Testosterone--- Re-Post

Maybe I was just getting "Hormonal," but, I saw a note, about ‘Moodiness,’ and thought I’d Share. Here’s a lot of info-- Gathered from several sources and sitting on my hard drive. Just passing it on- No real "news" but some interesting info. Testosterone, as it relates to the Morbidly Obese and Bariatric Patient Is a Vast Dump of info. Testosterone level changes in- The Obese, Diabetics, It’s role in Muscle mass increase through exercise, And it’s role in weight loss. The info here, is predominantly related to the "moodiness" that can result Post-op, and how to go about testing for LOW Testosterone Levels. We often hear of the increase of free testosterone levels associated with the rapid weight loss following WLS. Stored Testosterone in the Adipose Fatty Tissues is released into the body. And significant increases of Free Testosterone can result. But, for many, the radical change in diet actually produces the opposite effect. Studies linking reduced fat intake with lowered testosterone levels in humans were published as early as 1980. Subjects cutting their fat intake in half experienced a 13% drop in free testosterone. When they resumed their normal diet, Testosterone levels returned to normal. The most recent trial can be found published In the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. At- http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/jc.2004-15 30v1 A group of 39 middle-aged men (50 to 60 years of age) were studied while they were consuming a high-fat (33% of total calories) Low fiber diet, and after eight weeks on a Low-fat (14% of total calories), high fiber diet. Both total and free testosterone levels fell by 10-12% after the low-fat diet. The clearance rates of testosterone were not changed, Suggesting that the drop in testosterone was because of a decrease in production. This is just one reason why it's so important to get the right balance of fats in your diet. Lowered Testosterone Levels create what is often referred to as "Male Menopause." One of the major symptoms, aside from sexual problems is depression. Sort of a double-edged sword in that reduced Testosterone can cause depression but also RESULT from depression. From "Does Male Menopause Exist?" by Neil Sherman. healthAtoZ at- http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/hc/men/life/alert1 2132001.jsp "There are a lot of things that can lower testosterone levels aside from aging," Dr. Sternbach explains. "You can lower it from drug and alcohol abuse Or from stress or medications. Depression lowers testosterone, as does obesity." So, what should men who are 'feeling down' do? "Well first of all, make sure you're not suffering from depression," Sternbach advises. "Many of the issues in testosterone levels could be confused with the effects of depression. You need to sort that out. If you've got symptoms that may be suspicious, The first thing is to have a thorough physical and laboratory work And make sure you rule out other medical conditions such as diabetes, which also affect testosterone levels. Treat those first, before you consider looking at testosterone. And you should also have a thorough Psychological Evaluation and deal with those issues." Addressing physicians, Sternbach says, "You can't just get a lab test, and treat a number, You have to treat the whole person." But for the "numbers"— Low testosterone levels: Different labs measure free testosterone differently. But ranges they consider "normal" generally fall between 260 nanograms/deciliter to 1,000 ng/dL (or 2.6 nanograms/milliliter to 10 ng/mL). Since physicians and laboratories have only recently Begun to recognize the importance of testing free testosterone, You may have to lobby to get the test. If you are unable to get that reading And are forced to stick with total testosterone, Normal ranges for men usually are between 250 ng/dL to 1,200 ng/dL of blood (2.5 ng/mL to 12 ng/mL). "Sports Medicine" sources give the figures for the normal level of testosterone in the bloodstream is between 350 and 1230 nanograms per deciliter. And there is a good a little bit of play in the "range numbers" From source to source, depending on the test group of men that the study is founded on. The result of the "Norm" being calculated from different studies- College men, Patients seeking Testosterone Replacement Therapy, etc… Like everything on the OH Boards- "Ask YOUR Dr.!!" T-levels begin dropping as early as mid-20’s, but- Once you reach middle age, (and that’s a 15 year span, from Approx. 35 to 50, depending on your genetics) Testosterone levels begin to drop at a rate of about 1% to 2 % each year. In the short-term, this might not sound like much. By the time you reach your 70's, This constant decline increases the risk of increased fat storage, Brittle bones, muscle loss and impotence. Very low testosterone levels can also increase your risk of dying from a heart attack. Testosterone travels around your bloodstream in two forms — Free testosterone or Bound testosterone. Roughly two percent of total testosterone Is made up of free testosterone, which is the most "active" form. The rest is attached to sex hormone-binding globulin (Known as SHBG) and other proteins. In aging men, it's possible for total testosterone to appear normal, While free testosterone is actually low. If you do get your testosterone levels measured, Make sure to ask for a reading of both total and free testosterone. While a blood or saliva test is a more accurate way of establishing your levels of testosterone, You can also use ---The Saint Louis University - Androgen Deficiency in Aging Men (ADAM) Questionnaire. Dr. John Morley, a researcher with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Developed the self-screening tool to help identify symptoms of low testosterone in men. Choose the responses below that best describe how you have been feeling. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)? 2. Do you have a lack of energy? 3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance? 4. Have you lost height? 5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life"? 6. Are you sad and/or grumpy? 7. Are your erections less strong? 8. Have you noticed a deterioration in your ability to play sports? 9. Are you falling asleep after dinner? 10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you answer yes to question one or seven, Or at least three of the other questions you may have low testosterone levels. Another common sign of low testosterone is a change in mood and behavior. You find it very easy to get angry at trivial incidents. Things you used to enjoy now seem like chores. Life no longer seems to be an endless stream of possibilities. When men who cannot produce testosterone come off hormone replacement therapy, They become irritable and depressed. Their mood improves when they resume treatment. In fact, some researchers think that low testosterone levels Are one reason why some men become grumpy and irritable as they age. Stress can also cause men of any age to experience a drop in testosterone levels. The reason is that certain regions of your brain are "loaded" with receptors for testosterone. In fact, men with depression have free testosterone levels almost 20% lower than normal. In contrast, high levels of testosterone lift your mood, Giving you a feeling of well-being. If you do have a blood test, Remember that testosterone levels are generally – Higher in the morning and lower in the evening. According to a 2003 study in -The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. There are also peaks and troughs during the year. Testosterone levels reach a high during June and July, And drop during winter and early spring . Before you go and get your testosterone levels tested, be sure you know the facts: Laboratories vary in how they perform testosterone tests. To be sure of the result, Have your testosterone tests done at the same location at roughly the same time of day. (Hormones fluctuate throughout the day, so testing at about the same time is best.) The most useful number to know is the "free testosterone" (or bioavailable testosterone). The "total testosterone" reflects free and bound testosterone. Bound testosterone is not available to boost libido or effect mood Because it is linked to proteins, such as albumin.

Testosterone does not affect sexual function, Only sexual drive. (And it is certainly not the only component of sexual drive.) So look for other explanations and solutions if erection difficulties Or problems with the timing of ****** occur. If you do find a low level of free testosterone you’ll need to get other lab tests to determine If you're a good candidate for testosterone supplements: THE TESTS- ------------------------------------------------------------ Testosterone (T) Recommended with deficiency or excess symptoms; Indicator of low sex drive, hair loss, muscle mass and bone status. It is recommended that Testosterone and SHBG Be tested together to determine imbalances of testosterone and estrogen; An important indicator of Andropause onset and/or premature aging in men. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) measurement is used As a relative index of overall exposure to all forms of estrogens, As an indirect index of estrogen interaction with the liver And as an indicator of bioavailable testosterone. High levels indicate excess exposure to estrogens And lower bio-availability of testosterone to tissues, It is recommended that SHBG be tested along with testosterone In order to determine an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. Such an imbalance is an important indicator of Andropause onset and/or premature aging in men. ------------------------------------------------------------ Male Profile I (T, SHBG, PSA) -a popular "combo" test. Overall assessment of male vitality, Performance and prostate health; Indicator of prostate enlargement or cancer risk. ------------------------------------------------------------ Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) PSA a protein produced by the prostate gland is an important indicator of prostatic enlargement Or increased risk of prostate cancer. High PSA levels are a warning sign of prostate health risks. A normal PSA reading is prerequisite to initiating testosterone therapy. ------------------------------------------------------------ Male Profile II (IGF-1, T, SHBG, PSA) –the "gold standard" of "combo" tests for men. Best comprehensive assessment of overall male health, Vitality, and prostate health; indicator of Adult Growth Hormone deficiency, Rapid aging and increased prostate cancer risk. ------------------------------------------------------------ Somatomedin C (IGF-1) IGF-1 is important because it is a reliable indicator of Human growth hormone. IGF-1 needs to be Within the expected range for this reason: Low IGF-1 levels indicate Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Associated with rapid aging, decreased muscle and bone mass, Slowing cognition, low libido and poor quality of life. ------------------------------------------------------------ Currently, testosterone can be administered by injection, pill, or skin patch. Most physicians favor either the injection or patch Because the pill has more potential for negative medical consequences. The two negatives of the shots: the annoyance of getting a shot Every two weeks to three weeks, and the "spike effect," Which gives a man a sudden boost of testosterone that usually wears off by the time of the next injection. The skin patch has the added advantage of Eliminating the spike effect because the same amount of testosterone Is absorbed through the skin each day as a new patch is applied. The patch approach is slightly more expensive than injections, but involves no needles. The preferred way to go nowadays is the Cream or Gel transdermal delivery systems. They are easy to apply, well absorbed, and rapidly establish stable serum androgen levels (Usually by the end of the second day). Much is made of the risk posed by accidental transferal of testosterone to others, Such as children or sexual partners. Simply covering with a T-shirt has been shown to block transfer of the hormone. The testosterone sinks into the skin within an hour, Which acts as the actual reservoir for the hormone’s delivery. One may then shower, or even swim, without worry. So, That’s what I had. Add ons? Thoughts? Moodiness can occur for a number of reasons in Post-Op Bariatric Patients. Mourning the loss of food, adjusting to new life style, Pressure to succeed, Loss of comforting and coping mechanisms, etc… And for us Guys- Add in The Testosterone Roller Coaster than can result. Don’t assume anything about a "bad mood." Very likely, could be the result of Chemical / Hormonal Imbalances beyond your control. Who says we don’t get "hormonal" at times? Best Wishes- Dx

