Category Archives: Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Many men with low testosterone report improved energy levels, sex drive, and mood after testosterone treatment. If testosterone is low, why not replace it?

Not so fast. A low testosterone level by itself doesn't need treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy can have side effects, and the long-term risks and benefits aren't known. Only men with symptoms of low testosterone and blood levels that confirm this as the cause of symptoms should consider testosterone replacement. Talking with your doctor is the only way to know if testosterone therapy is right for you.

The symptoms of low testosterone are sometimes obvious, but they also can be subtle. Testosterone levels decline naturally in men as they age over decades. But certain conditions can also lead to an abnormally low level. Symptoms of low testosterone include:

If a man has symptoms of low testosterone and tests show he has an abnormally low testosterone level, a doctor may suggest treatment. For millions of men who have low testosterone levels but no symptoms, no treatment is currently recommended. It is has also not been approved for treating men with low levels because of aging.

Testosterone replacement therapy is available in several forms. All can improve testosterone levels:

Why not a simple testosterone pill? Oral testosterone is available. However, some experts believe oral testosterone can have negative effects on the liver. Using other methods, such as skin patches, gels, orally disintegrating tablets, or injections, bypasses the liver and gets testosterone into the blood directly.

What can you expect from testosterone treatment? It's impossible to predict, because every man is different. Many men report improvement in energy level, sex drive, and quality of erections. Testosterone also increases bone density, muscle mass, and insulin sensitivity in some men.

Men also often report an improvement in mood from testosterone replacement. Whether these effects are barely noticeable, or a major boost, is highly individualized.

Karen Herbst, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist at University of California-San Diego, specializes in testosterone deficiency. She estimates about one in 10 men are "ecstatic" about their response to testosterone therapy, while about the same number "don't notice much." The majority have generally positive, but varying responses to testosterone replacement.

Testosterone replacement therapy side effects most often include rash, itching, or irritation at the site where the testosterone is applied.

However, there is also evidence of an increased risk of heart attack or stroke associated with testosterone use. Experts emphasize that the benefits and risks of long-term testosterone therapy are unknown, because large clinical trials haven't yet been done.

There are a few health conditions that experts believe testosterone therapy can worsen:

It will be years before large clinical trials bring any answers on the long-term benefits and risks of testosterone therapy. As with any medicine, the decision on whether the possible benefits outweigh any risks is up to you and your doctor.

Isn't taking testosterone replacement basically the same as taking steroids, like athletes that "dope"? It's true that anabolic steroids used by some bodybuilders and athletes contain testosterone or chemicals that act like testosterone.

The difference is that doses used in testosterone replacement only achieve physiologic (natural) levels of hormone in the blood. The testosterone forms some athletes use illegally are in much higher doses, and often combined ("stacked") with other substances that boost the overall muscle-building (anabolic) effect.

SOURCES:

Drugs.com: "Androderm Side Effects."

Swerdloff, R. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2000.

Striant.com.

Wilson, J. American Journal of Medicine, 1980.

Bhasin, S. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2006.

Karen Herbst, MD, PhD, assistant professor in medicine, University of California, San Diego.

News release, FDA.

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Testosterone Injections ...

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well-being, and sexual function.

Inadequate production of testosterone is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction; however, when ED does occur due to decreased testosterone production, testosterone replacement therapy may improve the problem.

As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body naturally gradually declines. This decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Some causes of low testosterone levels are due to:

Without adequate testosterone, a man may lose his sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being, and have difficulty concentrating.

Low testosterone can cause the following physical changes:

The only accurate way to detect the condition is to have your doctor measure the amount of testosterone in your blood. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, several measurements will need to be taken to detect a deficiency. Doctors prefer, if possible, to test levels early in the morning, when testosterone levels are highest.

Note: Testosterone should only be used by men who have clinical signs and symptoms AND medically documented low testosterone levels.

Testosterone deficiency can be treated by:

Each of these options provides adequate levels of hormone replacement; however, they all have different advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor to see which approach is right for you.

Men who have prostate cancer or breast cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy. Nor should men who have severe urinary tract problems, untreated severe sleep apnea or uncontrolled heart failure. All men considering testosterone replacement therapy should undergo a thorough prostate cancer screening -- a rectal exam and PSA test -- prior to starting this therapy.

In general, testosterone replacement therapy is safe. It is associated with some side effects, including:

Laboratory abnormalities that can occur with hormone replacement include:

If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are important.

Like any other medication, directions for administering testosterone should be followed exactly as your doctor orders. If you are unsure or have any questions about testosterone replacement therapy, ask your doctor.

SOURCE:

Get-Back-On-Track.com.

The Hormone Foundation.

News release, FDA.

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Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Replacement Therapy

The two major testosterone gel brands are Testim and Androgel. They are very similar and generally prescribed interchangeably, but sometimes insurance wont cover one or the other. Often, I hear that they wont cover Testim and people want to know if Androgel is just as good. So here is a general guide to choosing if you are lucky enough to have the choice which one is right for you.

Testim Vs AndrogelI would try whichever your insurance covers first. If your insurance covers both medications, try whichever one has coupons or kickbacks. Ive heard people say they didnt pay any/much for Testim for the first year because the company (Auxilium) that markets the drug has a financial assistance program available for the first year.

Now that price and availability are out of the way, lets deal with smell: Testim smells. Some people think it smells good, and some cant stand it. Personally, I like it and my wife likes it. Ive found that women ask me what cologne Im wearing, and mention that they like it too. Still, if you or your wife dont like the smell of something you have to put on every day, that would be a deal-breaker. So try out a tube and see what you and, if applicable, your partner thinks about the Testim scent. Androgel doesnt have much of a smell at all.

Testim is sticky. Androgel goes on much like that hand-sanitizer stuff, while Testim seems to remain stickier longer. Some say this is why Testim seems to work better for them: Because it stays on the skin and soaks in better. These personal statements of efficacy cant be relied on as empirical data, however. But the fact that you can feel it on your skin longer, does bring up a question about Testim gel Vs Androgel: Does it take longer to soak in and, if so, does that increase the exposure time I have to worry about when it comes to my wife and children? The short answer is: NO. In-fact, according to US National Library of Medicines website, the wait-time for AndrogGel is much longer:

You should not shower, bathe, swim, or wash the place where you applied the medication for at least 2 hours after you apply Testim gel or at least 5-6 hours after you apply AndroGel .

WasteTestim comes in little single-use tubes so you go through more of them and it generates more waste. If you are eco-minded this may factor into your decision. Androgel comes in a dispenser with a little pump on it (like soap) so there is less waste.

But the real question when considering AndroGel Vs Testim is: Which works better? Which is the best? Which testosterone topical gel is going to get my testosterone levels on track fast, keep my levels steady, and keep me there for the long term since Ill be taking this stuff for many years to come? As you might guess, both brands have their fans. Personally, I like Testim. And here is a study to back up my personal preference:

Efficacy of changing testosterone gel preparations (Androgel or Testim) among suboptimally responsive hypogonadal men.Grober ED, Khera M, Soni SD, Espinoza MG, Lipshultz LI.Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital and Womens College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.Summary of the study:

A change in testosterone gel preparation among initially unresponsive hypogonadal men is justified prior to abandoning or considering more invasive TRT. Changing from Androgel to Testim offers hypogonadal men the potential for improved clinical and biochemical responsiveness. Changing from Testim to Androgel is indicated to eliminate or minimize unwanted side effects.

Note: This study was done to find out if switching brands would help men who were unresponsive to one brand or the other.

More important to me than such a study is to find out from others who have been on TRT for more than a year, preferably several years or more, and hear about their experiences with both or either drug. Please comment below with your own experiences.

I am inclined toward a weekly injection over a daily application, but what does ones rear-end feel like after being used as a pin-cushion for decades? I dunno any bodybuilders out there want to elaborate on that?

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Testim VS Androgel - Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Reprinted with the kind permission of Life Extension.

August 23 2017.An article appearing on July 18, 2017 in theJournal of Urologydocuments improvements in sexual function, urinary function and quality of life among men who receivedtestosterone replacement therapy.

The prospective registry study involved 656 men with low testosterone levels and symptoms of testosterone deficiency, among whom 360 were regularly treated with parenteral testosterone undecanoate for up to 10 years. The remainder of the subjects, who chose not to be treated with testosterone, received biannual routine clinic visits.

The researchers, from Boston University School of Medicine and School of Public Health in collaboration with German urologists, found that men who received testosterone therapy experienced significant decreases in their International Prostate Symptom Score, post-voiding bladder volume and Aging Males Symptoms scale, which assesses health-related quality of life. The percentage of patients without erectile dysfunction significantly improved in the testosterone treated group, from 17.1% at the beginning of the study, to 74.4% of the study at the last visit. In contrast, subjects who did not receive the hormone experienced deterioration in erectile function as well as in voiding functions. Prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker which, when elevated, is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, remained unchanged in both groups over the course of the study.

While there were five deaths, 8 nonfatal strokes and 8 nonfatal heart attacks over the 8-month median follow-up period in the untreated group, none of these events occurred among those who received testosterone.

Long-term testosterone therapy, in men with testosterone deficiency, was well tolerated with excellent adherence suggesting a high level of patient satisfaction, authors Karim Sultan Haider and colleagues conclude. A progressive and sustained improvement in urinary and sexual function was recorded in men receiving long-term testosterone therapy, contributing to overall improvement in quality of life.

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Testosterone replacement therapy associated with improved urinary, sexual function - ProHealth

Global Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market Research Report 2017 to 2022 provides a unique tool for evaluating the market, highlighting opportunities, and supporting strategic and tactical decision-making. This report recognizes that in this rapidly-evolving and competitive environment, up-to-date marketing information is essential to monitor performance and make critical decisions for growth and profitability. It provides information on trends and developments, and focuses on markets and materials, capacities and technologies, and on the changing structure of the Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market.

Companies Mentioned are AbbVie, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Antares Pharma, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Antares Pharma, Sandoz, Clarus Therapeutics, Juniper Pharmaceuticals, Endo International, Acerus Pharmaceuticals, Forendo Pharma, MetP Pharma, Repros Therapeutics

The Global Testosterone Replacement Therapy market consists of different international, regional, and local vendors. The market competition is foreseen to grow higher with the rise in technological innovation and M&A activities in the future. Moreover, many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. The new vendor entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.

This report segments the Global Testosterone Replacement Therapy market on the basis of types, Gels, Injectables, Patches, Other On the basis of application, the Global Testosterone Replacement Therapy market is segmented into Hospitals, Clinics, Other

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Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering Global, Europe, Japan, China, India , Southeast Asia, Other.

The report provides a basic overview of the Testosterone Replacement Therapy industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures.

Then, the report focuses on Global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whats more, the Testosterone Replacement Therapy industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.

The research includes historic data from 2012 to 2016 and forecasts until 2022 which makes the reports an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, consultants, analysts, and other people looking for key industry data in readily accessible documents with clearly presented tables and graphs. The report will make detailed analysis mainly on above questions and in-depth research on the development environment, market size, development trend, operation situation and future development trend of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on the basis of stating current situation of the industry in 2017 so as to make comprehensive organization and judgment on the competition situation and development trend of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market and assist manufacturers and investment organization to better grasp the development course of Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market.

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There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the Global Testosterone Replacement Therapy market.

Chapter 1, to describe Testosterone Replacement Therapy Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;

Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Testosterone Replacement Therapy, with sales, revenue, and price of Testosterone Replacement Therapy, in 2016 and 2017;

Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016and 2017;

Chapter 4, to show the Global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Testosterone Replacement Therapy, for each region, from 2012to 2017;

Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;

Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;

Chapter 12, Testosterone Replacement Therapy market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017to 2022;

Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Testosterone Replacement Therapy sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market Global Insights and ... - E News Access (press release)

As one of those whose passions were aroused by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men, I am delighted that Clinical Pharmacist has provided Geoff Hackett with a platform to clarify the current clinical position (Clinical Pharmacist 2017;9:195). Hackett rightly points out that we should have no truck with those who have preconceived views on testosterone and interpret studies based on these preconceptions.

Indeed, with the feel of his erudite hand firmly on my collar, I confess that my own comments on this matter which used the inflammatory term male menopause (The Pharmaceutical Journal 2017;298;100) did not have the benefit of more recent studies quoted in this excellent article and I apologise if I appeared trite, cynical or indifferent. It is good to have a dispassionate, objective review of this subject focused on the facts.

My initial concerns about safety and efficacy of TRT were based on a letter from my colleague Sid Dajani (The Pharmaceutical Journal 2016;297:364) who appeared to me to be promoting the medicalisation of the ageing male population a population I am now part of and hope to be for some time by screening for low testosterone levels and, where identified, treating. In fact, I believe they should first stop smoking, reduce their drinking, take more exercise and relax. These steps would reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes yet, I admit, they may not enjoy an early morning erection. Dajani was defiant about my concerns (The Pharmaceutical Journal 2017;298:235) over efficacy and I now know that I was wrong. There is good evidence for efficacy across a number of clear clinical outcomes. Hackett has convinced me of this.

But what about safety? Hackett attempts to convince me (and it may be just my stupidity so forgive me) but he seems to find studies that disagree with his case methodologically flawed whereas supportive studies do not attract such censure. I know that by saying that I risk being called out as one of the biased evangelical healthcare professionals dispensing their own standards of social justice. I hope not.

For example, he severely criticises the methodology in a paper published by Vigen et al[1]. The conclusion of this paper states: Long-term exposure to testosterone replacement therapy was associated with reduced risks of mortality, cardiovascular events, and prostate cancer. However, testosterone replacement therapy increased the risk of mortality and cardiovascular events with short durations of therapy. In view of the limitations of observational data and the potential for selection bias, these results warrant confirmation in a randomised trial.

I seem to understand what these authors are saying as; if the treatment does not kill you in the first few months then it might save your life. Very Nietzsche indeed.

I bow to Hacketts expertise on methodology. However, he also quotes a paper by Wallis et al[2] and without any criticisms of its methodology, quotes this study as supporting a decreased risk in all-cause mortality from TRT making no reference to the authors safety concerns: Use of testosterone therapy in this cohort of veterans with significant medical comorbidities was associated with increased risk of mortality, myocardial infarction, or ischaemic stroke. These findings were not modified by the presence of coronary artery disease. Future studies including randomised controlled trials are needed to properly characterise the potential risks of testosterone therapy in men with comorbidities.

This is clearly a complex clinical area. I would respectfully suggest that, accepting that TRT has an important clinical role when in the hands of experts such as Hackett, wider use of TRT is not a risk free-panacea for the ills of the ageing baby boomers.

Terry Maguire

Belfast

Citation: Clinical Pharmacist, CP August 2017 online, online | DOI: 10.1211/CP.2017.20203367

Originally posted here:
Wider use of testosterone therapy is not risk free - The Pharmaceutical Journal

Heres what Antonio Silvas career looks like over the past two years: Win (TKO), loss (TKO), loss (KO), loss (KO), loss (decision), loss (KO).

Hes been stopped by strikes in seven of his past 10 bouts. He has just two victories since 2012 one over Soa Palelei, and one over Alistair Overeem, who was beating him soundly until a sudden third-round comeback by Silva.

If you do some combat sports math on the 37-year-old Bigfoot, what you see is a fighter on a dangerous trajectory. That path took him out of the UFC and into two fights for smaller Russian promotions, both of which he lost. His last knockout loss was two months ago.

So why did Silva (19-12-1 MMA)just sign on for a kickboxing bout against GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven (51-10-1 kickboxing)in China this October?

Obviously, its not a good fight for Bigfoot, Silvas longtime manager Alex Davis told MMAjunkie. Jumping right into (GLORY) to go against the current champ, whos a murderer? Yeah, we get it.

But Silvas doing it anyway, and for reasons that are as old as the fight game.

For one, he thinks he can win. According to Davis, Bigfoot is back on testosterone-replacement therapy, which he used somewhat controversially for a time in the UFC, before the practice was effectively banned.

Now, fighting in places like Russia and China, and for organizations whose anti-doping policies are notably less stringent, hes free to resume the use of synthetic testosterone, which makes a huge difference for him, Davis said.

And also he needs money, Davis said. He cant turn down fights at the moment for that reason. If it was up to me, he would not take this fight. But at the end of the day, my job is to inform him, give him my advice, and the one who has to make the final decision is him.

Here we get into a persistent problem for fighters and fight sports. No one can tell Silva to stop. They can suggest and argue and recommend. Promoters can cut him and trainers could refuse to train him. Even Davis, a longtime friend, could stop managing him.

But as long as Silva can find someone willing to pay for his name and his willingness to walk face-first into someone elses fists, he gets to keep going.

It was the same with Gary Goodridge, another MMA fighter who turned to kickboxing later in his career. He lost about twice as many kickboxing bouts as he won, but his appeal for promoters was that, when you booked Big Daddy, you knew someone would get knocked out even if the someone was usually him.

For Goodridge, those years of damage contributed to brain trauma that eventually left him unable to remember conversations moments after theyd ended. By the evening, he couldnt tell you what hed done during the afternoon.

But Goodridge also needed the money. Even when he knew he shouldnt fight anymore, he was a man in his forties with no real work history outside of cages and rings. What else was he supposed to do?

According to Davis, Silvas brain health has been closely monitored with testing done at the Cleveland Clinics Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas.

Physically, Bigfoot has no problems whatsoever, Davis said. He has no brain damage. Weve done extensive research and testing, even before he left the UFC. So hes OK on that end.

But then, some signs of degenerative brain diseases like CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), which researchers have found in the brains of deceased fighters and football players, are sometimes not apparent until years after the actual trauma.

