Grey Power September 2019

20
NZ GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » SEPTEMBER 2019
Keep testosterone supplementation safe
We know that men and women are different in so
many weird and wonderful ways. However, right at the
beginning of an embryo's development, males and
females are the same. Both have a pair of identical
undifferentiated gonads, which have the potential to
develop into testes or ovaries.
BY DENISE ELLIOTT
It has been identified
as a single gene on the
male Y chromosome
that binds to the DNA of
the gonads, causing them
to become testes, and if
the gene is not present
ovaries will develop.
Following that choice,
it is the hormones that organise
everything through
the internal and external
sexual development,
including the brain, in
preparation for later activation
in life, during puberty.
Testosterone is classified
as a steroidal andro-
gen and is the key male
sex hormone that develops
masculinity, growth
of facial hair, lowering the
voice, fertility, and muscle
and fat distribution. Pubic
and underarm hair is
produced by androgens
from the adrenals, which
both sexes produce. Both
types of glands (testes and
ovaries) produce a small
amount of the hormone of
the other sex.
Testosterone has two
specific actions - androgenic
(masculinising) and
anabolic (tissue building).
Testosterone alone will
not build muscle, we also
require adequate protein,
essential fatty acids,
vitamins and minerals.
The muscle also must
have work to develop and
strengthen. A lean body
mass helps control weight
and will support energy
pathways as it is more efficient
at burning fuel.
The normal range of
testosterone varies widely
with individual biochemical
differences. When in
excess, the fearlessness
often seen in men can turn
to violence and aggression
with paranoia type reactions.
Testosterone production
is a substantial process
with many metabolic
pathways, starting with
the hypothalamus and
pituitary in the brain, via
other hormones, to stimulate
the testes into action.
Hormone production
naturally slows down with
age and testosterone supplementation
is used for
specific medical conditions.
Synthetic anabolic
steroid use for growth of
muscle in various sports
usually ends sadly. Side
effects can be huge including
heart and liver
damage, impotence and
loss of libido.
All hormone health
is reliant on good nutritional
wellness. Nutrients
such as zinc and vitamin
C may not directly stimulate
testosterone production,
however vitamin C
is essential for the structural
support of testicular
tissue, without which it
could not function properly
and zinc is required
to maintain the task of the
Leydig cells, where testosterone
is produced, within
Denise Elliot
the testes and is a major
mineral for quality and
motility of sperm.
Denise Elliott is a Naturopath,
Medical Herbalist
and Beauty Therapist.
Online survey finds
support for prescription
meds ad ban
Consumer NZ says
the majority of Kiwis
questioned in
a new survey want prescription
medicine ads
banned. New Zealand and
the US are the only two
countries in the developed
world that allowed
direct-to-consumer advertising
of prescription
medicines, said Consumer
NZ head of research
Jessica Wilson.
As part of a review
of the Medicines Act,
the Ministry of Health
has been consulting on
whether the law should
continue to allow medicine
advertising. Wilson
said Consumer NZ will
be providing the results
of its research to the
ministry and Minister of
Health David Clark.
“We’ve been calling
for these ads to be banned
because they don’t provide
consumers with
good information and
they increase the risk of
medicines being overpre-
scribed,” said Wilson.
Consumer NZ found
57 percent of Kiwis in its
survey supported a ban
on medicine advertising
in favour of an independent
health information
service that could provide
advice about treatment
options. The data came
from a survey of 1001
New Zealanders, aged 18
and over, and was carried
out online in June 2019.
Just 15 percent
thought drug advertising
should continue.
“Our survey also shows
many consumers don’t
think these ads are giving
them the full picture,”
said Wilson.
Scepticism expressed
Only eight percent
strongly agreed that medicine
ads provided unbiased
and comprehensive
information about treatment.
Many said they were
sceptical about the motivations
drug companies
had for advertising. Fifty-nine
percent strongly
agreed companies were
likely to spend the most
money advertising medicines
that gave them the
most profit.
While most consumers
had a negative view
of this advertising, one
in eight said an ad had
prompted them to ask
for a prescription medicine
from their doctor or
other health professional.
Of those, 45 percent got
the prescription they requested,
while 21 percent
received a prescription
for another medicine.
Wilson said medicine
advertising increased the
risk of unnecessary prescribing.
“These ads sell the
promise of a quick fix.
However, the best option
isn’t always popping a
pill. Other treatments or
lifestyle changes may be
more effective in some
cases,” she said.
• Diabetic foot care
• Relieving arthritic pain
• Reducing swollen ankles
• Improving joint flexibility
• Strengthening muscles
EXERCISE WHILE SITTING
WATCHING TV.
Helpful for:
• Cramps & restless legs
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Parkinson’s & MS
• Painful fingers & wrists
• Aching legs/sore feet
• Cold hands and feet
• Overuse syndrome
• Travelling (DVT)
• Chilblains
• Sciatica
Great gift
idea
In chemists and mobility centres or visit www.aircycle.co.nz or
0800 14 14 15 or post $44.90 (incl.p&p) to Aircycle, PO Box 313, Waikanae.