Search Weight Loss Topics:

Page 20«..10..19202122..3040..»

Home » Testosterone » Page 20

By Oak Duke| Outdoors columnist

Every year a trickle of bucks are taken at the tail-end of the deer season, The Late Season.

Undoubtedly, many of them wear tags because a lucky hunter happened to walk through the right clump of goldenrod in the middle of a field and pushed them out of this unlikely bedding area.

Or another big racker strolled into range because a landowner decided to cut out a few Christmas trees behind the old barn.

Or someone else decided to pull out a seasoned top to restock the woodpile ... and so on.

But most of these late season bucks have "gone nocturnal" and are caught away from their beds and sanctuaries being struck with their third bout of procreation fever.

And it happens every year, but not exactly at the same time on our calendars.

But it's about the same time on their internal time clocks.

Deer researchers attribute late season diurnal (daytime) buck movement to a phenomenon called the "Post Rut." This year, we know it as a third wave of breeding, following the first rut that occurred around Halloween, and a second wave, just before Thanksgiving.

Not only do unbred does cycle again (each month) along with about 30 percent of the doe fawns, but also bucks "cycle" in a way too.

Bucks' testosterone/pheromone production goes in waves and troughs throughout the months.

According to science, studying shifts in deer behavior, the white-tailed deer, along with other related animals, are chained to a phenomenon termed photoperiodism.

Photoperiodism is a big word that conveys a simple concept. Light effects hormone flow and behavior - especially breeding and especially in certain species of animals termed short-day breeders.

How's that happen?

Well, whitetails have a pineal gland in their brain, as do many critters, which processes light. It's a biochemical timer. The shortening days of fall set the timer for not only does to cycle, but also bucks' pheromone levels to increase too as bucks and does exchange pheromones at scrapes.

Melatonin production is a key ingredient to this rut equation. As the Full Moon waxes (getting brighter and reflecting more sunlight) there is also a proportionate increase of melatonin, dripped out of the pineal gland (which, according to researchers, waters down testosterone and other sex hormones) in the whitetail.

Then as the Full Moon wanes towards the dark of the moon or New Moon, testosterone- powered behavior (i.e. rutting) comes to the fore as melatonin production decreases.

And there's a lag time of a few days to almost a week. Seems it takes a while for the hormones or lack thereof to alter behavior.

In a similar way sheep farmers insert melatonin sponges into ewes to time their cycles.

Scientists have artificially skewed the breeding cycles of both bucks and does with injections of melatonin, taking these cues from classic agronomy practices, such as those used in goat and sheep husbandry.

We all know that the "running time" of the whitetail occurs each year sometime in November in the Southern Tier of New York state and northern tier counties of Pa. Sometimes a spike in activity occurs at the start of the month and sometimes almost at the end.

One could say that the moon, with its cycles, fine-tunes the rut.

Nature doesn't put all its eggs in one basket.

A number of does cycle in late October. And some bucks are ready then too, even though it has been termed the Pre-Rut.

Then, usually after a quiet spell, we see scrapes and rubs appearing almost overnight and we term this period as the Rut. And in that window is that ethereal moment we deem, "The Peak of the Rut," though it differs from one hollow to another, and from one year to another.

A month later, the cycle repeats one more time with unbred doe - and that's this Post Rut at the end of the season.

Next year, during the beginning of archery season we will undoubtedly see a couple spotted fawns.

Typically by then, just about all fawns born in the spring have already lost their spots and taken on their grey-brown winter-proof coats.

These little spotted guys were born around four weeks later or more than the majority of their age class, conceived in the prior two breeding windows.

These tiny fawns are the products of the December Post Rut breeding phase.

Oak Duke writes a weekly column appearing on the Outdoors page.

See the article here:
On the tail end of the whitetail season - Hornell Evening Tribune

BENNETT Kaspar-Williams says his nurses insisted on calling him a mom during his pregnancy despite being a man.

It was back in 2011 when Bennett first realized he was trans but he didnt begin his transition for another three years.

4

4

He met his future husband, Malik, in 2017 and the two married in 2019. The couple wanted to have children and went over their options until they decided on having Bennett stop taking his testosterone hormone therapy.

Doing this allowed Bennetts ovaries to function as he hasnt received bottom surgery. He said he would be comfortable trying to conceive and carry a child.

Soon after, Bennett became pregnant and he and Malik welcomed their son Hudson in October 2020 via Cesarean section.

In the summer of 2015, Bennett had top surgery to remove his breastspaying $5,000 for the operation.

Bennett called the operation liberating.

I had this feeling that it was something that I needed to do, but I never had a self-hatred of my breasts, like some trans people.

Bennett added that he didnt have dysphoria over certain parts of his body but added that he never could have anticipated the relief of having his breasts gone.

It was a huge weight off my shoulders.

Bennett says that bottom half surgery is off the table because hes not dysphoric about that part of his body.

When it came to carrying and giving birth to his own child, however, Bennett says it wasnt a straightforward decision.

I always knew it was a possibility that my body might achieve pregnancy, but it wasnt something I ever wanted to do until I learned how to separate the function of my body from any notions of gender, he said.

Bennett added that he learned to think of his body as a tool instead of a collection of gendered stereotypes which helped him realize that he wanted to have a child naturally.

No one can ever really know whether having children is possible until you trybeing born with a uterus doesnt make conceiving or carrying a certainty.

Thats why its so important that we stop defining womanhood in terms of motherhood because its a false equivalency that all women can become mothers, that all mothers carry their children, or that all people who carry children are mothers.

Bennett became pregnant in March 2020 without any medical intervention except getting off testosterone.

He says he and Malik expected the process to take longer than it did but the two became worried as the pandemic happened.

This was just about a week before we went into lockdown here in March 2020, so my high spirits were pretty quickly replaced by anxiety around the pandemic and how I would keep myself and my baby safe.

He gave birth to Hudson in October of last year but says that he was constantly misgendered by the nurses despite having a beard and a flat chest.

The only thing that made me dysphoric about my pregnancy was the misgendering that happened to me when I was getting medical care, he said.

Even with a full beard, a flat chest, and a male gender marker on all my identification, people could not help but default to calling me mom, mother or maam.

Bennett says nothing about his pregnancy felt feminine to him and that carrying a child during the pandemic was the bravest thing hes ever done.

Nothing feels stronger than being able to say Im a dad who created my own child.

Bennett says he loves watching Hudson learn and share new discoveries with him, adding that its beautiful to see how children arent clouded by prejudice.

Children are these amazing beings that dont see the world with the same bias and preconceptions that adults do, Bennett said.

To my son, theres nothing more natural and normal than having a Dada and a Papa, and when hes old enough, he will come to know that his Dada was the one who carried him and took care of him so he could come into this world.

4

4

We pay for your stories!

Do you have a story for The US Sun team?

See the article here:
I am a transgender man & I gave birth to a son heres why I think you should stop linking pregnancy with... - The US Sun

Reliable and long lasting performance is what every man desires. Unfortunately, the aging process takes a toll on their sexual wellbeing and makes them sexually low and weak. So, they get physically and sexually low to perform at their peak and look for healthy and powerful supplements to restore their sexual wellbeing. King Cobra Gummies are the all-natural and powerful oral gummies designed to take the bedroom performance and sexual wellbeing to another level. King Cobra Gummies are the natural solution for your sexual disorders as it restores the performance as well as your excitability on bed. The formula boosts the production of testosterone in body that restores the healthy sexual regulation while restoring the endurance and stamina for long lasting performance. The gummies are even helpful in increasing the healthy blood circulation to help achieve harder and lasting erections.

MUST SEE: (SPECIAL SAVINGS) Click Here to Get King Cobra Gummies For an Exclusive Discounted Price

King Cobra Gummies are the male enhancement oral gummies designed for the male population that are unable to perform and give their best on bed due to different underlying causes. King Cobra Gummies are the powerful oral gummies that focus on restoring the sexual health and performance while lowering the side effects of aging process. It promises to take your sexual wellbeing to its peak so that you can perform harder and lead a satisfying sexual wellbeing. King Cobra Gummies increase the sexual drives and libido levels and makes your arousal levels better and healthy.

