Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testes are unable to produce enough testosterone to fulfill the body's needs. Testosterone deficiency has many possible causes, including genetic abnormalities, injury to the testes, and being on certain medications. Normal aging also may play a role in the decline of male testosterone levels. It is also known as low testosterone.
The testes produce testosterone regulated by a complex chain of signals that begins in the brain. This chain is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland in spurts, which trigger the secretion of leutenizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. Normally, the testes produce 4-7 milligrams (mg) of testosterone each and every day.
After puberty, testosterone production increases rapidly, and will decrease rapidly after age 50. Recent estimates show that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency and less than 10-percent receive treatment for the condition, which is growing in cultural acceptability.
Studies also have shown that some men with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension may be twice as likely to have low testosterone levels, though as stated, low testosterone and testosterone deficiency can be caused by taking certain medications, chemotherapy, infections and other basic causes.
Signs of testosterone deficiency depend on the age of onset and the duration of hormonal deficiency. Congenital testosterone deficiency is usually characterized by underdeveloped genitalia, and sometimes even undeterminable genitalia. Acquired testosterone deficiency that develops near puberty can result in enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia), sparse or absent pubic and body hair, and underdeveloped penis, testes, and muscle. Adults may experience diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle weakness, hair loss, depression, and other common mood disorders.
About the author:
Testosterone Info provides detailed information about testosterone creams and supplements, low testosterone therapy, testosterone for women, and more. Testosterone Info is the sister site of Pheromones Web.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A Closer Look at Testosterone Deficiency -
15 Hair Care Myths
Everyone has a favourite myth about hair care – and we usually never let the truth get in the way of a good legend! This article examines some of the most widely known - and the reality behind the myths.
1. Excessive washing of hair causes hair loss/dryness
FALSE: Frequency of washing doesn’t harm hair. Wash it as often as you like, although the recommendation is three times a week. The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will actually add moisture, body and beauty to your hair.
2. More shampoo = cleaner hair
FALSE: Don’t waste your shampoo! A dollop of shampoo, about the size of a quarter is usually enough for long hair. Very long hair may take a little more.
3. Conditioner helps repair split ends
FALSE: No conditioner can "repair" damaged hair. What it can do is smooth down the cuticle and make hair seem in better condition. A good conditioner can also prevent damage from occurring in the first place.
4. Blow-drying produces hair loss
FALSE: Blow-drying can damage, burn or dry hair, which can cause it to fall, but the hair will grow back immediately. This is not permanent hair loss.
5. Sleeping with wet hair causes scalp fungus
FALSE: Scalp or fungal diseases can’t be caught from sleeping with wet scalps. Scalp infections require prior involvement with infected sources such as humans, tainted hair care tools or animals. Scalp fungus (tinea capitis) mainly affects children, whose immune systems make them more susceptible to skin infections.
6. To get your hair to grow, brush 100 strokes each day
FALSE: Brushing that much can damage the hair cuticle. NOT recommended! Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush. Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage.
7. Sharing combs and brushes can spread scalp diseases
TRUE: Lice and other parasites can be transported from scalp to scalp through the sharing of combs, brushes and other hair care tools.
8. Cutting hair makes it grow faster and/or thicker
FALSE: This common misconception comes from the fact that hair is thicker at the base than it is at the tip, so shorter hair appears thicker at first. Cutting your hair does not affect its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Thin, limp or fine hair will not ever grow thicker in response to a haircut. Plump up your hair by using volume enhancing hair care products, experimenting with a hair fattening blunt cut or getting a texturizing perm or color treatment.
9. Color treatment causes hair loss
FALSE: Most hair coloring products contain chemicals that can do serious harm to the hair itself if not properly used, but it wont instigate hair loss.
10. Salon products are identical to drugstore products
FALSE: Although there are exceptions, salon products generally contain higher quality, more expensive ingredients that are designed to consistently provide more intensive cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning results. The quality ingredients found in salon products are not usually found in drugstore brands. If in doubt – read the labels.
11. Long sun exposure favors hair loss
FALSE: Your hair acts as a shield against the sun. Hair loss appears at the follicle level and so the sun would have to penetrate at this depth to do any damage.
12. Diet is related to hair loss
TRUE: it's important to eat right in order to be generally healthy. However, no individual food has been proven to be beneficial or detrimental to hair.
13. Stress causes hair loss
TRUE: Severe stress (e.g. surgery or a death in the family), can shut down hair production, causing temporary hairloss (alopecia areata). The scalp usually recuperates, though, and hair grows back
14. Wearing tight braids, ponytails or buns causes baldness
TRUE: Traction alopecia is a very real hair loss condition that is quite common amongst older African American women. It results from wearing tight ponytails, cornrows or buns over an extended period of time. Over time, hair breakage or loss as the result of tight, stressed styles, can become permanent. Avoid this potential problem by opting for looser styles that minimize scalp tension.
15. Smoking causes gray hair
TRUE: According to J. G. Mosley of the Leigh Infirmary in Lancashire, England in an article in Science News (January 11, 1997) smokers are four times more likely to have gray hair than non-smokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively linked to accelerated hair loss.
SUMMARY
Heard another myth about hair? Do your research – ask an expert! This doesn’t include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths – you owe it to your hair.
(With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)
About the author:
Michael Barrows is an Internet publisher specialising in niche markets. Get a free copy of his ebook "(Nearly) Everything You Should Know about Hairstyles and Hair Care" from his website www.great-hairstyles.com
7 Little Known Facts About Thyroid Problems
What’s a common disease that over 5 million Americans suffer from
and many may not even be aware they have it? Hypothyroidism and
related forms of thyroid dysfunction!
The thyroid gland looks like a little bow tie and is located at
the base of the throat, below the Adam’s apple in males. Thyroid
dysfunction affects both males and females. This gland produces
hormones which control the body’s metabolism, your internal
thermostat of sorts.
Thyroid dysfunction is generally either an over or under
production of the hormone. Under active thyroid hormone
production is called hypothyroidism; whereas too much, or
overactive thyroid hormone production is called hyperthyroidism.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include chronic fatigue
and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss
or coarse, dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold,
abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss,
depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps. Not
all symptoms are always present.
Some doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test.
They will test to check TSH levels (the thyroid stimulating
hormone produced by the pituitary gland) and T4 levels (the main
thyroid hormone). Other doctors prefer to take a more holistic
approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning
body temperature readings (below 97.1 consistently) as well as
discovery of regular waking up approximately four hours after
going to bed, can aid in the diagnosis.
There are chemical, synthetic treatments that can be used to
restore healthy thyroid functions, such as Synthroid and
Levothyroxine.
Some doctors and sufferers prefer to use a form of natural
thyroid hormone extracted from swine and cows. Yup, pig thyroid!
It’s the closest to the human thyroid hormone and contains both
T4 and T3 thyroid hormones.
Naturopaths have long recognized that there are very effective
herbs that can help to promote healthy thyroid functioning and
restore thyroid health.
Armour, a natural thyroid is available by prescription. T-100 is
another brand of natural thyroid that can be obtained through
holistic processionals. Regular use of natural thyroid can help
to restore deficient iodine levels, while also stimulating the
thyroid to produce crucial thyroid hormones, thereby treating
hypothyroidism.
Bladder wrack or kelp, Licorice, Saw Palmetto and Ginger (root)
have also been known to stimulate the thyroid to release thyroid
hormones and is therefore beneficial in the treatment of
hypothyroidism.
If you’re not comfortable taking synthetic medications, give
natural thyroid a chance. It’s the closest match to human
thyroid and can leave you feeling worlds better. Even natural
supplements need to be under the care of your physician. Please
do not self medicate.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.
About the author:
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
5 Steps To Conquering Male Hair Loss...
by: Dave Klein
Would you like to know how to conquer your hair loss problem?
Well, here are the 5 critical steps that have been followed by every single guy who has ever conquered their hair loss problem...
LISTEN TO ME: If you want to conquer your hair loss, then what do you think you need to do?
That's right, YOU MUST follow these same steps. There is no question about it...
So, without further ado, here goes...
Critical Step #1: YOU MUST understand why YOUR hair loss is occuring. Otherwise, to put it politely – You have no hope!
Critical Step #2: YOU MUST be equipped with the most powerful treatments and techniques on the planet. This is not any easy task – sifting through hundreds of scam treatments to find one or two "real deal" treatments is like finding a needle in a haystack...
Critical Step #3: YOU MUST develop a treatment regime. A treatment regime is a combination approach towards hair loss. See, if you just take 1 approach, you'll be throwing all your eggs in one basket! You also need to choose treatments that you are personally comfortable with using. There are upsides and downsides to every treatment...
Critical Step #4: YOU MUST develop a plan of action, and decide which treatments to include in your regime. Then you need to get hold of these treatments at reasonable prices. And boy, there is a gigantic range in prices for the same ingredients!
Critical Step #5: YOU MUST commit to a plan and then find an effective way to track your results. It's the only way that you'll know whether your treatment regime is working...
The bottom line? Conquering your hair loss problem will take a little effort, but believe me, its worth it...
About the author:
Dave Klein is the author of The Ultimate Hair Loss Solution http://www.HowToStopHairLoss.comThe most powerful hair loss treatment program on Earth. Visit now http://www.HowToStopHairLoss.comand get your FREE sample...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
A Guide to Female Hair Loss
by: Josh Riverside
Hair loss usually occurs because of hormonal factors. As a consequence, biological events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause that effect female hormone levels can also cause female hair loss. In the case of pregnancy, hair loss is simply a consequence of the stress the body undergoes during labor and should stop approximately 6 months after birth. Discontinuation of taking birth control pills can also cause temporary female hair loss.
The most common type of female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is associated with hair thinning predominantly over the sides and top of the head. Female hair loss affects about one-third of all susceptible women and usually onsets after menopause although it can begin earlier.
Other causes of female hair loss include dieting. Rapid weight loss over a short period of time promotes hair loss and some supplements such as excessive vitamin A also contribute to hair loss. Physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss but this usually only occurs when the trauma is excessive and of a long duration. Everyday stress does not promote hair loss.
Some common myths related to female hair loss are that frequent washing and shampooing, and wearing of wigs and hats all cause hair loss. In addition, rumors abound that permanents, coloring, and other cosmetic treatments can cause permanent hair loss. Other myths are that brushing your hair everyday will create healthier hair, that shaving your head will cause hair to grow back thicker, and that stress causes permanent hair loss. Finally, other myths are that there is a cure for female-pattern baldness and that dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
These are just a few common myths associated with female hair loss. If you experience excessive hair loss, you should see a licensed dermatologist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment options.
About the author:
Hairloss Info provides detailed information about the cause of male and hair loss, as well as products, treatments, remedies, and more. Hairloss Info is the sister site of Snoring Web.
5 Quick Tips for Great Holiday Hair and Makeup
by: Donna Monday
This holiday season you might say that old fashioned glitter and glamour is back. The online beauty tips web site http://www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com has snooped out what’s hot this season: a modernized version of the old Hollywood glamour look.
Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #1: Healthy Bronzed Skin
It may be cold and snowy out but you’ll look like you just flew in from sunny California. Achieve the look with a tinted moisturizer or bronzing powder.
Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #2: Sparkling Eyes
Forget twinkle toes. Make your eyes the center of attention with a little sparkle. Achieve the look with glitter eye shadow and eye liner, optional: apply jeweled false eyelashes.
Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #3: Glossy Lips
Plain lips become beautiful lips that look moist and dreamy with the right shade and lots of shine. Achieve the look with shiny lipstick in shades of pink or plum, or use a non-color gloss over a subtle shade of lipstick.
Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #4: Upswept Hair and Loose Waves
A casual upswept do adds a bit of sophistication to your holiday look. Achieve the look by sectioning hair into two parts--below and above the ear. Twist and pin the bottom section into a tight bun. Sweep the top half back and tease out individual strands of hair. Loose waves bring back the 1930s era with style. Achieve the look with a large barrel curling iron.
Holiday Hair and Makeup Trend #5: Glitter Nails
All that glitters is golden for nails this season. Glitter adds the perfect finishing touch to beautifully manicured hands. Achieve the look with tinted or clear glitter nail polish. Or, add jeweled rhinestones to polished nails.
For more great beauty tips visit: http://www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com
About the author:
Copyright 2004
************************
Donna Monday writes beauty related articles for http://www.1-minute-beauty-diva.com
Friday, October 10, 2008
5 Insider Beauty Secrets Other Women Don’t Want You To Know! (Part 1)
by: Beth Scott
Imagine what you would do if you knew miracle working beauty secrets. And if you had the self confidence that comes with being beautiful.
Now before you laugh and say you’ll never be beautiful, listen up.
I know where you’re coming from! At one time I didn’t know any beauty secrets. Before I learned any beauty secrets I was plain, even bordering on ugly.
I had acne, chapped lips, weight issues, wardrobe disasters, and not so white teeth. But thats all become past with the 5 beauty secrets that have changed my life.
I pulled through all of my beauty nightmares and learned some valuable beauty secrets as a result.
Now people are always commenting to me on my beauty. Saying I should be a model, etc.... And guys are no longer even an issue! I don’t have to look for them, they come to me.
It turns out the best beauty secrets are those that are won by personal knowledge and experience. Not just by reading general tips in magazines.
So by experimentation over the years and by perseverance, I’ve found out what really works and what doesn’t.
Beauty Secret 1
Unchap and beautify your lips with this technique.
For soft, beautifully kissable lips, you need the following: a washcloth (I’m not kidding either), warm water, and your favorite brand of lip balm.
First you apply a coat of lip balm. Then wet one corner of the washcloth, put the warm wet corner of the washcloth between your lips, press them together and hold for 5 seconds.
Then gently massage any remaining lip balm from lips with the wet corner of the washcloth, and dry lips with a corner thats dry.
Apply lip balm again to keep your lips chap free. You may also apply lipstick or lip gloss on over the layer of lip balm.
I learned this was the best way to keep lips from chapping, after going through too many winters with dried, and chapped lips.
Beauty Secret 2
Clear your acne, and get beautiful skin.
For clear glowing skin, a little home remedy does wonders for my complexion, as it should with yours too.
Steam your face for 20 minutes every night after washing it, then every other night after steaming your face, massage a half teaspoon castor oil over face.
Leave it on at night while you sleep and wash off immediately upon waking.
Steam face for twenty more minutes in the morning after washing. When you finish steaming your face splash your face with cool water and dry it.
If your skin starts to show any signs of a pimple forming. Take one night off from steaming and applying castor oil and apply Benzoyl Peroxide over face.
Take the next night off also from the steaming, castor oil, and benzoyl peroxide. Continue facial regimen with steaming and castor oil the following night.
This beauty secret will moisturize your face at the same time it will help clear up acne and pimples. But only if you work at it consistently.
Beauty Secret 3
Good taste in clothes.
When shopping for clothes try to stay away from really big prints, or weird mixes of colors (eg. green, pink and blue flowers combined on a white background, for instance).
Clothes like these just scream “I’m color blind!” And if you in fact, actually are color blind, always shop with a friend who isn’t and has good taste in clothes.
Buy basic colors. Solid reds, pinks, blues, whites, and blacks. Or things with small tasteful prints and designs.
Then mix and match each basic color with a corresponding one (blue goes well with white, pink, and sometimes with red, and different shades of the same color almost always go well together).
Put these beauty secrets to use, and start seeing the benefits today. Be sure to read Part 2 of this article, which contains the last 2 beauty secrets.
In Part 2 I'll teach you the beauty secrets for whitening your smile without draining your bank account. And how to use clothes to your advantage by hiding figure flaws and defects.
About the author:
If you want to be gorgeous, visit Get Gorgeous Now. Where you'll learn hair styling tips, wardrobe secrets, and much much more on whitening your teeth, improving the texture of your skin, and looking your best.
