Testosterone Replacement Can Reverse Metabolic Syndrome
The incidence of individuals who are obese or who suffer metabolic problems – such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – are becoming more prevalent. These many different illnesses often arise in conjunction with one another as a consequence of condition referred to as “metabolic syndrome”.
Metabolic Syndrome is also sometimes abbreviated as “MetS” or referred to as Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome (“MetS”) is a collection of problems that serve as risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. Men and women with “MetS” have an increased likelihood of having a heart attack and are five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including increased fasting blood glucose levels (diabetes/pre-diabetes), abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
What Causes Metabolic Syndrome
Numerous variables play a role in the development of Metabolic Syndrome. Earlier studies indicated that chronically elevated insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) are the underlying root cause of Metabolic Syndrome – and precede the development of additional symptoms such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hypertriglyceridemia (elevated bad cholesterol), and type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, lifestyle variables such as food choices and amount of physical activity may play a role in the development of Metabolic Syndrome. But, while research has shown that some genes are associated with obesity and Metabolic Syndrome, the frequency of Metabolic Syndrome suggests that heredity may only have a very minor role in the development of MetS.
However, recent research now indicates that hormone deficiency is at the heart of most cases of Metabolic Syndrome.
Metabolic Syndrome & Hormone Deficiency
According to two compelling clinical studies conducted by Bayer Schering Pharma, low testosterone in males is unambiguously linked with metabolic syndrome. The good news is that testosterone replacement therapy was shown to significantly decrease metabolic syndrome risk variables in these studies.
All of the males in the research exhibited at least three of the metabolic syndrome’s five risk factors: an increased waist circumference, low good cholesterol (HDL), raised bad cholesterol (triglycerides), high blood pressure (hypertension), and elevated blood sugar levels.
These males then received long-acting hormone treatment every three months, during which their cholesterol, waist circumference, and other measurements were taken.
It is worthy to note, however, the males in the research were not assigned to a specific diet or exercise regimen. This was done in order to guarantee that any benefits were entirely due to the hormone replacement therapy only.
The men in the study who received testosterone replacement therapy demonstrated a consistent improvement in all of the metabolic syndrome parameters and risk factors. including: (1.) “bad” cholesterol (LDL / triglycerides) was reduced by a third to a quarter; (2.) “good” cholesterol (HDL) increased; and (3.) body mass index decreased.
In fact, the men in the Metabolic Syndrome study who received testosterone replacement therapy lost their “pot bellies” and dropped three to four inches off of their waist – which is the equivalent of losing 2 or 3 pant sizes!
Men of All Ages Benefit from Hormone Replacement Therapy
Interestingly, metabolic syndrome risks were decreased by hormone therapy not just in older men, but across all age groups examined – from age 34 to 69. Put another way, the clinical investigations discovered that younger men had comparable significant improvements in their Metabolic Syndrome risk variables as older men.
Treating Metabolic Syndrome with Hormone Replacement Therapy
Metabolic Syndrome cannot be treated with a single drug, due to the fact that it is composed of the many symptoms and diseases listed above. A wide variety of medications may be given to address the different specific conditions and symptoms – such as high blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, etc. However, these pharmaceuticals still only treat the symptoms and do not address the underlying cause.
The better route is to address the underlying cause / risk factors of MetS – which can help alleviate or even reverse all of the diseases in the cluster known as Metabolic Syndrome. To do so, a three-pronged combination of exercise, dietary changes and hormone replacement therapy is the best approach
Exercise training has been proven to decrease the chance of death from the diseases associated with Metabolic Syndrome – and may also enhance other areas of mental and physical health such as insulin sensitivity and glucose management, blood pressure control, and cardiorespiratory capacity.
Metabolic Syndrome risk factors may also be addressed via dietary modifications, in both the kinds and the amount of food consumed. A diet low in unhealthy fats, processed foods, and sugars – and high in fiber, protein and plant-based foods – can improve blood glucose management, lower blood pressure and decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.
Finally, as the clinical research has shown, restoring a man’s testosterone levels via Hormone Replacement Therapy can substantially reduce or reverse the biggest risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Metabolic Syndrome
If you are suffering from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, obesity, excess belly fat, high cholesterol, and/or hypertension you may have (or be at risk for) Metabolic Syndrome. This is not something to be ignored or simply treated with drugs – since all of the diseases in the cluster of MetS are life-threating if allowed to progress.
Working with a physician who understands the causes and effects of hormone imbalance – including Metabolic Syndrome – is essential to ensuring appropriate treatment interventions that can help restore hormone balance.
If treated properly, individuals with Metabolic Syndrome can alleviate symptoms, reverse disease, avoid complications, and live long, healthy, and active lives. But proper diagnosis and treatment requires comprehensive care from hormone experts who understand hormone therapy on a deep level.
If you believe you may be suffering from Metabolic Syndrome, or another hormone imbalance, consult with your physician – or schedule an appointment with the providers at SottoPelle in the Phoenix, AZ area today. If you live outside of the greater Phoenix area, you can also find a physician in your area who is highly trained in hormone replacement using our Physician Finder HERE.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: (323) 986-5100
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.