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Los Angeles Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Low T, High Stakes: What Every Man Needs to Know About Testosterone Therapy in 2025
In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men's health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym. Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest. Welcome to the quiet crisis no one told you about: Low testosterone. Once dismissed as a rare condition affecting older men, low T (testosterone deficiency) is now understood as a far more widespread issue. Thanks to a mix of modern stress, environmental exposures, and plain old aging, more men are hitting their 40s and 50s feeling like shadows of themselves — and many don't even know why. Enter Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Equal parts buzzword and controversy, it's one of the most Googled men's health treatments of the last five years. But is it right for you? Is it safe? Or is it just hype with a syringe? Testosterone isn't just about muscles and sex drive. It's a major player in everything from mood to memory to motivation. It supports bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production, and sperm development. And when your levels are low? You feel it. 'Testosterone levels in men have been steadily declining over the past few decades,' says Suzie Pemdejian, head nurse practitioner at AlphaMan Clinic, a Los Angeles-based practice specializing in hormone health. 'The average man today has significantly lower levels than men in the 1980s, even when adjusted for age.' And The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has confirmed a marked decline in testosterone across American men over the past 20 years, so if you're feeling fatigued, unfocused, irritable, or like your sex drive has flatlined, you're not crazy. You might just have low T. Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, doesn't always announce itself with flashing neon lights. It can show up subtly — and men often write it off as 'just getting older.' According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms include: If these sound familiar, it might be time to look under the hood. One of the biggest misconceptions about TRT is that it's something you just hop on when you feel tired. That's not how any responsible clinic operates. 'We start with bloodwork,' says Dr. Allen Lawrence, who brings over 35 years of hormone therapy experience to AlphaMan Clinic. 'We run a full hormone panel and go deep into symptoms, lifestyle, and history. Low T isn't diagnosed from symptoms alone, and it's not just about hitting a number.' Generally, total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) may indicate low T, but it's nuanced. Free testosterone (the active form) also matters, as does the patient's overall health picture. Let's set the record straight. Testosterone Replacement Therapy is not: TRT is: 'TRT isn't a performance enhancer,' says Pemdejian. 'It's about bringing levels back to where they should be. When done right, it helps men regain energy, mental clarity, and emotional stability, all without the side effects people fear.' The stigma around testosterone therapy runs deep. Ask most men what they think TRT does, and you'll get a mix of 'makes you angry' or 'it's just for bodybuilders.' 'One of the biggest myths is that TRT makes men aggressive or turns them into someone they're not,' Pemdejian says. 'That's simply not true when it's prescribed and monitored correctly.' What about fertility? Yes, TRT has been said to lower sperm count, especially if taken without precautions. That is one reason why some men are prescribed hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alongside TRT to maintain testicular function and fertility potential. And if you're worried it's not 'natural' to take hormones? Think about this: 'If your thyroid was underproducing, you'd take thyroid hormone. Testosterone is no different,' Lawrence says. There's a right way to do TRT, and then there's the internet clinic way. (Spoiler: don't do that.) Responsible providers follow safety protocols, like: Harvard Health emphasizes that TRT should be tailored to the individual and revisited frequently to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Here's the deal: TRT can help, but it's not a license to live off cheeseburgers and whiskey. Obesity, lack of sleep, stress, and poor nutrition can all tank testosterone levels. Regular exercise, weight loss, clean eating, and managing sleep hygiene can go a long way in restoring natural production or enhancing the benefits of TRT if you're on it. 'We never just give you testosterone and send you on your way,' Pemdejian explains. 'We look at the whole picture. Because real wellness isn't just hormonal.' One under-discussed aspect of low testosterone? Its effect on mental health. Studies suggest that low T is associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in aging men. 'When you don't feel like yourself, it affects everything—your work, your marriage, your confidence,' Lawrence notes. 'We've seen men come in feeling hopeless, and after a few months of proper care, they're totally renewed.' The science backs that up. A 2020 meta-analysis found that TRT significantly improved depressive symptoms in men with low testosterone. Still think testosterone therapy turns guys into roid-raging gym rats? You're not alone. One of the most persistent myths around TRT is that it makes men overly aggressive or 'unnatural.' The reality? When done right, it's the opposite. 'TRT isn't about turning you into a bodybuilder,' Pemdejian adds. 'It's about bringing your hormones back into a healthy, balanced range—so you can feel like yourself again.' Here's the truth: Testosterone levels in men have been steadily dropping for decades, and not just with age. One peer-reviewed study found that average T levels in men today are substantially lower than in the 1980s, even after accounting for aging and other health factors. Translation? More men are feeling drained, foggy, and disconnected, and they don't always know why. But here's the catch: not every guy with low energy or a sluggish sex drive needs testosterone therapy. That's why a legit clinic won't just hand you a vial and a syringe. At AlphaMan, it starts with comprehensive bloodwork, a detailed symptom profile, and a full lifestyle and medical history review. 'Low testosterone isn't diagnosed from symptoms alone, and it's not about chasing a magic number,' says Pemdejian. 'We're looking for patterns. We connect lab data to what you're actually experiencing day to day.' Here's your modern man's checklist: If that sounds like you, it might be time to start a conversation with a hormone specialist, not a fitness influencer.'You don't have to just accept decline as inevitable,' Pemdejian says. 'Men deserve to feel strong, clear-headed, and connected to themselves again.' Testosterone therapy isn't about vanity. It's not about cheating aging, or becoming the next action movie hero. It's about getting back to the man you know you are. The bottom line? TRT, when done responsibly, can be a game-changer. Not a quick fix, but a cornerstone in a broader strategy for staying vital, focused, and resilient well into your 50s, 60s, and beyond. Click here for more information on Alphaman Clinic
