Testosterone: A Man's Guide is the best source of unbiased and practical testosterone replacement information.

Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/12/2014 -- Testosterone: A Man's Guide- Practical Tips for Boosting Physical, Mental and Sexual Vitality"" (Milestones Publishing, available on amazon.com)has become the best rated testosterone book that educate men about this hormone's deficiency, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with practical "how-to" information generated by an expert after 20 years of research and use of all testosterone options.

The overall prevalence of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) in the United States is approximately 39 percent in men 45 years or older according to the 2006 Hypogonadism in Males (HIM) study, one of the largest studies ever done on testosterone deficiency. "Recent estimates show that 13 million men in the United States may experience testosterone deficiency, although fewer than 10 percent receive treatment for the condition. So why are so few men receiving treatment for hypogonadism? The two main symptoms of testosterone deficiency, depression and sexual dysfunction, are topics that many men feel uncomfortable discussing even with their physicians. So many men suffer quietly and unecesarily", said Nelson Vergel, the book's author.

Luckily, this patient-friendly book provides tools to educate men about how to maximize testosterone benefits while minimizing its side effects , how to apply for free testosterone access via patient assistance programs, how to find a physician trained in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) , review of supplements and foods that may affect testosterone, advantages/disadvantages of TRT options like gels, injections, pellets, and oral products, how to obtain customized TRT products from specialized pharmacies, a listing of testosterone studies , and online testosterone discussion groups and web sites.

The author, Nelson Vergel, is also the co-author of the book Built to Survive" and the founder of the Body Positive Wellness Clinic in Houston. With his background as a chemical engineer and tireless patient advocate for over 20 years, his writing is accessible and jam-packed full of practical information. He weaves the latest research data with first-hand experience and useful tips—the result of years of trial and error experience. He strives to help his readers live healthier lives without having to "reinvent the wheel" in their search for solutions.

Physicians and patients are raving about the book. Dr Justin Saya, a prominent expert on men's health, has said: "This is the first and only book in the market that approaches testosterone in a friendly and informative manner for men. Nelson deeply cares about men's health. It is more than a passing interest. For him, it is a matter of life and living. "

"As a physician who treats testosterone deficient male patients I have found Nelson's book so informatively and clearly written that I have recommended his book to medical colleagues," stated Dr Paul Bellman, a well known New York City physician. "I hope Nelson's book gains the wide readership it deserves because of its power to improve the health and quality of life of countless individuals."

When asked why he wrote this book, Nelson said: "Testosterone therapy saved my life, so I wanted to share this information with all men. Besides researching data and talking to researchers on different options, I have purposely tried most of the products that I discuss in this book to provide practical tips on each one. After my 20 years of work, I still very concerned about how many men have unfounded fears about this hormone and how those who are using it now do not know how to manage potential side effects. It is my hope that this book will save readers time and trouble by preventing costly mistakes, wasted time and needless suffering."

For more information on the book and to join Nelson's new site ExcelMale.com:Testosterone Replacement Information and Forum

ExcelMale.com provides a safe and moderated environment where men can share and educate themselves about important men's health issues including testosterone replacement therapy,quality of life and performance issues.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

ExcelMale.com identifies flaws in testosterone treatment at the VA hospital

Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/20/2013 -- The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published a retrospective study (1) that was performed at the Veteran's Administration (VA) hospital system. While it has long been known that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) improves sexual function, bone density, lean body mass, and lipids, this study concluded that testosterone therapy may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in men with a history of heart disease. It cautioned that men with pre-existing cardiovascular problems and testosterone deficiency should avoid TRT. ExcelMale.com, an education website for men, identified major flaws in this study that wrongly alarmed patients, physicians and the media.

While it is commendable that the VA hospital system collected data on the use of testosterone in over 8,000 veterans with cardiovascular disease, the study highlights deficiencies in the hospital system's testosterone management protocol.

The VA study showed that 40% of patients did not have their testosterone blood levels retested after they started testosterone. This lack of follow up contradicts a review of guidelines published on 2011 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation that The Endocrine Society, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and the European Association of Urology recommendations of monitoring patients' blood analysis 3 months after initiation of testosterone therapy (2) to determine TRT dose adjustments and potential side effects.

A previously study (3) also published in JAMA in 2009 showed that men with total testosterone blood levels below 550 ng/dl had a significant increase in their risk of cardiovascular disease, while men with levels above 550 ng/dl reduced their risk by 30%. Monitored participants in the VA study were only able to increase their total testosterone blood levels to 332 ng/dl, a value considered sub-optimal by all testosterone treatment medical guidelines.

Another shortcoming of the VA hospital system's TRT protocol highlighted by the study is the lack of monitoring and managing of hematocrit (red cell volume) and estradiol (a female hormone produced in the body from testosterone). TRT can increase hematocrit and estradiol in a minority of men resulting in increased blood viscosity and cardiovascular risks as documented in the previously mentioned 2009 JAMA study (4). Fortunately, both variables can be easily managed if patients are properly monitored.

