Blood Pressure & ED

As men age, their ability to perform may not be quite to the standards of their younger years – many blame it on stress and age, but is the culprit in your medicine cabinet?

Helping Men with Stress & Erectile Performance

When a man becomes aroused, arteries and blood flow to the penile region will dilate allowing an increased blood flow so that is he able to attain and maintain an erection. However, a man on blood pressure medication is taking something that affects his blood flow making it more difficult to achieve the erection he and his partner desire. A common form of blood pressure medications is a beta blocker, these types of medications, however, are not specific and target many receptors in the body – including the arteries in the penis. These blocked receptors interfere with the arteries ability to dilate and become engorged with the blood necessary for an erection to occur.

Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, sometimes abbreviated as HCTZ, are often added to a patient’s blood pressure treatment regimen to help control some of the side effects of the high blood pressure. This type of medication causes a decrease of fluid in the body, contributing to less blood flow, decreased volume, and lower force of blood to the penis. Another issue with diuretics is that they can deplete the body of necessary minerals such as Zinc. Zinc is critical for testosterone production and, with lowered levels, libido and erections may also be affected.

Untreated high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels and blood flow can be reduced due to blockages. The most efficient way to solve this issue is to modify diet and increase exercise, to alleviate the decrease in performance and improve overall health. If necessary, seek out professional help there are many new advances in ED treatment so that both you and your partner are satisfied.

Learn More: About Erectile Dysfunction

Sources: WebMD,  Mayo Clinic, Healthline, and HealthyGains.com

Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals in which the brain communicates throughout the body. They tell your body to perform all the functions that it performs such as breathing, digestion, and even your heartbeat. Often when you have decreased motivation and energy, low libido, sleep problems, decreased or increased appetite, mental illness or attention problems it is because your neurotransmitters are imbalanced. Keep reading to learn more about the types of neurotransmitters and their functions.

Types of Neurotransmitters:

  • Amino acids: glutamate, aspartate, D-serine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA),[nb 1] glycine
  • Gasotransmitters: nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
  • Monoamines: dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (noradrenaline; NE, NA), epinephrine (adrenaline), histamine, serotonin (SER, 5-HT)
  • Trace amines: phenethylamine, N-methylphenethylamine, tyramine, 3-iodothyronamine, octopamine, tryptamine, etc.
  • Peptides: oxytocin, somatostatin, substance P, cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, opioid peptides
  • Purines: adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine
  • Catecholamines: dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), epinephrine (adrenaline)
  • Other: acetylcholine (ACh), anandamide, etc.

These transmitters can be divided into two categories inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

The inhibitory neurotransmitters help balance mood. These transmitters can be overburdened when the excitatory transmitters are too high. Serotonin, for instance, helps to balance the excessive excitatory neurotransmitters and also plays a role in sleeping, pain, digestion, and even regulates cravings for carbohydrates. Additional inhibitory neurotransmitters are GABA and Dopamine. 

The excitatory neurotransmitters are dopamine which is also an inhibitory and norepinephrine. Dopamine helps you to focus and stay on task. Additionally, dopamine is responsible for your desire to get stuff done. Stimulants such as caffeine cause this to be improved however too much stimulation over time will cause depletion and defeat the purpose. Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that helps to make epinephrine the last excitatory neurotransmitters. The epinephrine regulates the heart rate and blood pressure and can be highly affected by stress which can deplete the levels. If you feel that you may have signs of off-balanced neurotransmitters contact a doctor today and get tested.

If you have questions about neurotransmitters and their functions, then contact us at AgeRejuvenation or give us a call at 813-558-9500.

Results vary by individual consult a doctor and find out if treatment would be right for you.

Testosterone Therapy & Sex Benefits

Testosterone Therapy May Be the Secret to Great Sex!

Is testosterone therapy the secret to a more fulfilling sex life for older men?

According to a well-designed peer-reviewed study recently published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, testosterone therapy has been confirmed as being beneficial to men over 65. The study found that supplemental testosterone therapy in these men was effective in boosting mood, and alleviating sexual wellness issues.

The study went on to say that the greatest benefits of testosterone replacement therapies, were experienced during the first year of treatment.

The men in the study self-identified as having sexual issues. They reported, especially as they approached the age of 60, a loss of libido, or a declining sex drive, and/or erectile dysfunction. In interviews before starting testosterone treatments, they also reported being moody, depressed, and “unmotivated.”

The study is on-going, and the men will continue to be tracked for other benefits of testosterone optimization. But for now, lead researcher on the study Dr. Peter Snyder, of the University of Pennsylvania, said it was clear that, “Testosterone improved sexual activity, sexual desire and improved erectile function.”

Snyder said that while he was also able to document improvements in mood, the biggest improvement was in sexual function, particularly in the group of men that had been getting the largest increase of testosterone.

