Archive for July, 2008
With the study of sarcopenia being in its infancy, researchers are still searching for its causes. Potential factors that may contribute to the decline in muscle mass include age-related declines in anabolic steroid hormones such as testosterone, along with similar declines seen in the levels of human growth hormone. We are losing muscle mass, and that muscle mass is being replaced by fat cells. Typically an individual wonders why they develop a “pouch” gut, or why their thighs or buttocks are becoming larger. Other researchers contend that decreased muscle protein synthesis and the poor nutritional status seen in the elderly significantly contribute to the development of sarcopenia.
What causes Sarcopenia?
- The aging process
- Physical inactivity
- Reduction of hormone production in the human body as we age
i. Testosterone - ii. Human growth hormone
- Decrease of protein synthesis ability within the human body as we age
- Female estrogen levels may also play a role in the development of sarcopenia during and after menopause. This topic has limited research, but it does appear that many females develop a “pouch” after menopause.
Ongoing research into the cause of sarcopenia has also shown that intramuscular mitochondrial DNA damage caused by free radicals as well as a significant decrease in overall physical activity, or ‘muscle disuse,’ may also be significant contributors to the loss of muscle mass seen in the aged.6
Can muscle mass loss be prevented?
Unlike osteoporosis, multinational pharmaceutical companies have yet to pour millions of dollars into research searching for medications that can help treat sarcopenia. Therefore, for people who are getting “old” (i.e., anyone past 40), it makes sense to try and establish some common sense preventive measures that can be easily incorporated into the hectic, high-pressured lives most people live these days. Fortunately, there are now some studies showing that through a combination of targeted physical activity, the judicious use of safe, natural supplements and the possible utilization of hormonal supplementation, sarcopenia can be, to a significant degree, prevented.
Uncategorized | 14.07.2008 19:16 | Comments Off
Synthetic anabolic steroids sold in the form of patches, creams, pellets, and tablets are chemically different from the testosterone made by the body and do not accomplish the same effect as natural testosterone. These drugs are aimed primarily at the musculo-skeletal system and are known to have myriad toxic side effects, including causing serious heart and kidney complications. They are sometimes abused by athletes and bodybuilders who want to build muscle mass. A few of the synthetic testosterone drugs that men should avoid using on a long-term basis are methyltestosterone, danazol, oxandrolone, testosterone propionate, cyclopentanepropionate, and enanthate.
Testosterone patches, creams, pellets and tablets. Scientists learned decades ago how to make the identical testosterone that a man’s body produces. However, because natural testosterone could not be patented, drug companies developed all kinds of synthetic testosterone analogues. Currently available recommended natural testosterone drugs include testosterone transdermal patches and testosterone creams, pellets, and sublingual tablets.
Both synthetic testosterone and natural testosterone require a prescription. A physician should prescribe testosterone only after a man’s blood tests have verified that he has a testosterone deficiency.
Alternative physicians usually prescribe testosterone creams (available at compounding pharmacies). Conventional physicians are more likely to prescribe testosterone patches. All forms of natural testosterone are the same and all will markedly increase free testosterone in the blood and saliva.
Uncategorized | 14.07.2008 19:14 | Comments Off
If a man chooses to pursue hormone testing with the intention of using testosterone supplementation (available orally or as an injection, implant, or skin patch), he should keep several facts and precautions in mind (Rhoden EL et al 2004; Schaeffer EM et al 2004):
* The patterns and trends over time of multiple hormone levels (such as free testosterone, total testosterone, and estrogen) determine the specific hormone replacements required.
* It is not safe to use large amounts of testosterone in any form.
* Hormone replacement should not be initiated without comprehensive testing.
* Because of the risk of worsening prostate cancer, careful screening for prostate cancer, including a digital rectal examination and prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, must be done before starting any hormone replacement program.
* Certain conditions are contraindications to hormone replacement (Ebert T et al 2005). Prostate cancer, in particular, can be made worse by increasing available testosterone.
* A man who is contemplating taking hormone replacement, whether through a prescription or through supplements, should work closely with a qualified physician to plan a rationale approach to treatment and continued monitoring and screening.
Uncategorized | 14.07.2008 19:12 | Comments Off