When I see a new client, I hear the initial complaints or problems of feeling tired, no energy, lack of motivation, foggy thinking, and weight gain, etc. Eventually the topic of libido comes up. Most women will say things like “I simply do not have any interest in sex any more.”, “I feel too tired.” or the old standby “I have a headache!” Men on the other hand simply say “I don’t care.” or “My ‘equipment’ doesn’t work even if I did want to!”
Most patients are a little stunned on how frankly I talk about having sex or how important getting the desire back is. Let’s be real here, intimacy, sex, is an important part of a relationship. It often will keep couples together or without it will drive them apart. Loss of sexual interest is one of the main issues of hormonal imbalance that needs to be addressed. Be honest here. For most of us it wasn’t intellect, money, status, or all of the other many parts of a relationship that caused a couple to be together. It was sexual attraction, let’s get the Van Rockin!
As you are aware of, testosterone is the primary hormone for your libido. Men lose production of it at an alarming and escalating rate. The old estimate was 2% per year; however I believe it is much higher as I often see young men, 28-30 years old, with the testosterone levels of a 60 year old. And women you have testosterone too, much less than men, but it too declines with aging. Without it there is no desire, no lust, no infatuation.
The good news is testosterone is easily replaceable. And it does work very well, since as with all our hormone replacements, it is the same that your body produced when you were 16 and ‘in the hunt’! In addition, more recent studies have shown that it is beneficial for many bodily processes. It helps to give energy, protect bone loss, keep you mentally focused, lower lipids, even protect the cardiovascular system, and also to rev up metabolism so you can lose weight.
“T” as we call it, is a vital hormone that we are robbed of too early in life. Replenishment is safe, and does wonders for the soul, let alone the bedroom. I have saved many relationships by simply restoring “T” to the appropriate level, along with balancing all the other hormones. You are never too old to enjoy sex, and the more frequent encounters are, the happier you will be.
Terry R. Leder B.A.
Clinical Manager & Research
Pointe Medical Services/Live Well MD