The majority of participants in the VA study used testosterone patches. Once a popular method of testosterone delivery, testosterone patches are no longer used due to their poor absorption and inconvenience. This is reflected in the VA study where most of the participants continued to have testosterone deficiency and increased cardiovascular risk.

"Publishing flawed studies only increases the current misconceptions surrounding this important therapy and unnecessarily alarms TRT patients and their physicians", said Nelson Vergel, founder of ExcelMale.com. "We encourage patients, physicians and the media to closely examine studies for misleading information that could increase barriers to life saving therapies", added Vergel.

"We urge the VA hospital system to revise their TRT protocol and to follow current testosterone guidelines. We want only the best for the men who have served our country", said Keith Willse, co-founder of ExcelMale.com.

About ExcelMale.com
ExcelMale.com is a peer reviewed and moderated safe platform where men can privately and securely share information and experiences about health and productivity. It is moderated daily for content and enforcement of a code of conduct and provides well organized archives of articles, forum chats, product reviews, and videos related to:

- Testosterone replacement,
- erectile dysfunction and sex drive,
- fat loss and muscle gain,
- energy boosters,
- exercise,
- nutrition,
- supplementation,
- diagnostics,
- pharmaceuticals,
- and all things related to men's health and productivity.

For more information and patient/clinician education on testosterone, visit http://www.ExcelMale.com

References:

1- JAMA. 2013;310(17):1829-1836.
2- J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;58(16):1674-1681.
3- JAMA. 2009 May 13;301(18):1892-901.
4- JAMA. 2009 May 13;301(18):1892-901.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A men's health grassroots and education group advocates for better testosterone replacement therapy of veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces

Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/14/2013 -- Last week's Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) published a retrospective study (1) that was performed at the Veteran's Administration (VA) hospital system. While it has long been known that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) improves sexual function, bone density, lean body mass, and lipids, this study concluded that testosterone therapy may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in men with a history of heart disease. It cautioned that men with pre-existing cardiovascular problems and testosterone deficiency should avoid TRT. ExcelMale.com, an education website for men, identified major flaws in this study that wrongly alarmed patients, physicians and the media.

While it is commendable that the VA hospital system collected data on the use of testosterone in over 8,000 veterans with cardiovascular disease, the study highlights deficiencies in the hospital system's testosterone management protocol.

The VA study showed that 40% of patients did not have their testosterone blood levels retested after they started testosterone. This lack of follow up contradicts a review of guidelines published on 2011 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation that The Endocrine Society, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and the European Association of Urology recommendations of monitoring patients' blood analysis 3 months after initiation of testosterone therapy (2) to determine TRT dose adjustments and potential side effects.

A previously study (3) also published in JAMA in 2009 showed that men with total testosterone blood levels below 550 ng/dl had a significant increase in their risk of cardiovascular disease, while men with levels above 550 ng/dl reduced their risk by 30%. Monitored participants in the VA study were only able to increase their total testosterone blood levels to 332 ng/dl, a value considered sub-optimal by all testosterone treatment medical guidelines.

Another shortcoming of the VA hospital system's TRT protocol highlighted by the study is the lack of monitoring and managing of hematocrit (red cell volume) and estradiol (a female hormone produced in the body from testosterone). TRT can increase hematocrit and estradiol is a minority of men resulting in increased blood viscosity and cardiovascular risks as documented in the previously mentioned 2009 JAMA study (4). Fortunately, both variables can be easily managed if patients are properly monitored.

The majority of participants in the VA study used testosterone patches. Once a popular method of testosterone delivery, testosterone patches are no longer used due to their poor absorption and inconvenience. This is reflected in the VA study where most of the participants continued to have testosterone deficiency and increased cardiovascular risk.

"Publishing flawed studies only increases the current misconceptions surrounding this important therapy and unnecessarily alarms TRT patients and their physicians", said Nelson Vergel, founder of ExcelMale.com. "We encourage patients, physicians and the media to closely examine studies for misleading information that could increase barriers to life saving therapies", added Vergel.

"We urge the VA hospital system to revise their TRT protocol and to follow current testosterone guidelines. We want only the best for the men who have served our country", said Keith Willse, co-founder of ExcelMale.com.

ExcelMale.com is a peer reviewed and moderated safe platform where men can privately and securely share information and experiences about health and productivity. It is moderated daily for content and enforcement of a code of conduct and provides well organized archives of articles, forum chats, product reviews, and videos related to:

- Testosterone replacement,
- erectile dysfunction and sex drive,
- fat loss and muscle gain,
- energy boosters,
- exercise,
- nutrition,
- supplementation,
- diagnostics,
- pharmaceuticals,
- and all things related to men's health and productivity.

For more information and patient/clinician education on testosterone, visit http://www.ExcelMale.com

References:

1- JAMA. 2013;310(17):1829-1836.
2- J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;58(16):1674-1681.
3- JAMA. 2009 May 13;301(18):1892-901.
4- JAMA. 2009 May 13;301(18):1892-901.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm