The powerful male sex hormone testosterone directly and indirectly influences the fundamental components of male sexual function, including genital development, sex drive, ejaculation, penile sensitivity and erectile function.1-3 Recent animal experiments suggest that testosterone plays a direct role in erection mechanisms through its effect on nitric oxide synthase, a substance in the body which causes blood vessels to relax and dilate.4

Sexual drive is a critical component of healthy sexual function, and evidence suggests the degree of sexual interest corresponds with the amount of testosterone in the body, particularly in men with suboptimal amounts. A review of recent studies on testosterone therapy notes that testosterone boosts, in a dose-response fashion, both erectile function and sexual libido.5 Teenage males with higher levels of salivary testosterone show a four-fold increase in sexual activity compared to their peers.6

Testosterone replacement is among the most commonly used therapies for impotence in men. Some experts advise, however, that this approach is best utilized only after an initial assessment of bioavailable levels of testosterone to establish clinical need.7 Bioavailable testosterone refers to the "free" portion of the hormone unbound to carrier proteins which is able to act directly upon target tissues. The measurement of this free fraction of testosterone has "become standard practice in screening for hypogonadism."8

With advancing age, levels of bioavailable testosterone in men often plummet, corresponding to a marked decrease in sexual function. By the time a man reaches age 50, his bioavailable levels of testosterone may be only half their youthful levels.9 Significantly, testosterone loss has been shown to precede-not simply accompany--both a drop in sexual interest and frequency of erections.10 Experts on sexual dysfunction specifically advise that testosterone be measured in male patients with low sex drive and/or decreased testicular size.11

The Male Hormone Profile measures circadian activity of the free fraction of testosterone by analyzing 4 saliva samples collected at specific times over a 24-hour period.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

All lab tests can be done through the mail in the privacy of your own home, except blood tests, we send you to a lab to have your blood drawn for these. After you pay for the test we mail you the kit, the results take two weeks, the test results will be mailed to us and we will call you to go over the results, its that easy! All tests include the consultation for the report of findings.

References
1 Sternbach H. Age associated testosterone decline in men: clinical issues for psychiatry. Am J Psychiatr 1998;155(10):1310-1318.

2 Velazquez M, Bellabarba Arata G. Testosterone replacement therapy. Arch Androl 1998; 41:79-80.

3 Burris AS, Banks SM, Carter CS, Davidson JM, Sherin JS. A long-term prospective study of the physiologic and behavioral effects of hormone replacement therapy in untreated hypogonadal men. J Androl 1992;13(4):297-304.

4 Zvara P, Sioufi R, Schipper HM, Begin LR, Brock GB. Int J Impot Res 1995;7(4):209-219.

5 Tenover JL. Male hormone replacement therapy including "andropause." Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am 1998;27(4):969-987.

6 Halpern CT, Udry JR, Suchindran C. Monthly measures of salivary testosterone predict sexual activity in adolescent males. Arch Sex Behav 1998;278:445-465.

7 Morley JE, Kaiser FE. Sexual function with advancing age. Geriatr Med 1989; 73(6):1483-1495.

8 Govier FE, McClure RD, Kramer-Levien D. J Urol 1996;156(2 pt 1):405-8.

9 Morley JE, Kaiser FE, Sih R, Hajjar R, Perry III HM. Testosterone and frailty. Clin Geriatr Med 1997;13(4):685-695.

10 Skakkeback N, Bancroft J, Davidson DW, et. al. Androgen replacement with oral testosterone undecanoate in hypogoandal men: A double-blind controlled study. Clin Endocrinol 14:49-55.

11 O'Keefe M, Hunt DK. Med Clin North Am 1995;79(2):415-434.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealth institute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.