 |
| |||||||
|
| |||||||
Dr. Michael T. Murray
"This health screen can be used to monitor DHEA and testosterone levels. Proper levels can enhance your quality of life. MaleCheck can help get your body in balance"
Introduction
You should ALWAYS consult with a
healthcare provider concerning
the attached results and before taking ANY supplement.
This Educational Guide was written by Dr. Michael T. Murray, N.D., a renowned authority in the natural health field and author of over 20 books on health. Information and recommendations provided by Dr. Murray are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider or other medical professional. Only your healthcare provider should diagnose any health problems you may be experiencing and prescribe treatment as necessary.
BodyBalance, Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory, and/or Dr. Michael T. Murray are not responsible or liable for any effects or consequences that may come about as a result of the recommendations contained in this Educational Guide, or BodyBalance health screens. None of the aforementioned parties makes any guarantee, expressed or implied, towards the claims, benefits, or safety of the recommendations and information included in this Educational Guide.
Recommendations from Dr. Murray
Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are
two important hormones that exert many important functions
in men. A deficiency of either hormone can result in serious
consequences. Likewise, an excess of testosterone or DHEA is
also linked to serious disease as well. Clearly, maintaining
appropriate balance is critical to good health. MaleCheck is a
valuable tool in assessing this balance. It utilizes saliva to
measure these important hormones. Salivary measurements of
these hormones correlate to levels of free hormones in blood,
those directly available to the cells in the body.
Testosterone
The majority of
the testosterone in men is synthesized in the testes. In fact, it is
testosterone that is largely responsible for the distinguishing characteristics
of the masculine body. During fetal development, testosterone leads to the
development of the male sexual apparatus including the scrotum, penis, testes,
prostate gland, and seminal vesicles. Shortly after birth, testosterone levels
drop and remain quite low until puberty. After puberty, testosterone causes the
penis, scrotum, and testes to enlarge. In addition, testosterone leads to the
development of the so-called "secondary sexual characteristics" of men
including distribution of body hair, lower voice, thickness of the skin, and
increased muscular development.
Testosterone deficiency in men is characterized by decreased sperm count, decreased libido, impotence, fatigue, osteoporosis, and muscular atrophy. Testosterone excess is characterized by acne, increased virilization (increased body hair and other secondary sex characteristics of men), aggressive behavior, and is linked to prostate cancer.
DHEA
DHEA is a hormone
produced by the adrenal glands. The primary role of DHEA in the body is to act
as a precursor (building block) for all other steroid hormones in the human body
including testosterone, estrogen, and corticosteroids. Because DHEA levels tend
to decrease with aging, it has been presumed that raising DHEA through
supplementation may offer some protection against the effects of aging.
Over the last decade a number of studies have demonstrated that decreasing levels of DHEA are linked to such conditions as diabetes, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. In addition, DHEA supplementation helps in enhancing memory and improving mental function, increasing muscle strength and lean body mass, immune function, and in enhancing quality of life in aging men and women.1 While there are many reasons to be excited about DHEA therapy, too much DHEA is linked to prostate cancer (presumably as a result of increasing testosterone levels).
Interpretation and
Recommendations
MaleCheck is not
intended for use in men under the age of 20 years. If you have any questions
about the results of your test, please contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Low DHEA, Low Testosterone
If levels are well below the normal range, this pattern could represent
serious stress or disruption of the male hormonal system. In all but the most
severe cases, supplemental DHEA is of value in raising both DHEA and
testosterone levels. Start with a dosage of 15 to 25 mg daily if you are between
the ages of 40 and 50 years. If you are over 50, start with 25 to 50 mg. Repeat
MaleCheck in 60 days to determine if dosage levels are appropriate (see below).
Low DHEA, Normal Testosterone
DHEA supplementation is appropriate. Follow the recommendation above.
Low DHEA, High Testosterone
This pattern is rare. If you have this pattern, I do not recommend taking
DHEA as it may increase the testosterone level even further. If you desire all
of the positive benefits of DHEA minus any testosterone-increasing effect, there
is a new form of DHEA that may be helpful. It is known as 7-Keto-DHEA. This form
of DHEA may provide many of the beneficial effects of DHEA without raising
levels of testosterone.2-4
The recommended
dosage is 50 to 100 mg daily.