Could Your Bad Habits Be the Cause of Your Erectile Dysfunction?

Details of This Testosterone Study

Snyder and his team selected about 800 men over 65 from over 50,000 they had screened. The 800 were described as having “low testosterone.” In a typical “double blind” study, half the participants were given supplemental testosterone via a gel, and the other half a placebo gel.

Snyder said the men receiving the actual testosterone were boosted to the levels you would find in a “healthy young man.”

Speaking to NPR, Dave Bostick, a participant who used the real testosterone gel said, that he definitely developed “a more robust libido.” But he added, that even more importantly, he just “felt happier.” He also said he had more energy, and his enthusiasm for trying new things was back. Even though his part in the study ended more than two years ago, Bostick has continued with testosterone therapy.

Previous studies have indicated that there was a greater risk of heart disease or developing prostate cancer in men who are on testosterone therapies. Last year several more recent studies indicated that those previous studies were flawed, and there is no such increased risk.

Snyder’s research backs up the more recent studies. He saw no increase in the incidence of heart disease or cancer in the group on testosterone therapy in his study.

There have been some research studies, and many anecdotal reports, of the benefits of testosterone therapy in aging men. This most recent study is very significant in that it is one of the “first really well-designed and scientifically rigorous trials to indicate that testosterone therapy provides benefit,” said endocrinologist Dr. Eric Orwoll, with the Oregon Health and Science University.

How do I know if I need Testosterone Therapy?

The improvements Mr. Bostick reports are very typical of the men I see in my own practice who receive testosterone therapy.

Bostick, and the other men in this study reported moodiness and sexual dysfunction before beginning testosterone therapy. But those are not the only signs and symptoms of low testosterone. Other signs of low testosterone, sometimes called “Low-T” include:

  • A loss of lean muscle with particular difficulty in gaining it back
  • Weight gain, particularly “around the middle”
  • Weakness and fatigue, lack of energy

The good news is more and more research is coming out that is confirming the many positive benefits of testosterone therapy. But remember, you can only receive legitimate testosterone therapy with a doctor’s prescription.

Other Ways to Enhance Male Sexual Wellness

At our practice we take an integrative approach to your health and wellness. That means we often combine therapies to maximize your results and help you to feel younger, stronger and more confident.

Even if low testosterone is found to be contributing to your sexual difficulties, often in addition to testosterone therapy, we will also use other treatments and techniques to improve your performance.

One such procedure that has a very synergistic effect with testosterone therapy is the PulseWave RX. PulseWave is one of latest treatments available for male enhancement. Technology similar to PulseWave has been used successfully in Europe for decades. However, it is very new to the U.S. In fact, we are the only ones in your area currently offering this medically proven male enhancement procedure.

Blood vessels in your penis break down over time. This is the most common cause of age-related ED. PulseWave uses high frequency acoustical waves to open up old blood vessels, and to stimulate the formation of new vessels. The resulting improved blood flow, helps any man, and not just those with ED, to obtain stronger and more sustainable erections.

80% of men with ED receiving PulseWave RX treatments saw a reversal of their condition, and 86% of all men receiving the treatment report positive results and improved sexual performance. In fact, there is even evidence that indicates that acoustical wave therapy may even prevent, or significantly delay the onset of age-related erectile

Testosterone Improves Mood

When we first think of testosterone, libido or performance may come to mind.

However, testosterone levels have an impact on many facets of well-being — from energy levels to metabolism, muscle mass to mood. The influence that testosterone has on the body really runs the gamut.

The brain has various testosterone receptors, so low levels can have a significant effect on your mood. Low testosterone can cause mood swings, negatively impact sleep quality, and decrease your energy levels throughout the day.

These factors, combined with more muscle aches and pains, foggier thinking, and a decreased passion or hunger for your day-to-day activities can lead to feeling muted or depressed.

Symptoms of low testosterone can create a vicious cycle causing the effects to compound on each other, having a more significant impact on your day-to-day life and overall feeling of well-being.

Progesterone in Men

Progesterone plays an important role in men even though it is primarily a female hormone.

During the aging process progesterone levels decrease. When the levels decrease, too much blood sugar is not regulated properly in your body, so you may feel fatigued, irritable, experience insomnia or even an enlarged prostate may occur.

As progesterone counterbalances estrogen in men, this balance is very important. If estrogen goes too high relative to progesterone, health risks start to happen. Some more common risks associated with higher estrogen levels are hair loss, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, bone loss, muscle loss, fatigue and depression.

Weight gain is also common along with heart issues and cellular changes. As you can see when progesterone is not at an adequate level estrogen and testosterone also are affected. If this is the case a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be right for you. The first step is to set up an appointment with your doctor. If you think your progesterone levels are off find out today.

Results vary by individual; confirm with your doctor that bioidentical hormone replacement is right for you and your health needs.