Addressing the Low-T Stigma with 1380 The Woman

Sonja Shin from 1380 The Woman invites Dr. Benz on the Health & Beauty Show to address the stigma of Low-T and men’s health.

Testosterone: HGH/MLB vs. healthy TRT

MLB Suspensions: Steroid Abuse vs. Testosterone Treatment
Every summer, baseball fans across the country anticipate the MLB All-Star break when the season’s hottest hitters take part in the Homerun Derby. This year, however, some notable names in the game are facing season suspensions, or worse, because of the performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) they are taking, one of which is testosterone.

On the heels of Ryan Braun’s 2013 season suspension, testosterone use has been swirling in the news – how do we know what levels are safe? How does testosterone affect athletic performance? How long does it take for hormones to leave the body? Let’s take a look at the difference between steroid abuse and testosterone treatment:

What Are Safe Levels Of Testosterone?
A young man is at his peak in terms of his body’s testosterone, with normal levels between 800 and 1,000. Ryan Braun, who was 27 at the time when hormone abuse reports were released in 2011, had testosterone at twice the level of the highest test ever taken by the MLB. Braun’s levels in his mid-20s were at least 2,000, which is not only shocking but downright scary.

Decreasing testosterone levels are considered a medical condition. Men should get screened for Low-T if they experience symptoms such as fatigue, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, low endurance and low stamina.

How Does Testosterone Affect Athletic Performance?
Testosterone increases muscle mass and bone density, and decreases body fat, which definitely enhances performance. For men who may be out of shape or overweight, testosterone replacement therapy can help increase energy levels, which can be a motivating factor in one’s fitness routine. Athletes who abuse testosterone as a performance enhancing drug will experience side effects such as steroid rage, decreased sperm function and a higher incidence of tendon ruptures.

Anybody, regardless of occupation, can receive testosterone replacement therapy if he experiences symptoms of Low-T. MLB recognizes that Low-T is a medical condition that must be treated. If a professional athlete were to seek supplements for Low-T, it’s completely legal. Men who are looking to receive TRT should consult with Board Certified doctors who can prescribe individualized treatment plans.

How Long Does It Take For Hormones To Leave The Body?
Some supplements can leave body fairly quickly – it all depends on how a person’s body receives treatment. Men’s Medical Institute recommends patients who are receiving injections to come in for their shots every two weeks; however, some patients come in every week while others every few weeks. The most convenient treatment application for Low-T is in the form of cream, which can be applied every day. Men who receive this form of treatment will see a natural increase in their testosterone levels.

Father-Son Duo Share Their Health Stories

Denny Marschuetz, age 60, Owner & President of J.M. Marschuetz Construction Co., has been in the construction industry for 40 years. His son, Jason Marschuetz, age 38, has been working for his father’s company since he was 15 and is now the Vice President.

Denny reveals how getting treatment for Low-T has been a life-changing experience:
“Stress is a big part of working in construction and after 40 years in the industry, I was exhausted all the time. I remember taking naps at the office and having to fill up on coffee before any meetings that took place around 1 or 2 p.m. My internist discovered I had Low-T, my levels were around 230, which is the average for a 75-year old man. I began treatment through a pump, but after months of not feeling any changes, I almost gave up. I went to Men’s Medical Institute and began a customized treatment schedule in May. I opted for injection treatments, which would give me the opportunity to stabilize my testosterone. I play 27 holes of golf about twice a week and play 9 holes of golf every night. The other day, I had to go to a birthday party for a family member after running around all day. Usually, I would be dozing off on someone’s couch while the festivities were carrying on, but I came home around 10 p.m. and wasn’t ready for bed until 11 p.m. I have motivation to exercise more and really take care of myself. I just started a diet and within the first week, I lost 9 pounds. For other men who may be on the fence about TRT, the rewards truly outweigh the risks – if you seek treatment through MMi, your testosterone levels are managed by Board Certified doctors. My cardiologist has seen the benefits of TRT and I’ve been taking the right vitamins that my body needs, not what I thought I needed. TRT will get your energy levels up naturally. My three-month consultation isn’t until July, but I already have much more energy and sense of well-being.”

Jason opens up about his sobriety and how TRT has helped save his life:
“In my generation, I’d say there’s the stigma that men may think of themselves as inadequate or lesser of a man if they undergo hormone replacement therapy. For me, seeking treatment was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health. I’m the first to admit that I don’t always take the best care of myself. Up until about three months ago, I smoked almost two-and-a-half packs of cigarettes a day. Before I got sober nearly two years ago, I abused alcohol and opiates to the tenth degree. I feel the drug use played a major part in lowering my testosterone and, at one point, my levels were as low as 135. The worst symptoms I felt then were I wanted to sleep all the time, but was never able to get good enough sleep. I would periodically nod off while driving home after a long day at work; I lost interest in all of my hobbies; I had this “take it or leave it” attitude when it came to my sex life. Overall, I was just a shell of body – existing, but barely functioning. When I went to MMi, my levels were in the low-200’s after trying AndroGel for a period of 2-3 months. I’m now getting treatment in the form of cream, as well as taking men’s health supplements, and I feel totally different. I have way more energy, the sex life is coming around, I have more patience and my focus on tasks at hand are noticeably better. I do feel like my relationship with my dad is better mainly due to the fact that I am not as edgy and tired as I used to be, which, in turn, would always make me more irritable. Looking back on my experience now, it’s a shame I didn’t seek treatment sooner because I look at all that time I wasted being tired, crabby, detached and just numb to the world. For any man who may be on the fence about seeking treatment for Low-T, you need to jump off that fence and start living!”