingness to take risks in pursuit of status and power.
Greater desire for dominance and power – testosterone is also responsible for inspiring men to strive for social status and helps fuel the desire to climb for success.
Countless studies also suggest many additional benefits that may result from balanced testosterone levels, including: fighting depression, strengthening the heart, increasing competitiveness, attracting women, improving cognitive ability, and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s.
For men looking to achieve optimal testosterone levels, who have been unable to do so with diet and exercise alone, registered pharmacists at Cypress Pharmacy can help. As a compounding pharmacy, Cypress Pharmacy produces specially formulated compounded medications to help restore the natural balance of testosterone levels and other hormones associated with aging.
Additionally, Cypress Pharmacy offers a Wellness Program, providing patients with personalized consultation services and recommendations to create a customized supplement program that takes into consideration the patient’s current medical conditions and medications. Our pharmacists can help men decide which vitamins will best accommodate their lifestyle and aid in increasing their overall health.
For more information on testosterone replacement therapy and supplements, contact our trusted pharmaceutical professionals at 239-481-7322 and consult with your physician.
Cypress Pharmacy has been providing pharmaceutical and health care services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.