Saliva Hormone Test for
Testosterone
Testosterone is an anabolic
steroid synthesized primarily by the testes in males, the ovaries in
females, and adrenal glands in both sexes. Testosterone is synthesized from androstenedione, a product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and
progesterone, both of which are products of pregnenolone and cholesterol.
At puberty, and
throughout most of the reproductive years, approximately 10-20 times more testosterone is synthesized in males than in females. In males at puberty,
the much higher level of testosterone is responsible for the development
of
male external genitalia and secondary hair patterns, stimulation of
spermatogenesis, stimulation of anabolic activity leading to increased
muscle mass, and behavioral changes. In pubescent females, testosterone
effects are more subtle but equally important for proper muscular-skeletal
development, general anabolic activity, and libido. In both sexes, testosterone enhances aerobic metabolism and increases protein synthesis.
Testosterone decreases
with age in both men and women. Testosterone replacement has been used
to
treat some postmenopausal symptoms, especially lack of libido in women who
have received chemotherapy.
It has also been used effectively in the
treatment of anemia and the weakness and muscle wasting syndrome associated
with AIDS. Recent research on the effects of testosterone on aging
demonstrates a gain in lean body mass and a possible decline in bone loss
when used in elderly patients.
Since testosterone can
have significant side effects (acne, hirsutism, deepening voice, and clitorimegaly) measurement of levels can help define a deficiency and allow
titration of therapy without risking toxicity.
A host of medical
research exists that show marked improvements with the supplementation of
testosterone. Testosterone supplementation/replacement therapy is becoming
more and more prevalent to combat a variety of male and female related
issues that heretofore were potentially being misdiagnosed and treated.
Weight loss -
Numerous studies indicate a reduction in body fat and an increase in lean
muscle when men take supplemental testosterone. In men and women it is
important to measure the ratio of testosterone.
Sexual function -
Testosterone can restore sexual vitality in otherwise healthy men who have
low levels of the androgen
Memory and cognition
- Johns Hopkins scientists studying testosterone replacement therapy report
that the primary male sex hormone may improve some visual and perceptual
learning skills, along with memory enhancement.
These new findings may
provide additional insight into testosterone's role in general brain
function.
Strength, muscle mass, and bone
density - Muscular power and mass are positively affected by
increasing testosterone levels. Numerous studies of young men, aging men,
and those with disease-related muscle wasting support this observation. All
one has to do is look at bodybuilders and sports athletes that use some form
of testosterone enhancement to see what elevated testosterone can do. Older
men can improve muscle mass enhancement from a combination of testosterone
supplementation and progressive weight-bearing resistance exercise.
Depression - Recent
research has confirmed the relationship between testosterone levels and
depression, as reported last year in the Journal of Health and Social
Behavior. In men with low levels of testosterone, additional supplementation
can help elevate mood, increase positive outlook, and increase confidence
and self-image.
To increase your testosterone
levels in your body we suggest:
Testron SX |