Dx -=-
WOW !! what information to make us all think ....

Maybe we should all go out to the track and check out a few horses T level and then place a bet or two ....

From the left side
KIM
Ventura, CA

Hey Dxe... Will you do a repost form your files, about the price of protein....you had one, about eating out, and protein, how much shrinp on a buffett costs...that one...sorry to be so wishy washy Russ

Pure- (Re-Post) just pulled off of Hard-drive------- (prices may have changed since then…..) __________________________________________

OK, I’m bringing up the dreaded topic- "The BUFFET!" (bad enough that the mention of it used to get Tek pulled) But- NO Joke here. Getting your Money’s Worth At the Buffet! Not a rant about Restaurant Cards, But Seriously- "What has Worked for Me!" I have a local Chinese restaurant That has an "All you CARE to Eat" Buffet Daily. The Lunch hours price? (college town pricing) $5.50 but they don’t offer the "Create Your Own" Mongolian Bar-B-Que option or custom Sushi Bar. In the Evenings they do as well as "Special" Items. And the Cost is $8.00. With "Drink" these jump up to $6.70 something for Lunch, $9.50 something for Diner. (I have gone there in the evening, But usually only by day. Me? No Drink ever, so that knocks 1$ off the price. I typically have Lunch there for $7.00 total After leaving approx. $1.50 for Tip. (Generous for a $6.00 Buffet) Just like the rest of my eating Now, It all comes down to "Food Choices." The easy "META-RULE" that will work For nearly all food choices now- "Only choose the most Expensive (per ounce/lb) Foods." And add to that- Foods, which take time/skill to eat. My "Goal" at this Buffet, I figure this way. For the $6.00, It is Extraordinary to pay only $2.00 Towards the Place Setting, Silverware use, Cooking, Ambience, Air-conditioning, etc… So I attempt to get $4.00 worth of food. Yes? I usually can get at least $6.00 worth With out Even Trying. I go for the Low-Fat Protein First And that "just happens" To coincide with The more expensive items on the buffet. Obviously Prices will vary across the nation But based on my old restaurant Kitchen work in college, And the Info I’ve "dug out of" One of my under-grads who works there, These prices are fairly close. My favorite choices marked with an asterisk or 2. (*) My "Avoids" marked with a (~) Examples- * Cured Smoked King Salmon - Approx. $19.00 lb. ..............(Only on Weekend Nights) ** King Crab Legs - Approx. $18.00 lb. (Very Slow to eat) * Jumbo Prawns/Shrimp - Approx. $15.00 lb. ..............("Un-Shelled" Slower to eat) (Only on Weekend Nights) Pepper Crusted Prime Rib - - Approx. $14.50 lb. ..............(Sunday Lunch and Evening) * Pickled Ginger - Approx. $14.00 lb. ..............(Aids Digestion, reduces Gas!) * Sea Scallops - Approx. $13.50 lb. ..............(Slow to chew) ** Steamed Razor Clams - Approx. $13.00 lb. ..............(Take Longer to Eat) * Steamed Oysters- Approx. $12.00 lb. ..............(Take Longer to Eat) * King Salmon - Approx. $10.50 lb. * Sushi Grade Tuna - Approx. $10.00 lb. Halibut - Approx. $9.00 lb. Red/Sockeye Salmon - Approx. $7.50 lb. Silver Salmon - Approx. $7.00 lb. * Bulk Nuts (non-peanuts) - Approx. $6.75 lb. Common block Cheese ..............(Cheddar, Swiss, Colby, etc) - Approx. $5.50 lb. * Medium to Small Shrimp - Approx. $5.00 lb. ..............("Un-Shelled" Slower to eat) * Spicy Steamed Tilapia Fish - Approx. $5.00 lb. Five Spiced Ham – ..............(Averaging Actual Ham and Processed) - Approx. $5.00 lb. * Steamed Local Crawfish - Approx. $5.00 lb. ..............("Un-Shelled" Very Slow to eat) Beef (Roast or Tips) - Approx. $ 4.00 lb. * Asian Style Ribs (Cooked, Bone in)- - Approx. $4.00 lb. ..............