Media Release
Implications
for women too, Doctor warns
Research
carried out in Germany has shown that neglect of testosterone deficiency in men
is leading to erectile dysfunction and then to irreversible impotence, where
remedies such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and the much publicised but unproven
nasal spray are ineffective in restoring erections.
The research, carried out by Professor Aksam Yassin, Department of Urology & Human Sexuality in Hamburg shows that over time there is a correlation between deprivation of adequate testosterone and changes to the tissue and smooth muscle of the penis.
These changes gradually diminish a man’s capability to gain and sustain an erection regardless of other factors. If treated early enough Professor Yassin found the changes can be reversed by testosterone replacement therapy. However, if the underlying hormonal deficiency is left unrecognised and untreated for several years then the damage becomes irreversible, the research concludes, and erection inducing drugs are no longer of any use.
Men’s health advocate, Linda Byart, says that Australian men are at special risk because of a climate here in Australia of misinformation, misunderstanding and purposefully negative political agendas which has led to an unrealistically conservative approach by the medical profession towards hormonal problems in men.
The result is not only the unnecessary destruction of sexual function in hundreds of thousands of men but also significant loss of mental, physical and emotional performance as well, with flow-on harm to families, businesses and the community in general, Linda Byart said today.
Men with erectile dysfunction, including those who are taking oral medications such as the clinically approved Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, need to be aware that this research confirms the need for an accurate assessment of their hormonal levels on a regular basis so that they do not end up as non responders and with irreversible damage at a micro-cellular level, he said.
This also applies to the many men with erectile dysfunction who are being seduced into trying to regain their erectile power via a highly marketed but unvalidated nasal spray and who have been persuaded to sign up for long and expensive supply contracts.
The significance of low testosterone in erectile dysfunction has long been undervalued by some factions of the medical profession in Australia encouraging neglect of thorough hormonal investigations. Professor Yassin's research confirms that adequate testosterone is essential not only for sexual desire but for erections also.
However it is not just the sexual organs that need adequate testosterone to remain healthy, Ms Byart said today. Research already carried out* shows a link between low testosterone levels and Alzhiemer’s disease. Professor Yassin maintains that the degenerative process he has discovered at a cellular level is unlikely to be restricted to the penis alone and may well be occurring in the brain and throughout the body.
Diminished brain function which manifests as a ‘cloudiness” in the mind, difficulties with concentration and focus, memory loss and irritability are all recognised symptoms of possible inadequate testosterone levels.
Both men and women need sufficient testosterone for mind and body to be able to function effectively, Ms Byart said. Our western lifestyle, diet, stress and exposure to a myriad of chemical factors no win our environment are all antagonistic to the maintenance of stable and healthy levels of what can be truly regarded as the vitality agent for the whole body.
The cellular damage clearly shown in Dr Yassin’s photographs means that there needs to be a serious rethink in Australia in attitudes towards testosterone replacement, Ms Byart said.
“Politicaland personal agendas have to give way now to humanitarian concerns – not least because of our ageing population. As a nation we simply cannot afford to condemn thousands of men and women to an impotent and mentally diminished future.”
If prolonged testosterone deficiency causes degeneration at a cellular level then Australia needs to abandon its artificial, politically contrived, definition of what constitutes deficiency and come into line with international understanding that clinical symptoms must be included in the diagnostic process for it to be meaningful, he said.
Oestrogen hormone replacement for women had a bad press last year and this has further confused the issue, Ms Byart said. What has been overlooked by doctors for years is that women have three essential sex hormones and that hormonal balance has always been more important than replacement of oestrogen alone or oestrogen plus artificial pregestins .
Few
people realise that women have up to 1000 times more testosterone in their
bodies than oestrogen and what an important role it plays for women too.
This is especially of concern for women on the contraceptive pill, which is known to suppress natural testosterone levels. Many women have been on the contraceptive pill for years so the implications of Professor Yassin’s discoveries could be far reaching, Ms Byart said.
This is a wake up call that we ignore at our peril, she said.
A free information pack dealing with hormonal health is also available by calling (08) 9474 4262 or go to www.wellmen.com.au.
ends
Linda Byart mobile 0404 704 575 or via the Well Men Centre 08 9474 5638
*Alzheimer’s disease research refer Hogervost E, and Martins Ralph.
Click
here
for Site Map and list of contents: