Consequences of Testosterone Deficiency?

In article #1, I suggested that the average individual suffering from Testosterone Deficiency may not even be aware that he has low T. He may simply have an assortment of signs and symptoms that make his life “different” from what it was when he was “at his best!” But when we use the word “suffering” he may in fact be suffering. He may have loss of strength, relationship issues, mid-life crises for example, in the process of divorce, questioning himself, his masculinity, drinking too much or using illicit drugs. He may also be moving toward major health issues and poor job performance.

What Are Normal Testosterone Ranges?

There are no clear established norms when it comes to testosterone. The closest to an agreed upon set of normal values is:

• Between 270-1070 ng/dL with an average level of 679 ng/dL.
• Normal male’s testosterone level peaks at about age 20-25, and then it slowly declines about 1% per year thereafter.
• Some researchers suggest that the healthiest men have testosterone levels between 400-600 ng/dL, and those who live the longest between 700 mg/dL and 800 ng/dL.
• The American Urological Association suggests that clinicians should use a total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL as a reasonable cut-off in support of the diagnosis of low testosterone. However, patients who are symptomatic at 300 can move that bar down to as low as 250 ng/dL.
• The Endocrine Society has published that the harmonized normal range for testosterone in a non-obese population of European and American Men, 19-39 years, is 264-916 ng/dL.

Health Effects of Low-Testosterone

Beyond the minor symptoms that many young or middle age men experience, testosterone deficiency syndrome can also contribute to the onset of or worsening of various diseases: “Increased risk of cardiovascular disease; Increased risk of death from a cardiovascular event; Increased risk of metabolic syndrome: high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess belly fat and abnormal cholesterol levels; Strong association with diabetes; Strong association with atherosclerotic disease of the aorta; Higher incidence of prostate cancer; Association with more aggressive variants of cancer.” These issues arise seemingly from nowhere and change his life dramatically. By treating the hormone deficiency we can prevent many of these conditions from occurring.

Facts About TRT Relating to Fire Fighters

• Over the past 10 years testosterone use (TRT), has increased markedly amongst Fire Fighters, with some major metropolitan fire departments reporting 25% of employees using TRT.
•  In population-based studies, the prevalence of testosterone deficiency in men 47-60 years of age ranges from 2.1% to 12.8%. The definition of testosterone deficiency varies considerably.
• The prevalence of testosterone deficiency in obese men varies from 35.6% to 78.8%, depending on practitioners’ definition of obesity. Treating Low T requires treating obesity at the same time.
• The occurrence of testosterone deficiency with associated metabolic syndrome ranges from 30% to 35%.

The IAFF Article Represents Fire Fighter Career Progression As Follows:

Clearly this is not so different from what we see in the general population. Notice, the similarity of the pattern between men and women as well.

Is Obesity The Reason Why So Many Fire Fighters and People in the General Population Have Low-T?

According to the authors of the IAFF presentation Becker, Margarin, and Kuehl, obesity and metabolic syndrome are both common and significant problems within the fire service. This gives the impression that obesity is a primary cause of Low-T or that Low-T is associated with obesity. There are however many causes for low T and they are much broader than just obesity and metabolic syndrome. No one is entirely sure of whether there is just one primary problem or numerous primary and secondary causes for Low-T effecting Fire Fighters and within the general population. Conditions which are often recognized to play a role are:

• Persistent sleep disturbances and/or deprivation
• The normal aging process
• Marijuana use
• Opioid use
• Alcohol use
• Heroin use
• Prescription drugs
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet, excessive junk foods
• Starvation type weight loss diets

Men, Click here for a Testosterone Replacement Therapy Presentation

Women, Click here for a Hormone Replacement Therapy Presentation

Original IAFF PowerPoint Presentation, Click here