Health&Wellness Magazine December 2015 | Page 10

10 & December 2015 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | Testosterone Replacement: Quality or Quackery? Be sure to consider all the risks and benefits By Charles Sebastian, Staff Writer It hasn’t been that long ago that testosterone replacement therapy was all the rage. It appeared to be another piece in an endless line of “fountain of youth” products and services, offered by people looking to line their pockets. Testosterone replacement therapy has been marketed to the hilt to men over age 30 over the past 20 years. Entities selling testosterone supplementation for “low-T” have claimed replacing the hormones decreased bigbluecrossfit.com | bigbluepilates.com the risk of heart problems and strokes in aging men. The Journal of the American Medical Association, in its November 2013, issue claimed some older men on testosterone could face higher cardiac risks. Since that time, other studies have suggested similar dangers, cueing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a slew of warnings to doctors prescribing testosterone and the patients receiving it. Chiropractic Pain and Injury Center Pain relief now! Health for a lifetime. HIT YOUR GOALS WITH US. Chiropractic Care, Nutritional Counseling, Corrective Exercise and Spinal Posture Screenings ON YOUR FIRST PURCHASE Dr. Rob Kennedy B.S., D.C. 859-275-1962 340 Legion Rd., Suite #2 Lexington, KY 40504 SAVE 15% CALL TODAY 859.537.8032 Mention this ad for offer. www.cpiclexington.net The hormone can be administered in a number of ways. In gel form, Androgel and Testim are the most common products. These come in packets and are applied topically. The testosterone stick is used much like deodorant. Striant is taken orally and absorbed through the tissues of the mouth. The transdermal skin patch, Androderm, can be worn throughout the day like a nicotine patch. Injections, pills and all other Like us @healthykentucky forms of hormone replacement have possible side effects, including blood clots, prostate issues (includ [