Low testosterone = abdominal fat gain
Low testosterone = abdominal fat gain
As it turns out, there is a scientific explanation for the tendency toward abdominal obesity among middle-aged men. As men age, their levels of free testosterone decline, and levels of estrogen and insulin increase. This is partly because aging men convert much of their testosterone into estradiol, a form of estrogen. Of the remaining testosterone, much is bound to sex hormone–binding globulin, a protein in the blood, and is not biologically active. Studies have shown that men with low free testosterone have higher rates of coronary artery disease, mental depression, and dementia (Tan et al 2004).
The idea behind testosterone replacement therapy is to restore the level of free testosterone to that of a healthy 25-year-old to counteract the effects of increased estrogen. Studies have shown that fat cells, particularly abdominal fat cells, convert testosterone to estradiol (Schneider et al 1979; Kley et al 1980; Killinger et al 1987; Khaw et al 1992). The more belly fat a man accumulates, the greater the conversion of his testosterone into estradiol. As long as free testosterone is low and the ratio of estrogen to insulin is high, most aging men will store fat around their belly (Abate 2002).
Clinical studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy can provide a variety of benefits.
In one study of 86 men aged 50 to 70, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure markedly decreased after 60 days of testosterone therapy (Li et al 2002).
Another testosterone-replacement study in middle-aged obese men showed improved waist-to-hip ratio along with a decrease in plasma insulin and an increase in glucose disposal, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity (Marin et al 1992).
In another trial, abdominally obese middle-aged men showed improved glucose control, decreased abdominal body fat, and improved sexual function after testosterone therapy (Boyanov et al 2003).
Testosterone, Total
This test is used to evaluate gonadal and adrenal function. It is helpful in diagnosing hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, Klinefelter’s syndrome, and impotence in men and hirsutism, anovulation, amenorrhea, and virilism in women.
Reference Range:
Men: 241–827 ng/dL
Life Extension's Optimal Range
500–827 ng/dL
Women: 14–76 ng/dL
As it turns out, there is a scientific explanation for the tendency toward abdominal obesity among middle-aged men. As men age, their levels of free testosterone decline, and levels of estrogen and insulin increase. This is partly because aging men convert much of their testosterone into estradiol, a form of estrogen. Of the remaining testosterone, much is bound to sex hormone–binding globulin, a protein in the blood, and is not biologically active. Studies have shown that men with low free testosterone have higher rates of coronary artery disease, mental depression, and dementia (Tan et al 2004).
The idea behind testosterone replacement therapy is to restore the level of free testosterone to that of a healthy 25-year-old to counteract the effects of increased estrogen. Studies have shown that fat cells, particularly abdominal fat cells, convert testosterone to estradiol (Schneider et al 1979; Kley et al 1980; Killinger et al 1987; Khaw et al 1992). The more belly fat a man accumulates, the greater the conversion of his testosterone into estradiol. As long as free testosterone is low and the ratio of estrogen to insulin is high, most aging men will store fat around their belly (Abate 2002).
Clinical studies have shown that testosterone replacement therapy can provide a variety of benefits.
In one study of 86 men aged 50 to 70, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure markedly decreased after 60 days of testosterone therapy (Li et al 2002).
Another testosterone-replacement study in middle-aged obese men showed improved waist-to-hip ratio along with a decrease in plasma insulin and an increase in glucose disposal, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity (Marin et al 1992).
In another trial, abdominally obese middle-aged men showed improved glucose control, decreased abdominal body fat, and improved sexual function after testosterone therapy (Boyanov et al 2003).
Testosterone, Total
This test is used to evaluate gonadal and adrenal function. It is helpful in diagnosing hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, Klinefelter’s syndrome, and impotence in men and hirsutism, anovulation, amenorrhea, and virilism in women.
Reference Range:
Men: 241–827 ng/dL
Life Extension's Optimal Range
500–827 ng/dL
Women: 14–76 ng/dL
posted by fatman2ironman at
12:27 PM
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