Q & A’s by Dr. Rick Cohen

Dr. Cohen, could you please tell me why if low :: testosterone :: is such a pervasive male problem, why is it so frequently overlooked?

The widespread popularity of Viagra attests to the fact that sexual dysfunction is occurring in epidemic proportions among men. Testosterone-based interventions are rarely used to address these symptoms, however, as standard laboratory testing procedures have failed to pinpoint low testosterone as the underlying problem. Typically, these tests provide only for the evaluation of total testosterone levels. While a man’s total testosterone levels remain relatively stable over time, his bio-available levels gradually decline at an alarming rate of two percent each year beginning at age thirty. This means that most men in their sixties are functioning with only about forty percent of the testosterone they had in their twenties. In addition to promoting the onset of male sexual dysfunction, low levels of bio-available testosterone can result in fatigue, depression, insomnia, poor muscle tone, low motivation and high cholesterol.

Dr. Cohen, could you please tell me what are the most common benefits of using prohormones?

Benefits often include increased muscle size and strength, quicker muscle recovery, better energy and reduced joint pain; a heightened sense of well-being and a stronger libido.

Could you please tell me what is the difference between Testosterone and Nortestosterone?

Testosterone is the most important hormone in the male body as it plays a key role in determining energy, mood, libido, muscular and sexual development. Testosterone is converted into estrogen and DHT as part of the natural metabolic process. The production of these two hormone by-products can sometimes cause side effects (such as hair-loss or prostate enlargement) in men who are sensitive to them. While the range of benefits of Nortestosterone are somewhat more limited than those of testosterone, this hormone does not convert to DHT or estrogen and is therefore a better option for androgen-sensitive men. Nortestosterone is also a better choice for men who specifically seek the anabolic effects of testosterone such as increased muscle size, strength, and more rapid recovery from training and injury.

Dr. Cohen, you mentioned that it was important for men to have adequate levels of testosterone, but could you please tell me why is it important to avoid high levels of estrogen?

Widely-recognized as a female hormone, most men are surprised to learn that estrogen is also found in their bodies. Male estrogen is produced in very small amounts as a by-product of the testosterone conversion process. While normal levels of estrogen encourage a healthy libido and better brain function, high estrogen levels can lead to the suppression and reduced activity of testosterone. The end results can include increased body fat, enlarged prostate and a higher incidence of heart disease.

Please tell me what is DHEA? What does DHEA do and would it be beneficial to take DHEA? Could DHEA levels be raised by taking Andro prohormones?

:: DHEA :: is the most abundant hormone found in the human body. It is essential for healthy, hormone production. Like testosterone, DHEA levels significantly decline over time and in response to chronic stress. DHEA restoration has been linked to improvements in energy, memory, mood, immune function and age-related disorders.

What are the benefits of progesterone? Is a progesterone topically cream beneficial?

Another widely-recognized female hormone, progesterone plays an important role in men promoting the formation of the stress hormones, DHEA and cortisol. Laboratory studies and clinical evidence show that progesterone plays an important role in buffering the hormonal effects of high estrogen and protecting the prostate gland. Progesterone levels decline with age and as a result of stress.