And clearly, Silva is doing himself no favors. He went less than five months between knockout losses in 2016. Youd have to go back to 2010 to find a single calendar year in which he didnt suffer at least one knockout.

This fight against Verhoeven doesnt promise to be any easier on his brain. Verhoeven is younger, faster, and riding a winning streak thats about as good as Silvas losing streak is bad. If anything, the kickboxing rules will likely only lead to Silva absorbing more punishment than he would in an MMA bout. And then what?

Soon the paycheck will be spent and Silva will face the same questions about his future that he faces now. So far, he only seems to know one answer.

Ill be very sincere and tell you, I cant defend a man from himself, Davis said. If he fights and doesnt manage his money, hell go looking for the next fight. This is a very common problem with many fighters, not just Bigfoot. Thats what creates situations like Gary Goodridge.

As for Goodridge, he also had people telling him he should stop. Then he had people telling him that there was something troubling happening to him. The damage sneaks up on you, he said later. When he finally realized the full extent of it, it was too late to stop it.

I had no idea it was coming, Goodridge said in 2012. You dont know. Everyone around you tells you its happening, but you dont notice it yourself.

For more on the upcoming MMA schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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Antonio Silva is on a troubling career trajectory, and there's no one who can stop him - MMAjunkie.com

Mooresville, NC (August 17, 2017) - 'Low T Center' is continuing their partnership with Reed Sorenson and Premium Motorsports as the team heads to Bristol Motor Speedway for this weekend's battle under the lights in the Monster Energy NASCARS Cup Series, 'Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race'. Sorenson will be back in his familiar No.15 Chevrolet SS.

'Low T Center' is the leader of physician-led diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone with 50 locations nationwide and growing. Studies indicate testosterone deficiency has been linked to diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and high blood pressure. 'Low T Center' was designed so men can walk in, take a simple blood test, and know within 45 minutes if they are a candidate for Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Experience shows testosterone injections may lead to improved energy, strength, and libido, as well as decreases in body fat, irritability and depression. Most health insurance is accepted for treatment. Now with new locations in downtown Chicago,IL and Murfreesboro,TN.

To find your closest center and to learn more, go to https://lowtcenter.com.

--- Premium Motorsports ---

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Low T Center returning to sponsor Sorenson - ESPN

Glory heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven will return to the ring in a non-title bout on Oct. 14 in Gangzhou, China, taking on former UFC fighter Antonio Silva, but fans didnt seem to approve the match-up.

Bigfoot" was knocked out seven times over the past four years, winning only one of his last 10 MMA bouts, and never competed in a kickboxing fight before. Verhoeven, on the other hand, holds a 51-10-1 kickboxing record with wins over the likes of Badr Hari, Peter Aerts, Gokhan Saki and Sergei Kharitonov.

"Critics will always exist and we have to know how to deal with them, Silva told MMA Fighting. "Sometimes they dont even mean to criticize you, but they are just jealous they wanted to be a professional fighter and dont have that talent. I was always a humble person, I came from a humble family in Paraba and competed around the world, and some people dont accept that.

"Its a heavyweight fight and anything can happen. I respect Rico, he's the champion, but when I step into the ring anything can happen."

The criticism is not of Silva taking a fight against the champion, but toward the promotion for booking someone who has been knocked out many times recently against the best heavyweight kickboxer on the planet.

Asked if someone in his team was against the match-up for health reasons, Silva said it was quite the opposite.

"As soon as we received the offer, everyone was in favor of it, "Bigfoot" said. "My manager, Alex Davis, said it was a good fight because he knows me and knows I can go there and put on a good fight. Everyone supported me because the impossible doesnt exist. If you go in there thinking that you cant do it, that hes the No. 1, or if you go there for the money, you already lost. I dont think like that. Im not going there for money or media, Im going there because I know I can put on a good fight."

"I went five rounds with Mark Hunt, and we stood and fought for 22 minutes. I knocked out (Alistair) Overeem, a K-1 champion, he continued. "Every athlete has to be versatile. I started in karate, but I always trained everything. Not having to worry about getting taken down or being pressed against the cage makes the camp and the actual fight easier."

Silva started his camp three weeks ago, as soon as he was offered the fight, and is excited about the challenge.

"Its a new experience for me, he said. "Im a professional athlete for years and I like to try new things, new challenges. I feel like an amateur going for his first fight, trying to show what he can do, and God willing everything will be alright.

The Brazilian heavyweight started in martial arts in karate, training for 12 years until he turned 17 and decided to add jiu-jitsu to his game. Now, he says, I train muay thai and boxing four times a week."

For his kickboxing debut, Bigfoot" will move his camp to his hometown Brasilia, Brazil, to train with UFC veteran Guto Inocente, a second-degree kickboxing black belt who holds a 34-8 kickboxing record, 5-1 under the Glory banner. Silva also invited Pedro Rizzo to join his camp in Brasilia.

"Rico is the champion, he deserves a lot of respect, Silva said. "Hes the best heavyweight kickboxer in the world. Im an amateur, its my first kickboxing fight, and I want to show what I can do. I have nothing to prove, I have no responsibility. Rico has the responsibility, hes the champion. The pressure is on him. Im cool."

The 37-year-old heavyweight compares his Glory debut to Conor McGregors upcoming clash with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, when the UFC lightweight champion steps into the boxing ring for the first time against a 49-0 professional boxer in Las Vegas.

"Its a similar situation, Silva said. "McGregor never boxed and is going there to try to surprise. He has no pressure over himself because 99 percent of the people bet on Mayweather. Hes undefeated, 49-0, so most of the people think he will win. Its the same thing in this fight. But were two human beings stepping into a ring to fight. Anything can happen in a heavyweight fight, one hand can land and change the story."

"Im rooting for McGregor, he added. "He deserves respect. Hes a two-division champion in the UFC and is making history. Him as a person, he talks a lot, I dont consider him an idol, but he deserves respect. Anything can happen in this fight. Im rooting for him even though I think Mayweather will win because hes 49-0 and always trained that, so its complicated. But everything is possible."

According to Silva, hes getting paid "much more" in his recent fights compared to his previous bouts in the UFC, but thats not the only difference in this fight. The Brazilian heavyweight, who was only allowed to use testosterone replacement therapy once in the UFC against Mark Hunt, when he ended up testing positive for elevate testosterone levels restarted the treatment before his last MMA fight.

"My case is not for muscular gain or to enhance performance, but for health issues, said Silva, who lost his last fight to former Bellator heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov in Russia. "I really need this in my life to be physically and mentally well. Ive fought in the UFC when my testosterone levels were at 77 three weeks before the fight. That's the level of a 90-year-old man. My levels were always low, 300, when someone at my age would be 800. I have doctors following me, making sure my levels are always at the normal range.

Continued here:
'Bigfoot' Silva responds to criticism of Rico Verhoeven fight, compares it to Mayweather vs. McGregor - MMA Fighting

We hate to say it, but low testosterone levels can have a slew of negative effects for older guys.

But even now there's a scientific tug-of-war over testosterone-replacement therapy. Sure, it sounds greatwhat guy doesn't want more of the "masculine hormone"?but risks of testosterone therapy can include the growth of pre-existing cancerous cells, testicular shrinkage, infertility, even heart attack or stroke, as one of our writers discovered.

The positives are just as extreme. Aside from increased strength and motivation, men can enjoy greater urinary health, better sexual function, and a higher quality of life, according to new research from Boston University Medical Center.

In the study, published in the Journal of Urology, researchersenrolled roughly 650 men in their 50s and 60s. Some of the men had unexplained testosterone deficiencies, while others suffered from genetic hypogonadism (when gonads fail to produce testosterone). About 360 men received testosterone therapy for eight years (the remaining didn't).

What's more, the men who underwent testosterone therapy enjoyed a significant bump in their urinary and sexual function (lower instance of erectile dysfunction, higher sex drive), as well as better quality of life (sunnier mood, higher confidence).

Another interesting detail: Two men in the treatment group died from causes unrelated to cardiovascular failure, while 21 in the non-treatment group died (19 deaths were cardiovascular-related). Those mortality rates suggested that testosterone therapy isn't necessarily linked to a greater instance of heart attack or stroke, the researchers suggested.

"It is thought that testosterone treatment in men may increase prostate size and worsen lower urinary tract symptoms," study author Abdulmaged Traish, Ph.D., said in a press release. Researchers discovered somemenhad larger prostates post-testosterone therapy, but they experienced fewer instances of frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and waking at night to urinate.

"[Testosterone therapy] is well-tolerated with progressive and sustained improvement in urinary and sexual function, and overall improvement in quality of life," Traish added.

Something to think about if your testosterone takes a hit one day and you want to fight manopause head-on.

Excerpt from:
Older men with 'low T' can improve their sex lives with testosterone therapy, study says - Men's Fitness