Testosterone
version 24.3 NEW Info BLACK

Terms you should be aware of for this discussion:

ADT - Androgen deprivation therapy

BPH - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)

LH - Luteinizing hormone

PSA - prostate-specific antigen (blood test)

TRT - Testosterone Replacement Therapy
RCT - Randomized Controlled Trials
RDA - Recommended Daily Allowances
IU - International Units
HPA - The Health Products Association of Southern Africa

This is my story...

At the age of 55, I must admit - we (as a family) did not grow up with the word testosterone. Neither was it ever a discussion at the Sunday braai - or with our GP. However, in the past 20 years - and especially the past five - it has become a buzz word worldwide, and South Africa as well. Apart from Creatine, it is THE word with gym goers and body builders.

I am neither. So how and why should I care about testosterone? Since opening Adult Pharma, I made it my mission to find out - and delving into Big Pharma and general and sexual health has become my passion. The body is extraordinary! I buy books for research, but also dedicate two hours per day allocated to watching YouTube videos and summarizing important information on 13 dedicated topics we chose to investigate. But first, a summary of the history of testosterone.

Summary

Charles Brenton Huggins, a Canadian-American surgeon and physiologist, won the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work on prostate function and cancer. In 1941, he published a study linking testosterone to prostate cancer, suggesting that reducing androgen activity, through methods like orchiectomy or estrogen treatment, could shrink tumors in men with metastatic prostate cancer. This research significantly influenced cancer treatment for decades.
The TRAVERSE trial, conducted with 5,000 men over 33 months, investigated the cardiovascular risks of testosterone therapy. Although previous studies showed mixed results, the trial focused on potential links to heart attacks and strokes among men using testosterone.

Testosterone, found in all vertebrate species, circulates in the bloodstream through sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), albumin, and free testosterone. Guidelines from the International Society of Andrology suggest that men with free testosterone below 180 pmol/L may have hypogonadism and benefit from supplementation, while values above 250 pmol/L are normal.

Testosterone, essential for male growth and characteristics, decreases naturally with age. Experts like Andrew Huberman, Eric Berg, and Dr. Rena Malik offer insights into testosterone's role in health, focusing on sexual wellbeing and related treatments.

The Ultimate Guide to Testosterone, explained by the #1 Urologist Treating Low T

Charles Brenton Huggins (September 22, 1901 – January 12, 1997) was a Canadian-American surgeon and physiologist (who later went on to win a Nobel prize) known for his work on prostate function, prostate cancer and breast cancer published a study in 1941 that increases in Testosterone causes prostate cancer. That set the tone for nearly forty years. The truth of these papers are actually the following: "that counteracting androgen activity by orchiectomy (surgical removal of the testicles) or estrogen treatment shrunk tumors in many men with metastatic prostate cancer." Not exactly the same thing!

The TRAVERSE trial (5,000 men for 33 months) was an FDA-mandated trial to analyze the risk for myocardial infarction and stroke among men using testosterone therapy. The presenters said the trial followed concerns over an increased risk for CV events among men using testosterone in the early 2010s. Steven E. Nissen, MD, study chair of the TRAVERSE trial, chief academic officer of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and the Lewis and Patricia Dickey Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, said previous studies found mixed results as to whether testosterone therapy increases CV risk among men with hypogonadism.

Why is testosterone so controversial? You will find testosterone in EVERY vertebrae species. Anything with a backbone. Testoterone circulates in your bloodstream in three ways: a) Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), b) Albumin, and c) Free testosterone.

The following guidelines have been recommended by the International Society of Andrology:

In men free testosterone below 180pmol/L indicate hypogonadism and testosterone supplementation may be appropriate after exclusion of alternative causes. Free testosterone above 250pmol/L is commonly regarded as normal. Free testosterone values between 180 and250pmol/L may provide supportive evidence for treatment dependent on clinical symptoms.

We follow five doctors (and counting) on Social Media to keep informed about the latest news on (Testosterone) health (including sexual), wellbeing and longevity:

Andrew David Huberman (6,62 million subscribers YouTube) is an American neuroscientist and podcaster. He is an associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Since 2021, he has hosted the popular health and science focused Huberman Lab podcast.

Eric Berg, DC, 51 years (13,1 million subscribers YouTube) of age is a chiropractor who specializes in weight loss through nutritional and natural methods. His private practice is located in Alexandria, Virginia. The Knowledge Doc

Dr. Rena Malik, M.D. a Urologist & Pelvic Surgeon. On my channel (2,25 million subscribers YouTube) I post weekly videos with education about urologic, sexual, bladder health and more!

Dr. Robert Lustig, emeritus Professor of Pediatrics in the division of Endocrinology and member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at U.C. San Francisco.

Dr. Sten Ekberg, This is a Health Channel that focuses on all aspects of Natural Health and Wellness featuring Olympic decathlete and holistic doctor, Dr. Sten Ekberg (4,86 million subscribers YouTube) with Wellness For Life. Learn to master holistic health, stay healthy naturally, live longer and have quality of life by learning how the body really works.

Why is Testosterone important?

Date tested: 19 September 2024

Score: 308pmol/L

I started using Virekta Testboost on 20 September 2024 with a FREE Testosterone score of 308 (see Lancet below). When measured again at Lancet Laboroties at 18 February 2025 - my score went up to 436. That is a whopping 42% increase.

Supplement: Virekta Testoboost as from 20 September 2024 for 120 (hundred-and-twenty) days.

Recommended dosage and instructions for use:

Take 3 (three) capsules a day.

Contains: Bulbine Natalensis (Ibhucu. Rooiwortel) 450g

Virekta Testoboost

Bulbine latifolia (L.f.) Spreng. broad-leaved bulbine (Eng.); rooiwortel, geelkopieva (Afr.); incelwane (isiXhosa), ibhucu (isiZulu)

New Test Date: 18 February 2025

New Score: 436pmol/L

42% ↑

As from today, 22 February 2025, I will start using Genologix Fadogia Agrestis and Tongat Ali for four months, go back to Lancet Laboraties in June 2025 and post results.

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced primarily in the testicles for men and the ovaries and adrenal glands for women. This hormone is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. For women, testosterone comes in much smaller amounts. Testosterone production increases about 30 times more during adolescence and early adulthood. After early adulthood, it’s natural for levels to drop slightly each year. Your body may see a one percent decline after you’re 30 years old.