Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Is it all that’s it’s hyped up to be?
While testosterone can be taken by injection, by implant or transdermally (topical to skin, usually in the armpit), why do the purported benefits range so greatly for men using it? Because, it really does!
Through their physician, some men (roughly between 40 and 75) choose HRT or TRT to primarily increase libido or sex drive, but also to look and perform better, with more energy and overall vitality. However, both anecdote and science data suggests that for a fair percentage of T users, there’s less than a sterling response. Once more, the longer a man relies on exogenous testosterone replacement the less effective this hormone seems to benefit him (especially sexually). There also becomes (more or less), a lifelong dependence on the exogenous testosterone therapy.
Man is a Sensory Creature!
What man ‘senses’ often stimulates psycho-biological reactions that prepare the body to ‘manage’ that which is being sensed. By this I mean, when a man’s brain ‘senses’ it’s hot his body shifts fluids from organs, muscle and blood to the surface of the skin to cool himself off (i.e., perspiration). When the temperature drops, and that same man senses it’s cold, his muscles shiver to elevate body temperature from friction. Another example is a man who’s asleep under the rays (sunbathing in his back yard), jumps completely off his lawn chair when he ‘hears’ a firecracker, loud noise or car backfire. His brain immediately ‘senses’ danger. Essentially, his hypothalamus gland releases a chemical signal, to signal or alert his adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline. This reaction accelerates respiration and heart rate, both to supply more energy and oxygen (blood) to suddenly tensing muscles that have to either ‘fight or flight’; or jump off of lawn chairs, to ‘manage’ the eminent danger. This is one of man’s ‘caveman’ genes.
In regards to sexual performance, the brain works in a similar fashion. When man sees, smells, tastes, hears, touches, or is touched by ‘something sexy’, his brain ‘releases’ chemical signals aimed at enticing his sexual-reproductive organs to ‘manage the thing’ being sensed. Under brain-scan technology, known as positron-emission tomography (PET), a specific compartment in the brain illuminates during sex and orgasm; all while the five senses are (erotically) active. Interestingly, that same brain compartment, known as the ventral tegmental area, (VTA) also shows heightened activity during memory-related imagery and vision stimulation1; or when the sixth sense is active.
PET scan technology links all of the (obvious) five senses to the ‘brain / genital’ (big head/little head) connection but, more interestingly, to the often ignored or misunderstood, sixth sense. Man’s ‘sixth sense’ is summed as “his desire, erotic memories and fantasies, lust, and libido.”
In a healthy sexual context, the sheer ‘thought’ of sex ignites the same reactions that are triggered when a person is ‘physically’ engaged in sex as the genitals (gonads and penis) receive persuasive chemical messengers from the brain that stimulate sperm production, genital sensitivity and erections (to name a few reactions). It’s man’s genetic code, his original DNA programming, to be a pro-creative being. Removing religious and cultural connotations, this is man’s primary mission, other than eating, drinking, sleeping and generally seeking shelter.
Considering the mathematical success of the human race we started out with two people (or, at least as Genesis in the Bible may suggest), while today we’re at 7 billion. As God suggested we have been fruitful and have multiplied! By all accounts, man is very successful at fulfilling his genetic obligations which ‘Mother Nature’ made easy by rewarding him with extreme pleasure for just trying to ‘advance the species’.
“Everything man does is motivated by his passion to fulfill his sexual desires”
Dr. Sigmund Freud
“The Big Head or Little Head — Who’s Really in Charge?”
Many consider testosterone the king of all male hormones. However, there’s a new wave of sexual-health specialists who are rethinking a single-hormone approach to sexual enhancement. To them, several hormones need to be considered. In particular, the gonadotrophins; i.e., luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), both of which influence genital health and performance.
The gonadotrophins are produced through a close relationship between the hypothalamus and pituitary glands; that, coincidently, influence the VTA region. Upon an erotic ‘sensation’ from any one, or all of the six senses, the hypothalamus delivers gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRh) to the pituitary. When properly received, the pituitary responds by ‘releasing’ the gonadotrophins to the genitals that (ultimately) influences testicular sperm production and penile erection; to mention two. This sequence of events is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, or HPTA; some replace testicular with ‘gonadal’, for HPGA, relating to both sexes; female gonads are the ovaries.
One possible reason why some ‘disappointed guys’ no longer respond to their TRT can be blamed on HPTA down-regulation with concurrent declines in the gonadotrophins. Basically, the ‘regular’ operations for the hypothalamus and pituitary have slowed or shut ‘down’, while the testicles and penis are not receiving adequate hormonal (performance) fuel.
Confusingly, many of the men who are dissatisfied with the purported sex-boosting benefits of TRT actually register mid-normal to high-normal total testosterone blood levels, say 500-600 ‘units’. However, down-regulation typically occurs when the brain ‘senses’ the presence of exogenous testosterone. When a man becomes ‘de-sensitized’ in this manner there’s a “disconnect” between his brain and genitals, and when he ‘senses’ sex is about to occur he often complains, “It just isn’t happening”.
Another reasonable hypothesis is to get a better understanding of exactly what is considered “normal” testosterone blood levels. Let’s say a man measures ‘normal’ with a 300 ng/dl (nanogram per deciliter of blood) level of total testosterone, when 250 ng/dl — 750 ng/dl is regarded as a low-to-high “range of normal” by most physicians. However, consider that when this guy was a young whippersnapper of 21, his blood ‘T’ levels could have measured a normal of 700-1000 units. Many ‘undereducated’ examiners ignorantly inform their sexually challenged male patients, “Your testosterone levels are normal. Go home and get some rest, you’ll be perking up soon”.
However, it’s NOT this simple. These practitioners may have failed to consider this man’s ‘T’ levels are now measuring in at one-third the man he once was. Even this normal ‘T’ levels; especially those exogenously produced, are not providing satisfactory boosts in libido and erection capabilities, for way too many men.
Of course, it’s a lot more complicated than this.
Here are a few things to consider about HRT or TRT:
• Men should cycle on-and-off TRT to avoid HPTA shutdown and testicular suppression to intentionally (attempt to) reboot endogenous hormonal productions. Some rebooting techniques suggest a use of clomid, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and other (off-label, very expensive) prescription drugs that ‘trick’ the HTPA into returning to normal function2.
• Physicians must examine men with sexual performance challenges by also taking into account their lifestyle, diet, emotional, physical and financial conditions. Does this man smoke, drink alcohol or use varying medications or drugs? Is he over-caffeinated or over-stimulated? Adrenal suppression depletes a significant portion of a man’s endogenous testosterone.
• Is the man a current or former anabolic steroid user? Date shows that chronic (more than 2-5 years of steady steroid use) can permanently damage the HPTA.
• Work and emotion are so critical. Many men are physically capable of having sex but are in ‘fear of failing’ and experiencing performance anxiety. All it takes is a couple failed (sexual) experiences, (or some condescending remark from an inconsiderate mate), and men will ‘shrivel’ up and encounter the ‘turtle effect’3.
• Is the man financially stable? A man might be able to procreate, per se, but if he’s not capable of supporting his family (or himself) he may feel he is not fulfilling his other two genetic obligations that money provides; (i.e., eating and shelter)! Financially challenged men, especially at the age range from 35-65, often suffer excessive levels of stress that ‘rob them’ of much of their manhood.
• Is the man obtaining proper nourishment from healthy foods and certain supplements? Natural foods and herbs are traced back to the beginning of man, original hunters and gatherers, and who’ve kept man re-producing, and having a lot of sex, ever since. The biggest problem is a diet that is too low in essential fatty acids.
• Normal, even high-normal, blood ‘T’ levels (say 600-700) often fail to enhance many men’s sexual capabilities! You see, a single-hormone ‘sex-enhancing’ strategy may be instigating or exasperating a HPTA disturbance.
Let’s say this for sure. TRT has become BIG business. Once more, too many ill-informed prescribers are striving to propagate testosterone alone hormone to gain business and position themselves on the popular side of consumer demand. (It USED to be that growth hormone was wrongly touted as the single be-all and end-all hormone).
My conclusion to all of you is that TRT is “an infant” science. Doctors simply don’t have all the answers, yet. One thing you can be sure of, PLANET MUSCLE will continue to explore this emerging science and present it all to you!
REFERENCES:
1 The Orgasmic Mind: Martin Potter, Scientific American Mind, April/May 2008
2 Courtesy: Dr. Karlis Ullis, Santa Monica, CA
3 Courtesy: Dr. Joel Kaplan, American Board of Sexology, San Diego, CA
Written by John Abdo, ©, All Rights Reserved.
John Abdo is an Olympic Strength & Conditioning Coach, Master Fitness Trainer, co-formulator for Androzene® and author of the doctor-endorsed book Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™.
For more information please visit www.Androzene.com.
This article is NOT construed as medical advice. Always seek the help of a qualified medical authority.
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Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™
From: Ron
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009
To: John Abdo <john@johnabdo.com>
Subject: Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™
Hi John,
I have read about a third of the book so far…GOOD STUFF! Exactly what I wanted to understand. This will be a big hit. There are sooo many guys out there that just don’t know. Also I was even surprised to read about the soy product affects. Hmm. I use soy milk with my bran flakes every day…… No dairy at all!
I’ll keep in touch.
Thanks
Ron
—– Forwarded Message
From: John Abdo
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009
To: ron
Subject: Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™
Hello Ron:
The soy might not hurt you all that much, but given the reason why you’re reading my book, it would be wise to (at least) cut down a bit, and especially get the lowest fat versions you can find. Men also need estrogen but the growers and distributors of soy have done a terrific job at marketing this product and, in my opinion, it’s over rated but, nonetheless, is a healthy natural food. You might want to try Lactose Free NonFat Milk, or brand name Lactaid, much better if your stomach tolerates it.
Little adjustments like these can help to re-set your entire metabolism.
Keep in touch. Good luck to your greater half as well!
John Abdo
Creator, Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™
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From: ron
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2009
To: John Abdo <john@johnabdo.com>
Subject: Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™
Hi John,
Well said…. and my next purchase will be lactaid.
In further reading today…I have book marked pages 100- 103. Testosterone…
Very interesting…wow! The average “Joe” out there really do not have a clue about this!
As I look back on my years…. In school I was really never into sports, running, lifting, etc.. Music and arts were more interesting to me. Even though I tried sports…and quite clumsy at best…just wasn’t for me. I felt bad about that ….cause my 2 older brothers (9 – 10 years my senior) were both star athlets in High School.
Could it be that levels of testosterone are less even at that early age? I will check with my Dr and the exam results from my December 22nd checkup.
Thanks
Ron
From: John Abdo
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2009
To: Ron
Subject: Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™
Hey Ron:
Choosing music and arts over sports doesn’t necessarily mean lower testosterone, just preference, ambitions and, as a kid, peer influence. Let me challenge you to ask your doctor some questions you never asked him before, now fully loaded with the information from the book. This will help you because it helps the doctor, a two-way street, and the better you communicate with him then better, and more expedient, he can treat you.
Think Up!
John
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From: Joel
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009
To: John Abdo
Subject: Re: Ultimate Sexual Health Newsletter-Hormonal Fuel Tank
Getting into the book, so far so good. Do you suggest I get a blood test (Hormonal Fuel Tank)?
I actually made love to my wife. I assumed I would be stronger since it had been a week, it was not. Took a while. I am not willing to tolerate it. I have changed some of the things I eat already.
Just want to thank you again,
Joel
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From: John Abdo
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009
To: Joel
Subject: Re: Ultimate Sexual Health Newsletter-Hormonal Fuel Tank
Hi Joell:
Getting a blood exam is always a wise thing to do, and will help steer you in the right direction. Utilize the discounts I’ve been able to secure with the Life Extension Foundation (see below), just give them a call and they can inform you how to proceed.
The Life Extension Foundation
http://www.lef.org/ja
888-463-0309
Give everything a little more time, but be confident that changes are definitely being made on a cellular level, and will ultimately manifest in other areas in your body. Keep notes, and send me another email soon. You deserve to be the absolute best you can be.
John Abdo
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Men-In-Pause™
Men-In-Pause
Why are millions of men slowing down while millions of others are stuck in “pause” mode?
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ANDROPAUSE is one of the newer names listed in medical dictionaries that, unfortunately, is also quickly becoming a household name. Andropause is synonymous with hypogonadism and impotence, best known for its 2-letter acronym, ED (i.e., erectile dysfunction). Andropause is a devastating and embarrassing condition that’s effecting millions of men through a down-regulation of natural sexual capabilities.
Similar to menopause in women, andropause, in general, is the weakening of a mans’ testicles, or gonads, with concurrent diminishing ability to produce testosterone and sperm. This is not a penis-only condition as it effects the entire male endocrine [or hormonal] system. Andropause relentlessly decreases the quality of a man’s life often times exerting negative consequences to their families, relationships and businesses.
The combination of two words, “andro” refers to androgen which is specific to the male hormonal or androgenic system. “Pause” is a stagnation or waning in hormonal health and genital functionality. Statistics reveal that over thirty million men in America and another 150 million-plus worldwide suffer varying degrees of andropause that manifest into a myriad of sexual disorders.
Undoubtedly reaching epidemic proportions, the bright side in all this is that there’s never been a better time in history to offer aid for those men who are slowing down or stuck in pause mode. Finally, we can say ‘Goodbye’ to the mannerisms of under-educated doctors from the past who would send our dads, uncles and granddads home with their tails between their legs. All this was after mustering up the courage to even bring up the topic in the first place. Can you imagine how powerfully nerve-racking that must of been? And to rub salt into the wound, many (most) doctors would respond by saying, “Go home Bob and get some rest. Your impotency is all in your (big) head!”.
Needless to say, men really don’t need a doctor to (officially) inform them that they’re having challenges “getting it up”; men already know that much. However, doctors are necessary to ascertain hormonal deficiencies while determining one’s overall health status both physically and psychologically. Based on all this data today’s men can easily implement strategic lifestyle modifications that boost and even “unpause” their andropause.
Suffice it to say, after decades of research into the fields of anti-aging sciences, human performance, sexuality and a countless list of others, I’m thrilled to have discovered a plethora of options for helping men restore normal sexual functionality. Viagra and its look-a-likes are modern day action-hero’s for sexually challenged men. These prescription-only drugs do have their places amongst the cornucopia of choices, but they’re synthetic, unnatural, and present an assortment of sickening side-effects, and they’re a penis-only Band-Aid that addresses the symptoms, or effects, all while ignoring the causes.
Some common causes for Andropause
- Smoking (#1 cause)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Stress and high blood pressure: hypertension
- Drugs (the list is too long to post here)
- Age-related hormone decline
- Poor eating habits
- Depression
- Alcohol (excessive use)
- Performance Anxiety: fear of failure and embarrassment
Here’s a few proven tips that will improve a man’s overall health and sexual vitality:
Admit it
It’s okay now to talk to your doctor about it. Move past all the machoism and disclose your sexual symptoms to a skilled sexual-health professional. Your big head must get squared away with this while you seek restitution of your sexual powers. Admitting any challenge or problem is the first step toward finding the solution. Even elite athletes confide in their coaches to correct weaknesses and flaws, while prudent businessmen seek wise counsel to convert struggling businesses into profitable enterprises.
Sexual Nourishment
It’s prudent to consume a higher percentage of healthy foods that support the trillions of cells in your body (and penis) with the nutrition that’s essential to function at full vitality. There’s a long list of natural supplements that reinforce our glands, hormones, and genital/reproductive anatomy, while correspondingly boosting sexual potency. It’s safer and far more potent to find a ‘formula’ that offers a mixture of numerous bio-active ingredients that circulates around the entire endocrine system than it is to rely on single ingredients. For instance, as a popular single-ingredient sex enhancer, many T-boosters are effective at boosting testosterone however they’re ineffective at preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT); an obvious imbalance. Plenty of published cases explain that men using T-Boosters, and other single-ingredient sex enhancers, experienced hair loss, enlargement of their prostate glands, acquired irreversible gynocomastia (breast-like fatty deposits around the nipples), and seeing acne pop up all over their bodies. A great formula is designed to balance your body holistically.
Working It Out
Less of artificial or mechanical means, the only way a penis can achieve an erection is through an upsurge in blood flow. Blood is the major biological component that expands and hardens the penis liken to pumping fluid into an empty balloon. Since blood is distributed throughout the body and into the penile tissues through our circulatory vessels men are encouraged to include periodic aerobic exercise into their weekly schedules. Aerobic exercise is proven to pump blood all over the body while concurrently increasing the diameter and strength of the blood vessels. Specific to erections this increases the quantities and frequencies of nutrient-filled blood that enters into the penis.
Anaerobic, or strength exercise is especially important for stimulating the secretion of healthy hormones like testosterone and human growth hormone. These hormones are naturally manufactured by the body and released through what is known as a catabolic-anabolic metabolism. On a microscopic level, anaerobic exercise literally tears apart muscle and nerve fibers. This tear-down is scientifically known as catabolism. The idea of tearing yourself apart with the objective to build yourself up is a freaky concept for many people. But once people, especially performance-driven athletes, understand why they need to intentionally induce catabolism on a regular basis they passionately strive to experience this breakdown on a frequent basis. Once the body enters into a catabolic state the body naturally switches into to a reparation-mode that heals, repairs and rebuilds damaged cells, this is called anabolism. This cycle of tear-down and build-up; better known as the metaphor “no-pain, no-gain”, is necessary for maintaining muscle and nerve integrity, and contributing to improvements in sexual functionality.
Typically, depending on age and fitness status, three to five exercise sessions per week of combined aerobic and anaerobic conditioning is sufficient for most guys to develop then sustain strong, lean, functional muscles and circulatory health. All exercise triggers the natural production of endogenous hormones in our body that contribute to sexual desire, erection firmness and duration, and orgasmic frequency.
Realistic Expectations
For decades now, anti-aging and longevity experts have been touting, with strong conviction, that the aging process can be slowed down, and even reversed. Basically, we have two ages; 1) our ‘chronological age’ and 2) our ‘biological age’. Chronological age literally means the number of candles you poke onto your birthday cakes, or the number of years you’ve been alive. On the other hand, biological age is the true and scientifically accurate age of your organs, tissues and cells; all 75 trillion of them. So if you’re 50 years old and follow a sexual health-promoting lifestyle it’s entirely possible to re-set your hormones and sexual performance abilities by ten, even twenty-plus years. Unfortunately, you’ll still be required to poke 50 candles onto your birthday cake however your hormonal blood profiles and performance abilities will indicate a much more youthful and potent man.
I wish you great health and success!
John Abdo
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John Abdo is a Olympic Strength & Conditioning Coach, Inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, Award-Winning Health & Fitness Expert, Award-Winning inventor of fitness equipment like The AB-DOer®, and the author of the critically-acclaimed book Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™. John is also the co-developer of the popular male-performance formula Androzene®. For more information please visit: www.Androzene.com
This article is offered as information only and is the opinion of the author and should not be construed as medical advice.
Protein & Sexual Health
Protein & Sexual Health
In total, nutritional scientists claim there are 22 amino-acids (AAs) that are required by the body if a man is to live a healthy, productive and hormonally-fortified life. Of the twenty-two, 8 of these AAs are considered essential for human health. The term essential refers to the fact that it’s imperative a man consumes these (8) AAs on a consistently regular basis from food or supplemental sources, while the remaining (14) AAs can be produced, and/or synthesized, internally in the event they are not made available through external resources.
Proteins are complex molecular structures that are both fascinating and versatile. Most other nutrients contain carbon (C), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). Protein foods also contain COH but they uniquely possess a backbone of nitrogen (N). The more N a man’s body can obtain, and retain, the stronger and healthier he becomes.
When protein intake is adequate to meet a man’s normal daily requirements, and no more, most likely, he’ll be diagnosed as having a nitrogen equilibrium; average news. However, when that same man is deprived of adequate protein, especially the essential AAs, he’s likely to experience a negative nitrogen balance; bad news.
When a man is sick, injured, stressed or depressed, when he’s consuming too many drugs, smoking cigarettes, or being deprived of healthy nutrition, especially protein, his body innately shifts into a compensatory gear aimed to fulfill his nutritional voids and actually begins to cannibalize itself; the scientific term is catabolism, or tissue breakdown.
What’s actually occurring, on a microscopic level, is a breaking apart, or accelerated atrophying, of the body’s tissues that include the muscles, heart and lungs, and other organs. Since these body parts are storehouses composed of COHN, the body’s natural defense reaction to protein starvation is to locate its N sources by cleaving away the carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. During this process the nitrogen is extracted from internal N-supplied tissues and organs, which is then used to feed the N-deprived tissues elsewhere in the body.
This is one of the reasons why many health and sports-training experts, including myself, recommend regular consumption of high-quality protein foods and supplements on a regular basis especially when the man is training hard, competing in a sport or enduring the rigors of sustaining a financially comfortable livelihood.
To take it up to the top notch, the ideal condition for all men to obtain is a positive nitrogen balance; GREAT NEWS! This simply means his tissues are receiving more protein, and retaining more N, than what he’s deficient in, or is excreting out of his body, so at the end of the day, at the end of the week, he’s stronger and more hormonally charged.
So how does all this play a role in a man’s sexual health and performance? Well, to start, protein is necessary to nourish a man’s glands, particularly his pituitary, hypothalamus, testicles, adrenals and prostate. I could stop there but let me take it one step further and add that protein is imperative glandular nourishment that both manufacturers then secrete natural anabolic and androgenic (sexual) hormones. In particular, the hormone responsible for stimulating high levels of libido, erection strength and stamina, and overall sexual performance; that would be Testosterone, or just ‘T’ as it’s referred to today.
Continue down the internal biological pathway and we notice positive and healthy influences throughout the man’s nervous system and circulatory vessels, especially those that stimulate his genital region. And, need I say, the chief residents of that region are his prostate, testicles and penis! When healthy, they’re a great group of guys to have around!
Men are also be pleased to learn that protein is needed to manufacture nitric oxide (NO), that wonder chemical that makes erections of penis possible in the first place. When obtained naturally, NO also plays a crucial role in genital sensitivity and orgasm. (FYI: The popular prescription erection pills on the market influence NO by blocking PDE-5, the erection-destroying enzyme, but these drugs do zilch for stimulating penile sensitivity or enhancing orgasm. Odd as it might sound; a man can have an erection but may not be enjoying it because it simply is insensitive to the experience.)
In review, I have found that many men’s eating habits tend to rely on excessively high carbohydrate consumption while they are dangerously devoid of either total protein or essential proteins. Combined with proper exercise, which kick-starts a man’s natural anabolic metabolism, eating sensible amounts of protein throughout the day and week will ensure overall health that contributes greatly to a man’s sexual prowess!
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For more detailed explanations on this and other sexual-health boosting topics, please refer to John Abdo’s doctor-endorsed book, Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™. Available at www.Androzene.com.
Physiology of an Erection
Physiology of an Erection: Refer to ‘HPTA Illustration’
By John Abdo
The penis seems to have a mind of its own when men are experiencing andropause or hypogonadism. The mind-penis connection (big head/little head) becomes impaired through declining hormone production, insufficient circulation of blood and diminishing penile responsiveness, to name a few.
As youngsters, it was a ‘sure thing’ that a man’s little head would obey commands from his big head. The mere thought of sex, or something sexy, was adequate to excite our little buddy. However, as men age, unfortunately, the connection between the big head and the little head is often hindered delaying the onset of erections while also making erections more challenging to sustain.
But before we play the brain-blame game, let’s take a deeper look at erection physiology to better understand what’s really going on:
Obtaining then sustaining an erection is made possible through a highly complex chain of psycho-biological processes that are under the control of the brain, hormones, nervous and circulatory systems, spinal column, testicles, prostate, and, of course, the penis. As a result of the thought of sex and/or a physical sexual sensation [sensuous touch], the Hypothalamus gland secretes an incredibly potent glandular-stimulating hormone called Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone [GnRH]. GnRH rushes out of the Hypothalamus and speeds it’s way to the Pituitary gland that’s just a fraction of an inch away.
The Hypothalamus is a ‘sensitive’ organ. By this I mean it reacts to our senses, all six of them. Yes, there are 6, not 5. What we See, Hear, Taste, Smell and Touch are the commonly known (five) senses however the 6th sense that I’m referring to relates to the mind’s ability to create sexual excitation and function by means of fantasy, desire, memory, lust or libido. Whenever any of these six senses incites the Hypothalamus sexual magic typically ensues.
Under normal conditions, the Pituitary gland responds to the GnRH signal by secreting two other fascinating hormones; Luteinizing Hormone [LH] and Follicular Stimulating Hormone [FSH]; collectively known as the Gonadotrophins. Once released from the Pituitary, LH and FSH travel all the way down to the gonads, i.e., the testicles, in particular, the testicles’ Leydig Cells. When the Pituitary gland produces LH and FSH from the GnRH signal, and when the gonads respond to LH and FSH, this is called a “Positive Feedback”. [Feedback literally means that the gonads and penis are positively reacting to the brains’ Hypothalamus and Pituitary hormonal messengers].
However, if the Pituitary fails to respond to GnRH, or the gonads fail to respond to LH and FSH, then this is called “Negative Feedback”; sometimes referred to as Down Regulation, a condition many steroid users and andropausal men are all too well aware of. Negative Feedback results in a disruption, cessation or disconnection between the internal linkage of the brain, glands, hormones, gonads and penis, and results in varying degrees of andropause, hypogonadism, impotence, or just plain-old ED!
As an FYI, this glandular-hormonal cycle is scientifically referred to as the HPTA or HPGA: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis or Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis.
But Wait! There’s More!
Once the gonads are stimulated by the gonadotrophins (LH + FSH) the penis is then prepped for sexual activity, as an essential influx of penile blood flow must be created. Blood enters the penis through the dilation [or widening] of the tiny circulatory vessels of the penis that fill up, expand and harden the penis’ internal (expandable) spongy chambers called the corpus cavernosum. These tissues are analogous to when a sponge has been soaked in water it grows more voluminous, heavier and harder, and when the water is squeezed out it dramatically reduces in size, weight and firmness. Simply put, the more blood that gets pumped inside the corpus cavernosum the harder and bigger the penis swells up.
This swelling-up effect is produced by the circulatory vessels’ bio-mechanically permitting blood to penetrate into the penis; called vasodilation. This vasodilation process is made possible by yet another chemical agent we naturally produce called Nitric Oxide [NO]. But you might of guessed, as we age, and with poor lifestyle habits, the volume and potency of NO, and many other hormones, decline.
NO is imperative for penile vasodilation while it is also instrumental in allowing another key erection-producing chemical to be released into the penile blood supply, it’s called Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is also necessary to obtain erections however it’s role may be even more important for sustaining them. This key bio-chemical assists in trapping the blood once it’s inside the penis’s corpus cavernosum to sustain its firmness and size.
Without NO and cGMP a man cannot achieve an erection nor will he be able to sustain it long enough to win praises from his lover. Unfortunately, cGMP is destroyed by another enzyme the body naturally produces called Phosphodiesterase-V; popularly known as the acronym PDE-5. PDE-5 binds to and impedes the actions of cGMP. The trick is to block, delay and/or inhibit PDE-5 so the NO/cGMP-cycle can perform their tasks for obtaining then sustaining firm erections.
Made popular by their multi-million dollar TV ad campaigns are the prescription-only erection pills Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. All three of these synthetic drugs are PDE-5 inhibitors, and very potent ones at that. Their actions block the PDE-5 enzyme so the erection-producing chemicals NO and/or cGMP can carry out their roles in vasodilation of the penis.
Truth be told, I have a problem with doctors issuing prescriptions for erection pills without administering a complete examination to their andropausal-complaining male patients. Prescription erection pills only focus on the final stage of the HPTA cycle serving ‘only’ as PDE-5 inhibitors that have (temporary) influence. This approach, obviously, targets the symptoms of ED while it totally ignores the cause/s for why millions of men are experiencing andropause in the first place. The little head is having problems but it’s often what’s inside the big head that’s actually causing all the dysfunctions.
Let Mom Help!
There are plenty of success-proven ‘natural’ ingredients that holistically target male sexual potency and penile functionality. These marvelous nutritional gifts from Mother Nature nourish and vitalize various body organs like the hypothalamus, pituitary, testicles, and prostate, and also serve as natural PDE-5 inhibitors promoting the production and release of NO and cGMP that stimulates penile vasodilation. That said, it’s best to seek natural, safe, success-proven alternatives that nourish both the ‘causes’ and the ‘symptoms’ of your sexual health concerns. Solely relying on prescription erection medications, again, are only temporary, target the symptoms and create an array of sickening side-effects.
Sexuality is an incredibly complicated science. Please regard this article as a brief, incomplete depiction of this sophisticated topic. Use it to better educate you and your doctor. If you’re experiencing any sexual performance challenges, or smart enough to plan to prevent, seek professional medical help from skilled sexual-health practitioners.
Be a wise guy. Using your big head in a prudent manner will certainly benefit how your little one performs!
Wishing You the Absolute Best of Health!
John Abdo
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John Abdo is an Olympic Strength & Conditioning Coach, Inductee into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, Award-Winning Health & Fitness Expert, and the author of the doctor-endorsed book, Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™. John is also the creator of Androzene® the high-potency male-potency formula men are relying upon to boost their sexual health and performances. The information contained in this article should not be construed as medical advice. For more information, please visit http://www.Androzene.com.
Hormones and Age
ADAM: Yet another nickname for ED
This acronym represents Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males, as age-related hormonal decline is a fact of life. Levels of all hormones start to drop with age. Longevity specialists who are also skilled in resetting declining hormones claim that after the age of 25, the decline begins. Depending on lifestyle and mindset, this decline continues until the day we pass. However, keeping an eye on our internal hormonal status is critical for maintaining “that youthful glow” as we continue to mature, making it possible to enjoy sex for much longer than normal.
(Excerpt taken from Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™, Abdo, ©, All Rights Reserved)
What are the Causes for Erectile Dysfunction
Many may believe that Erectile Dysfunction, aka, ED, is a penis condition. And if they’re regarding this disorder as a lack of obtaining, or maintaining, an erection, basically, they’re right. But was “causes” ED to happen in the first place? This is the prudent question to ask, then address.
Surprisingly, medical sciences haven’t known, or seemed to want to know, the answer to this question that’s been asked by men throughout the ages. A majority of doctors along with what seems to be the entire medical community, disappointingly, have historically ignored male sexuality on one basic premise; in lieu of the “grand scheme” of things, man only contributes, on average, 2-3 minutes of effort in the pro-creative (or making babies) process. What this means is that, time-wise, a male ejaculates quickly planting the baby-making sperm into a female. However, once the sperm has been planted, and the female has been inseminated, the woman’s role in the pro-creative process requires over 9 months of carrying a quickly-enlarging baby inside her body, and succumbing to a plethora of social, personal and occupational sacrifices, in addition to the pains and discomfort of labor, and the time is takes her to recover during the post-partum period.
Medical sexual sciences now know better. They are advancing quickly these days, and mostly because men are whining and complaining about their faltering bedroom performances. We now know that there are many “causes” for ED including those that originate from emotional, neurological, circulatory, endocrinolgical, and (poor) lifestyle reasons.
If you’re relying on a prescription erection pill to perk up your “little Willy”, chances are you’ll get a (temporary) erection but you’re doing nothing to address the “cause(s)” of your condition, and by sheer statistical data, you’ll be making your problem worse.
Be prudent and address both the “causes” and “symptoms” of any of your health challenges, especially those that relate to your hormones, glands, testicles, penis’, prostates!
In the book, Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™, author, John Abdo, explains all of the causes for ED, and other sexual disorders, while explaining, in detail, how ED is “only” a symptom and should be treated, and cured, according to that premise.
Why Sex is Healthy
Stats & Facts: (Excerpts taken from “Mind Over Matter”; Ultimate Sexual Health & Performance™, Abdo, ©, All Rights Reserved)
Your sex life has a great impact on your physical health. Everything is active during sex – your brain, nervous system, muscles, heart, circulation, thermogenics (body heat), lungs and respiration, hormone production, perspiration, and more…
Sex requires a degree of physical effort, often burning as many calories as you would burn running 15 minutes on a treadmill. That would come out to about 200 calories. Who needs a health club membership?
People who have frequent sex and orgasms are less violent and less hostile than those who don’t.
A study found that frequent ejaculation between the ages of 20 and 50 helps to dramatically decrease the risk of prostate cancer in men.
There are hundreds, maybe thousands, more accounts that prove how healthy sex is. If you’re not getting enough lately do what it takes within legal, moral and ethical means to get your fair share of Mother Natures’ gift to mankind; sex!
Milo of Croton: His Name is Remembered
Hello! My name is John Abdo. I am the author of ‘Wolves of Croton – The Untold Story of Milo.’ My book describes the wrestling prowess, military career, and unusual death of the greatest Olympiad combatant of all-time and the undisputed strongest man who has ever lived, Milo of Croton.
Also known as ‘The man who could carry a bull,’ Milo’s story is supported by numerous historical accounts, tales in Greek mythology and ancient culture, and inspiring stories that are truly motivating, educational, and entertaining.
A truly inspiring book from cover-to-cover…
You can obtain a copy of John Abdo’s book, Wolves of Croton – The Untold Story of Milo at DISCOUNTED PRICES at AMAZON Kindle
Website for John Abdo: https://johnabdo.com
MentorCam: https://mentor.cam/johnabdo
Instagram: @johnabdo1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnAbdoAuthor
All Rights Reserved, ©, John Abdo
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