(Double the price for not eating the Bone) Chicken Tenders (Real, not Processed/Minced) - Approx. $ 3.00 lb. Cod Fillets (as in Fish and chips) - Approx. $3.00 lb. "Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan" - Approx. $2.50 lb. Meatballs/Pot-Stickers/Meat Dumplings - Approx. $2.50 lb. ~ (ick!) Faux Seafood Salad ..............(imitation crabmeat) - Approx. $2.00 lb. ** Lychee Nuts ..............(Rough outer skin to peel-takes more time) - Approx. $2.00 lb. * Fresh Strawberries - - Approx. $1.75 lb. ~ Breaded (Sweet and Sour anything "chunks"– General) ..............- Approx. $1.75 lb. Seedless Grapes - Approx. $1.75 lb. * Mixed Steamed Vegetables - Approx. $1.75 lb. ~ American (Processed Cheese-Food) Bulk/Block - Approx. $1.50 lb. Grape/Cherry Tomatoes- Approx. 1.50 lb. * Snow Peas - - Approx. $1.50 lb. Fresh Tomatoes (Bulk Price) - Approx. $1.25 lb. * Fresh Peppers (Bulk Price) - Approx. $1.25 lb. Fresh Vegetables (In General) - Approx. $1.25 lb. Chicken (Fried on Bone) - Approx. $0.75 lb. ~ (ick) Breaded Processed ..............(from Minced) Shrimp- Approx. $0.70 lb. -before cooking. ~ Chicken or Pork Dishes Battered/Fried/Sauced- Approx. $0.70 lb. ~ Breaded Fish Sticks- Approx. $0.65 lb. -before cooking. ~ Egg Rolls (With Shrimp-bits) - $0.65 lb. ~ Egg Rolls (No Meat) - $0.60 lb. ~ Pizza Rolls (Bulk price) - Approx. $0.04 each -$0.60 lb. -before cooking. Chicken Wings - Approx. $ 0.50 lb. ~ Egg Foo Yung - - Approx. $0.45 lb. * Steamed Cabbage - Approx. $0.40 lb. ~~~ Tater Tots (Bulk Price) – Approx./Average- $0.40 lb. ~~~ Bulk Mac & Cheese- Approx. - $0.40 lb. ~~ Fried Potatoes (General Bulk) - Approx. $0.35 lb. -before cooking. ~~ Bulk Noodles (general) – Approx./Average- $0.35 lb. Hot and Sour Soup - Approx./Average - $0.35 lb. ~~ Wontons (Fried Crisp) - Approx./Average- $0.30 per pound ~~ Bulk Rice (Cooked/Steamed) – Approx./Average- $0.15 lb. ~~ Mashed Potatoes (from instant) – Approx./Average- $0.20 lb. ~~ "Chinese Doughnuts" - Approx. $0.20 lb. Egg Drop Soup - Approx. $0.15 lb. (Soothing but not "filling") Watermelon (Bulk Price) - Approx. $0.15 lb. Bulk Restaurant Pudding- Approx. $0.10 lb. Sweet and Sour Sauce - Approx. $0.05 lb. Wonton Soup - Approx. $0.05 lb. Bulk Restaurant Jell-O- Approx. $0.02 lb. I tend to average out at $12.50 per lb. Choice When the items are combined. And I typically eat about 8 to 10 ounces, Up to a full pound depending on time and food density How heavily I hit the King Crab Legs, And Shellfish Giving me about $8.50 worth Of Low fat Protein First, then usually a little Veggies and a Lychee Nut or 2 and A few Walnuts for "dessert." Now-a-days, I More than Get "My Money’s Worth." But I think about my Past- Start by Ordering a large Sweet Tea, Fill my plate with Rice or Noodles, Then smother it in Breaded, Fried, Sauced Chicken Bits, Couple of Egg Rolls, With lots of Sweet and Sour Sauce Hit the "Non-Asian Items" Such as a Bowl of Tater-Tots, Fried "Potato Logs," and a handful of pizza rolls. Go back for some more rice With Sweet Sauce and pork over it And a couple of pieces of Fried Chicken. Finish off with 3 "Chinese Doughnuts" With plenty of pudding to dip them in. Probably 4 to 5 Pounds of Food And an Over Priced Beverage. But at an Average of around $0.45 per lb. Even if I could eat 8 lbs. of food at that rate, ($3.60 worth of actual food) I was still not "Getting my Money’s Worth!" Now not every Buffet Has the same ingredients obviously, But the Same "META-RULE" Applies. Go for the MOST EXPENSIVE Items, (With the exception of Cheese Cake,) They will normally be Higher in Protein, Lower in Fats, Carbs and Calories. If you find an Asian Buffet, That doesn’t have the King Crab Legs, Keep looking. Many Do. Eating Healthy, Is the Only way to Actually "Get your Money’s Worth." Why would I want To use a "Restaurant Card" Now? Before, I was making them a huge profit, Now, I’m sure they Shudder when they see me coming for my 8 to 10 ounces! Take a look at a Buffet with new eyes! Perhaps one of the most Cost-Effective Meals out there. Best Wishes- Dx

