Tongkat Ali: The Safe and Reliable Alternative to Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Dec 19, 2017
- 2 min read
Based on reports, 20% of men over 60 years old are deficient in testosterone. The number, however, substantially increases to more than 50% of all men over the age of 80.
For many physiological reasons, the declining levels of testosterone are actually natural occurrence. But their effects are not good for one's health. The results are the development of coronary disease and a lack of physical and emotional well-being.
In the attempts to restore male hormonal balance in patients, testosterone replacement therapy got many headlines in the past. However, estrogen is now gaining a lot of attention in the research scene.
Estrogen has long been a hormone that is associated with women, but have slowly garnered a reputation in it's role in maintaining men's health. For example, the increase in the mortality rate of men with chronic heart failure are related to both the high and low concentrations of estradiol. The subjects with the best survival rate resides in the middle quintile of estradiol concentrations.
This cements the importance of keeping the balance of estrogen in men as well.
Testosterone replacement therapy also appears to improve metabolism and endurance in patients with heart disease. It even helps lower depression in older men. No doubt, testosterone therapy improves men's health.
Let's now look at a few factors as to why testosterone level in men significantly drops with age
DHEA: This hormone can follow pathways that either yields testosterone or estrogen. Therefore, it plays an important role in determining levels of estrogen and testosterone. This hormone declines in older men, thus reducing their ability to produce testosterone.
Aromatase: Aromatase levels increases as men age, which result in the depletion of free testosterone and an increase in estrogen levels.
Obesity: Hyperinsulinemia suppresses the action of the luteinizing hormone (LH), which can reduce the production of testosterone. Increased belly fat mass has also been linked to increased aromatase levels, which precipitates a vicious cycle of abdominal fat exacerbating the increased aromatase activity. This cycle further reduces testosterone levels.
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): As men age, their levels of SHBG also increases, which lowers the bioavailability of testosterone circulating in the bloodstream. The increase of SHBG and aromatase levels results in a net increase n the estrogen to testosterone ratio, ultimately decreasing the total and free testosterone levels.
Liver: The liver also plays an important part in removing extra estrogen and SHBG. Therefore it is vital for aging men to maintain optimal liver function for hormonal balance.
Natural Alternative: Enter Tongkat Ali
Eurycoma longifolia, a medicinal plant commonly called Tongkat Ali, is a natural alternative to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. It helps restore serum testosterone levels. This includes significant positive effects on bone health and the overall physical condition of patients. In addition, it demonstrates a significant antihyperglycemic effect and cytotoxicity against prostate cancer.
So far, no obvious side effects have been reported with the use of Tongkat Ali in the treatment of decreased testosterone level, thus making it a safe and viable alternative to TRT. Tongkat Ali also enhances testosterone steroidogenesis in the Leydig cells by inhibiting aromatase conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
*Source: http://www.strengthsensei.com/men-hormone-replacement-therapy-testosterone-estrogen-balance/
Comments