Cenegenics Complete Guide to Healthy Aging - (Page 19) Libido: Where Did It Go? Loss of sex drive is a by-product of diminishing hormone levels for menopausal men and women. Sexual stimulation and erection begin in the brain. Neuronal testosterone-receptor sites ignite a surge of biochemical events, involving nerves, blood vessels and muscles. Free testosterone promotes sexual desire and facilitates both sensation and performance. Waning testosterone levels clearly affect the quality of a man’s sex life. Reduced levels also contribute to a woman’s low libido, even though she has only % -0% the testosterone levels of her male counterpart. Bolstering free testosterone is not the simple solution we would wish—if excess estrogen competes for the same cellular receptors. Estrogen impacts testosterone’s effectiveness by encouraging the rise of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds free testosterone into a non-active testosterone, which can’t be picked up by testosterone receptors. As a result, testosterone cannot produce the desired libidoenhancing effects because it must be in a free form—with excess estrogen suppressed. (See Part III for more about this.) Studies also reveal hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism negatively impact testosterone metabolism. A thyroid hormone deficiency can contribute to hypogonadism and, consequently, affect sexual behavior and performance. The result is erectile dysfunction and/or premature and delayed ejaculation. Nearly twice as many women across the nation die of heart disease and stroke rather than cancer (including breast cancer). Heart disease is responsible for more than half the deaths of women over 0. The incidence increases in menopausal years, as a lowering estrogen level ups the risk. With diminished estrogen levels, LDL (bad cholesterol) appears to increase, while HDL (good cholesterol) decreases. Fat accumulates on artery walls after menopause begins. On the male side, diminished testosterone levels can contribute to the weakening of heart muscle. Testosterone is not only responsible for maintaining heart muscle protein synthesis, but promotes coronary artery dilation (good circulation) and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Perhaps that’s why an increasing number of studies reveal an association between high-normal testosterone and low cardiovascular disease rates in men. Naturally, other factors come into play. Smoking and heredity escalate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in both men and women. Prevention and knowledge are paramount to vitality and quality of life. Not recognizing or misinterpreting symptoms poses a serious threat with long-lasting consequences. Early recognition, lifestyle changes and hormone optimization—all key to the Cenegenics approach—have proven quite effective in reducing the incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease. It also should be noted (as with any hormone supplementation) that when you bolster free testosterone, monitoring levels periodically is important. Whether stimulating hormone or direct testosterone injection is used, you may be producing estrogen through aromatization: a process adding to the indigenous estrogen already present. The key is restoring a more youthful hormone balance. Our goal isn’t to replace hormones—but first stimulate the body to make hormones on its own, then complement hormones, when clinically indicated. Personalized hormone optimization programs at the Cenegenics® Medical Institute can revive male and female sexuality. It begins with an intensive evaluation and ends with you enjoying a vibrant life, an enhanced libido, more energy and improved health. Cardiovascular Disease: A Predator Men no longer corner the market on heart disease. Studies reveal it’s the number one killer of American women. In fact, about 0,000 more women have strokes than men and 0% of the stroke deaths are women. ii. th e u niversal tr uth : ag ing WWW.CENEGENICS.COM 9 II. the Universal truth: Aging http://WWW.CENEGENICS.COM
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