Telomeres protect the ends of your chromosomes, keeping them from “fraying”, allowing cells to replicate accurately. Shorter telomeres have been associated with aging and a higher rate of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and cancer. Shorter telomeres signify biological aging.
Telomerase helps protect and preserve telomeres. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2) are sex hormones formed from testosterone. Both DHT and E2 regulate telomerase expression and activity. Researchers at the University of Western Australia found in men, lower levels of DHT and E2 were associated with shorter telomere length independent of age.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and an anabolic steroid that promotes increased sexual stamina, sexual desire, muscle and bone mass, growth of body hair, fights depression, improves erections, and strengthens your heart. Testosterone is also converted into DHT and estradiol which regulates the telomerase that protects and preserves telomeres.
This research would suggest that higher levels of testosterone in men may protect the telomeres and slow the aging process. Individuals over 60 with the shortest telomeres have the highest rates chronic disease such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. One study found that people with shortest telomeres were 23 percent more likely to die within three years than those with longer telomeres.
It is estimated that approximately 25 million men between the ages of 40 and 50, and half of all men between the ages of 50 and 70, suffer from low levels of testosterone.
Low levels of testosterone can also cause:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low energy
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle and bone
- Hair loss
- Reduced semen
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings
Telomere Testing
The Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic in collaboration with SpectraCell Laboratories, offers a test that can determine the length of your telomeres in relation to your age. Telomere length is becoming the new cholesterol and measuring their length can give you insight into your biological age.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Testosterone pellets (subcutaneous implant)
- Testosterone topical cream or gel
- Testosterone injection
Testosterone pellets are placed under the skin by the physician. The pellet provides a consistent level of testosterone for up to 5 months. Because of the consistent blood levels, testosterone pellets are the preferred method of bio-identical testosterone replacement therapy. The Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic is one of the few clinics in the region that provide this beneficial therapy.
Testosterone topical gel or cream is compounded by an authorized pharmacy and applied under the arm, on the abdomen, or in some cases it is applied to the genital area. This type of bioidentical testosterone therapy is perfect for individuals that want to avoid using a needle.
Testosterone injections are a once a week intramuscular injection given by the patient.
The experts at the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic will help you develop a health plan that will optimize your physical health, slow the signs of aging and reduce the risk of chronic, age related diseases such as; heart disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. During your initial, open-ended consultation, a physician at our clinic will conduct a comprehensive lab analysis, discuss your medical history, nutrition, exercise plan, lifestyle and personal goals and then develop a health plan tailored to your individual needs. We understand our patients want a proactive, better, more effective and less expensive way to live healthier. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of anti-aging medicine.
Reference:
Bu B. Yeap et al., Cross-sectional associations of sex hormones with leucocyte telomere length, a marker of biological age, in a community-based cohort of older men. Clinical Endocrinology, 2018.