Normal DHEA, Low Testosterone
DHEA supplementation is appropriate. Follow the recommendations above. In
addition, male hormonal function, testosterone levels, and sperm counts are all
closely linked to nutritional status. Therefore, it is critical that men with
low testosterone levels have optimal nutritional intake. Avoid dietary sources
of. free radicals; saturated fats; hydrogenated oils; trans-fatty acids; and
cottonseed oil as these can interfere with hormonal action. Eat 8-10 servings of
vegetables; 2-4 servings of fresh fruits; 1/2 cup of raw nuts or seeds; and
increase consumption of legumes, especially soy, daily. Nutritional
supplementation is also important. Take a high potency multiple vitamin and
mineral formula at the very least.
Normal DHEA, Normal Testosterone
Low dosages of DHEA (e.g., less than 10 mg) can be used if desired. Be sure
to recheck levels in 60 days as you may be very sensitive to even low dosages of
DHEA raising testosterone levels.
Normal DHEA, High Testosterone
Do not supplement with DHEA. You can use 7-Keto-DHEA (see above) if desired.
High DHEA, High Testosterone
Do not supplement with DHEA. You can use 7-Keto-DHEA (see above) if desired.
High DHEA, Normal Testosterone
Do not supplement with DHEA. You can use 7-Keto-DHEA (see above) if desired.
High DHEA, Low Testosterone
Follow the dietary recommendations given above for Low DHEA, Low
Testosterone. Repeat MaleCheck in 90 days. If no change, see a healthcare
provider as it would signify a decreased ability to convert DHEA to
testosterone.
Using MaleCheck to
Monitor DHEA Dosage
One of the best uses of MaleCheck is as a tool to monitor dosage of DHEA
supplementation. I believe that DHEA can offer significant benefits when used
appropriately. One of the concerns that I have with DHEA (and melatonin) is that
so many people are using it unsupervised. DHEA is not like vitamin C or many
other nutrients that have virtually no toxicity. DHEA is a hormone with
relatively little information available on long-term safety. It is safe if used
appropriately, but it is a big gamble if abused.
When using DHEA, I recommend that people base the dosage on saliva levels of DHEA and testosterone. If saliva levels of either DHEA or testosterone creep over the high end of the normal range, I recommend reducing the dosage and rechecking in 60 days. If saliva levels of either DHEA or testosterone are low, increase the dosage of DHEA and recheck in 60 days. After finding the right dose, I recommend rechecking every 6 months.
Boosting DHEA and
Testosterone Levels with Ginseng
Although human clinical studies are lacking, Panax ginseng (Chinese or
Korean ginseng) may increase sperm formation and testosterone levels, and
increase sexual activity and mating behavior in studies in animals.5-7
I have had male patients with either low DHEA or testosterone levels experience
an increased in both DHEA and testosterone levels with Panax ginseng
supplementation.
The dosage of ginseng is related to the content of its active principles known as ginsenosides. For example, for a high quality ginseng root extract containing 5% ginsenosides, the dose would be 100 mg one to three times daily. As each individual's response to ginseng is unique, care must be taken to observe possible ginseng toxicity (irritability, nervousness, and insomnia are early manifestations). It is best to begin at lower doses and increase gradually. If signs of too much ginseng begin to manifest, simply reduce the dosage.
Glossary
Autoinumme disease--Diseases caused by or relating to T-cells or antibodies that attack the molecules, cells, or tissues of the organ that is producing them.
Corticosteroids--A steroid produced by the adreno cortex, serving a similar function as those body chemicals produced in the adrenal glands--important "stress" hormones, such as cortisol and DHEA.
Free Radicals--During the oxidation process, cells become unstable, leading to the presence of free radicals, causing great cellular damage; use of antioxidants, like beta-carotene, helps fight free radicals.
Hydrogenated Oils--Found in most processed foods, fast foods, margarine, shortening, etc. Similar to trans-fatty acids in its effects on the body. Both of these work to raise your levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and lower your levels of HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
Muscular atrophy--A wasting of muscle tissue. Your muscles, obviously, are very important to healthy living. Proper hormone levels, along with a healthy lifestyle, can help to prevent muscular atrophy.
Osteoporosis--A disease marked by the thinning of bone tissue which is caused by gradual bone loss over a long period of time. Osteoporosis produces brittle bones that may easily crack or collapse. Approximately, 1 out of every 2 women is at high risk for developing osteoporosis.
Seminal vesicles--A small bladder or sac which contains semen in men.
Toxicity--An excess amount of element or substance.
Transfatty acids--Found in most processed foods, fast foods, margarine, shortening, etc. Similar to hydrogenated oils in its effects on the body. Both of these work to raise your levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and lower your levels of HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
References:
|
|
* Same
day and next day shipments are normally the case with the exception of any
out-of-stock items.
** Lifetime
member discounts are subject to member
terms & conditions. Also, use of this site & products sales that
result from this site are subject to our company's
policies & disclaimers