Gulf News
18-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Soak up the sun, wisely! How to balance Vitamin D with skin protection
The benefits of Vitamin D extend far beyond bone health—it plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and even supporting heart function. Shutterstock Sometimes, you need more than just a pocketful of sunshine. The truth is, sunshine isn't just for brightening your day or inspiring cheery songs, it's a fundamental pillar of both physical and mental well-being. Fueling your body's production of Vitamin D? Check. Boosting your mood? Double check. Supporting vital biological functions? Absolutely. Yet, in an era of indoor lifestyles and SPF-heavy routines, where confusion lingers over exactly how much sunlight is enough—it's time to shed some light on why sunshine remains essential. So, what makes it so vital? The Vitamin D connection: Why sunlight is irreplaceable Dubai-based physician Niyati Ahuja breaks it down: Vitamin D, often dubbed the sunshine vitamin, is synthesized in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. 'You need it for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health,' she explains. Without adequate Vitamin D, the body struggles to absorb calcium efficiently, leading to weakened bones and a higher risk of osteoporosis. This is particularly concerning for those at risk of fractures, such as older adults and postmenopausal women, Ahuja notes. But the benefits of Vitamin D extend far beyond bone health—it plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and even supporting heart function. Research confirms this: Studies have linked sufficient Vitamin D levels to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, with research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggesting that deficiencies may contribute to hypertension and other heart-related issues. Even bone health relies heavily on sunlight exposure. Research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights that individuals with adequate sun exposure tend to have stronger bones and lower incidences of fractures compared to those with Vitamin D deficiencies. In short, the consequences of Vitamin D deficiency are far-reaching—it's not just about osteoporosis. Low levels have been linked to weakened immune function, increased risk of chronic diseases, and even mood disorders like depression. Sunlight, quite literally, fuels well-being. Mental health benefits: The sunlight-serotonin connection There's something undeniably calming about basking in the sunlight, even for just a few seconds. The shift in mood is almost immediate—perhaps that's why language so often ties sunshine to joy, warmth, and cheer. As Ahuja and Elisabeth Harlow, a holistic physician based in Abu Dhabi explain, beyond its physiological advantages, sunlight has a profound impact on our mood. 'When you're exposed to natural light, serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being and happiness is triggered,' says Harlow. A 2020 study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that individuals who spent more time in natural sunlight reported lower rates of anxiety and depression. This explains why Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs during the darker months, is often treated with light therapy to mimic sunlight exposure. Moreover, spending time in sunlight helps regulate melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep cycles, adds Harlow. A 2014 study published in Sleep Health that office workers with more access to natural light had better sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue compared to those in artificially lit environments. Sunlight and immune system support Sun exposure doesn't just boost mood, it also strengthens the immune system. Ahuja adds, 'It helps in modulating immune responses, helping the body fend off infections and reduce inflammation. It's particularly relevant given the increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases and frequent viral infections. How much sunlight is enough? As both Harlow and Ahuja explain, the amount of sun exposure needed varies based on factors like skin type, location, and time of year. Generally, it is recommended to have 10–30 minutes of midday sun exposure on bare skin, such as arms, legs, or face, several times a week to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels. However, darker skin tones require slightly longer exposure due to higher melanin levels, which reduce UVB absorption. For those living in regions with limited sunlight, dietary sources like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and supplements can help maintain adequate Vitamin D levels, but they may not fully replicate the benefits of direct sun exposure. Balancing sun exposure and sun protection This is where it gets tricky. While sunlight is essential, overexposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. The key is moderation—brief sun exposure without sunscreen is beneficial, but prolonged exposure should be managed with SPF protection and shade. Ahuja adds, 'Studies suggest that wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher still allows for some Vitamin D synthesis while reducing harmful UV damage.' · Brief exposure without sunscreen is beneficial, but prolonged time outdoors should be managed with SPF 15+ to prevent skin damage. · Morning or late afternoon sun exposure can be a safer alternative if UV rays are too harsh at midday. · Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield Wear lightweight, UV-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if staying outside for an extended eyes from excessive sun. The final word: Embrace the sun, wisely Soak up the sun—yes, just as Sheryl Crow sang—but do it wisely. Indeed, sunlight is a natural and powerful ally in maintaining overall health as it helps our body produce Vitamin D, boost our mood, regulate sleep and supports the immune system. In a world where screen time and indoor living are more common than ever, making a conscious effort to soak up natural sunlight, even in small doses—can have lasting benefits for both the body and mind. So, step outside, take a deep breath, and let the sun work its magic, just don't forget your balance between exposure and protection. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
