Dr. Goodyear

This study found that lower TT and E1 associated with more "poor health" as defined by questionnaire.  The conclusion might lead one to think that Estrogen therapy is need in men.  Eightly percent of estrogen production in men occurs from Testosterone.  If Testosterone declines, then estrogen production will likewise decline.  A simple fact that the authors did not comment on.  Also, E1 binds with high affinity to ER alpha, which is pro-inflammatory and pro-proliferative: neither of which is a positive health benefit.   This appears to point more to a broad HPA suppression as an association to the "poor health".

Declining Testosterone, calculated free Testosterone, Estradiol, and Estrone levels appear to be associated with muscle mass/strength decline in elderly men.  This points to a global decrease in HPA function rather than an individual, specific hormone deficiency.

Abstract published ahead of print finds that DHT and calculated free DHT was associated with CVD and all-cause mortality.  This cohort found that Total Testosterone and calculated free Testosterone were not.  

To be read article on incretins

Great article.  Really shows the depth of the androgens and androgen metabolites in diabetes and diabetic complications.  In this study, DHT and its metabolis 3-alpha androstanediol were shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.  Significant reduction in inflammation signaling (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) was seen as was potential neurodegenerative processes (glutamate release and astrocyte immunoreactivity).

Good discussion on the incretin: (Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

good discussion on incretins and their role in glucose homeostasis. 

Women with elevated ovarian androgens have an associated increased risk of pre menopause breast cancer.

Very interesting study finds that a single value assessment of androgens, DHEAS, prolactin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 can be used to assess 3 year average in pre-menopause women.  Estrogen and progesterone need to be assessed through the cycle.

Prospective study finds that elevated total and free Estradiol levels in the follicular phase and elevated total and free Testosterone levels in both the follicular and luteal phase are associated with increased breast cancer in women.  The risk is for pre menopause in this study.  This and several other studies point to serious questions about the massive dosing of Testosterone via pellets, injections, and topicals for libido.  We appear to be following the same patter as seen with premarin, provera, now Testosterone in men and this may be the next ball to drop.  Is the Testosterone therapy merely producing an environment that feeds breast cancer?

Study finds that elevated serum Testosterone and androstenedione is associated with an increase risk of breast cancer.  This EPIC study looked at serum hormones in premenopausal women.  This study also found an association with increased breast cancer and low serum progesterone in women.  This was also found in the ORDET study.  This study did not find a link with estrogen.  These are endogenous levels.  Does this translate to exogenous? This theory of elevated androgens and breast cancer was first proposed by Grattarola.

Inflammation plays an important role in Alzheimers disease.  Likewise, the ability to resolve inflammation is altered, as this study shows.  This points to natural therapies i.e. omega-3, curcumin, vitamin D...

The literature on Testosterone and breast cancer is confusing at best, but just like therapy in men, it needs to be individualized.  This prospective case study found a significant increased odds of breast cancer in women with higher levels of free Testosterone.  Statistical significance was not found with Total Testosterone.  These were endogenous hormones.  The women in this study had "regular menstrual cycles" suggesting these women lacked PCOS.

saliva testing used in breast cancer study

Study finds that Testosterone with or with the aromatase inhibitor anastrazole as a pellet reduced breast cancer risk.  This conclusion should be taken with caution.  It is well know that abnormal breast tissue, breast cancer, highly expresses aromatase activity which would increase Testosterone to estradiol production.  This would feed any growing tumor.  But, this study finds protection.  The failure of this study is the measurement of hormone levels.

Review of the data of Testosterone therapy in women in surgical menopause finds no negative or positive influence on breast cancer risk.

One of the rare long-term studies of Testosterone in women.  This study was a respective study of high dose Testosterone.  The authors found an increase in atherosclerosis in the aorta versus non-HRT.

Testosterone therapy in post menopausal women appears to have adverse cardiovascular effects in women.  The negative effects were an increase in Pulsatility index and adverse change in lipid profiles.  This seemed to counter the positive effects by estrogen.  Others have proposed that combination E2 and T therapy hide the negative effects of testosterone on CV health in women.

Master's thesis reviews Testosterone therapy in women.  The evidence is poor.  What is seen is that low SHBG and increasing Testosterone in the long term appears to be associated with adverse CV effects. Otherwise, the effects of Testosterone are negligible if negative at all.   High dose studies did find increased CVD in women. The dosing here was at 40 mg.