View this email in your browser (*|ARCHIVE|*)
Logo
Hi!
The relationship between testosterone and heart health has been widely misunderstood. For decades, there was concern that testosterone increased cardiovascular risk, but recent research tells a more nuanced story—one that has significant implications for both men and women.
Optimal testosterone levels appear to:
* Support healthy blood vessel function
* Maintain lean body mass (which improves metabolic health)
* Help regulate inflammation
* Support healthy blood sugar metabolism
* Contribute to emotional wellbeing (reducing stress impacts on the heart)
For men, testosterone levels naturally decline with age—approximately 1% per year after age 30. This decline correlates with increased cardiovascular risk, with research showing that men with lower testosterone have:
* Higher rates of coronary artery disease
* Increased arterial stiffness
* Greater risk of metabolic syndrome
* Higher all-cause mortality
For women, testosterone is present in smaller amounts but plays crucial roles in:
* Energy and vitality
* Maintenance of muscle mass
* Cognitive function
* Sexual health
* Cardiovascular protection
However, the key word is “optimal.” Both insufficient and excessive testosterone can create cardiovascular risks. This explains the conflicting research and highlights why personalized assessment is essential.
Signs of potential testosterone imbalance affecting heart health:
* Declining energy and stamina
* Changes in body composition despite consistent habits
* Mood changes including new anxiety or depression
* Decreased mental sharpness
* Sleep disruptions
For men concerned about testosterone’s effects on heart health, consider these evidence-based approaches:
1. Request comprehensive hormone testing beyond just total testosterone (including free testosterone, SHBG, and estradiol)
2. Prioritize sleep, which is when most testosterone production occurs
3. Focus on strength training, which naturally supports healthy testosterone levels
4. Minimize alcohol consumption, which can lower testosterone and increase estrogen
5. Ensure adequate zinc and vitamin D, which are essential for testosterone production
For women, testosterone imbalance often manifests differently:
1. Excess testosterone (as in PCOS) requires different approaches than deficiency
2. Complete hormone panels should include testosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione
3. Both excess and insufficient testosterone can affect heart health through different mechanisms
In functional medicine, we measure not just total testosterone but also free testosterone, SHBG, and metabolites to create a complete picture of how this important hormone is affecting your heart health.
Next week, we’ll explore how thyroid function impacts cardiovascular wellness.
You are invited to join Perks of Wellness
In person, Quantum Surfing: An Energetic group session. Come get energy work done is a group setting, by donation. Wednesday, February 11th at 6:30pm. You can sign up by responding to this email or calling the office. See our Meetup group or go to Perksofwellness.com for more information.
Ask the Doc, a virtual Q&A for 30 minutes. Each month come and ask your questions are a particular topic, join the free conversation. This month we will be looking at heart & hormone health on, Tuesday, February 17th at 6:30pm. The Meetup will be online, the Google Meet link will be emailed the day of to anyone who RSVPed. RSVP in the Meetup group or responding to this email.
Heart & Hormone Health: The Overlooked Connection on Tuesday, February 24th at 6:30pm. The Meetup will be online, the Google Meet link will be emailed the day of to anyone who RSVPed. RSVP in the Meetup group or responding to this email.
🌐 **Join Our Community:** I’m also excited to announce the launch of our new virtual Meetup group, Perks of Functional Medicine. This group is dedicated to exploring the world of functional medicine and getting to the root causes of your health issues. Whether you’re a seasoned health enthusiast or just starting your journey to wellness, there is something here for everyone. Join us for informative discussions, workshops, and events that will empower you to take control of your well-being and live your best life.
Meetup Group (https://www.meetup.com/perks-of-functional-medicine/)
P.S. If you found this tip helpful, keep an eye on your inbox. I’ll be sharing more valuable insights to help you take control of your health each week.
Be Good to Yourself,
Dr. Brian Perks DC, MPH
Perks of Wellness
2333 First Avenue #105
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-0345
drperks@perksofwellness.com
https://www.facebook.com/PerksofWellness
Perks of Wellness (https://healthrestorecenters.com/california/)
https://facebook.com/PerksofWellness
Facebook (https://facebook.com/PerksofWellness)
Logo
Copyright (C) *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*. All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|**|LIST:DESCRIPTION|**|END:IF|*
Our mailing address is:
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|**|LIST_ADDRESS|**|END:IF|*
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences (*|UPDATE_PROFILE|*) or unsubscribe (*|UNSUB|*)
http://eepurl.com/iXVGp-