Hey Dx,  Great Information. This is the first time I've laid eyes on this post. I've been avoiding buffets like the plague since surgery. I didn't want the temptation of "all I could eat" to ever be a factor again. At 7 months out, I've re-learned a LOT. I think less about filling up to the point of explosion,  and more about just having a bite to eat. After reading this I think that I can re-enter the world of buffets and make good decisions about nutrition. Thanks for helping to keep us all on track!                                             

Dx, Thanks for this posting.  It is very timely for me since I am on the road and exposed to a lot of buffets.  I think they will definately loose money on me since I am consuming all of the high grade seafood and none of the junk. The hotels and restaurants even seem to be consistent in having a strategy of having the junk in the beginning of the buffet and the good stuff at the end.  For the most part, you can walk past the first several offerings and go right to the end for the good stuff.

I have never had ANY Testosterone in my body - none, nada, zip.  I have a head full of hair, my wife calls me the highest sexed individual of all time - whoo who.  And, I reserve the right to be a *****!  Hoo Hah.  I've taken 5mg patches (stinky stinky) and don't believe the hype, they can sweat off AND they make you smell like a fungass rag.  Libido, any more and I'd be in jail.   Just can't have babies, but believe me I am the best daddy ever!  Just ask my kids! My wife used to wake up to find those patches on her, for about an hour or so in the morning, she'd be a real ******* you know what I mean.  Hee Hee My 2 cents, ain't worth much but it accrues. Bob McQueen.