King Cobra Gummies even focus on increasing the erectile responses during sexual performance. As a result, you see a healthy sexual urge and erection level with firmer and long lasting erections. The gummies even support you to make your orgasms intensified and enables you to satisfy your partner with harder erections with increased size and girth of penis. The gummies are easy to consume and you have to follow the recommended doses to achieve satisfying sexual benefits.

(OFFICIAL DEAL) Click Here to Order King Cobra Gummies From Its Official Online Store

Before using the gummies, users are always eager to learn about the functioning of the supplement. Based on the research and analysis, we found that the gummies work in a natural way to restore your health and sexual performance. The gummies comprise the healthy and powerful blend of herbs and clinically approved substances that work in a unique way to restore your sexual wellbeing and performance while reducing the age related sexual declines and fatigue. The gummies work towards restoring and boosting the production of testosterone in body. It is the male support hormone that aids in regulating the physical performance and endurance, including sexual wellbeing and sexual stamina. So, it lowers the fatigue levels and declines caused by aging and help you to achieve better arousals and sexual drives.

King Cobra Gummies also work to restore the healthy circulation of blood across the penile region and it supports in making your erections harder and long lasting. The increased circulation of blood also helps in making the erections harder and restores the ultimate erectile responses during sexual performance. The circulation also treats the root cause of ED and premature ejaculation and enables you to hold your ejaculation longer for a healthy and satisfied sexual performance.

(EXCLUSIVE OFFER) Click Here to Order King Cobra Gummies For The Lowest Price Online

There are many worth mentioning highlights of King Cobra Gummies. Apart from improving the overall wellbeing it also helps in enhancing the sexual performance. Some of the prime highlights of King Cobra Gummies are mentioned below.

Pros:

Cons

What are the Dosing of King Cobra Gummies?

The daily dosing of the formula is two gummies daily in the morning and evening. Users have to take one gummy in the morning and one gummy at night before bedtime. It is necessary to take the gummies with water to stay hydrated. Besides, the gummies must be taken regularly for at least three months to see effective results.

>> Click Here to View Pricing & Availability of King Cobra Gummies

Users have to take the gummies for at least 30 days without skipping. The doses are required to be consumed under supervision of doctor to avoid overdosing effects.

People that are interested in buying the formula need to visit its official website to place order for monthly supply. There is no other source from where it can be ordered other than the official website.

Visit Now Official Website of King Cobra Gummies & Avail 70% Discount!!

2021 Reckonsoft.org LLP

Media Contact Website: https://www.reckonsoft.org/ Media Contact Email: contact@reckonsoft.org

Excerpt from:
King Cobra Gummies Reviews (Scam or Legit) - Pros, Cons, Side effects and How It works | HeraldNet.com - The Daily Herald

This article was originally published here

J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol. 2021 Dec 8. doi: 10.1002/jez.2553. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A chance encounter in 1975 with David Crews in Harvard Square led to 3 years of research in his lab, investigating the role of testosterone (T) in male sexual behavior of the lizard, Anolis carolinensis. In 1988 when I began my practice as a urologist and specialist in mens health, my research experience with lizards led me to offer testosterone therapy (TTh) to men suffering with symptoms of testosterone deficiency, despite the universal belief that TTh caused prostate cancer (PCa). My investigation of this topic over 30+ years has led to revolutionary changes in the diagnosis and treatment of men with testosterone deficiency and our understanding of the biology of testosterone and PCa. Today, it is routine for men successfully treated for PCa to receive TTh, a remarkable fact given that standard treatment for men with advanced PCa has been androgen deprivation for the last 80 years. Our research showed low T was not protective for PCa; TTh did not appear to worsen PCa for various cancer stages; and provided the theoretical framework for understanding why androgen deprivation shrinks PCa tumors, yet TTh appears to not cause PCa growth under most conditions. This is based on the Saturation Model, which recognizes there is a finite ability of androgens to stimulate PCa growth, which becomes maximal at low T concentrations. David Crews was an outstanding mentor-the lessons I learned from him inspired a lifetime of work, which in turn led to improved quality of life for millions of men.

PMID:34878221 | DOI:10.1002/jez.2553

Here is the original post:
How the rise of testosterone therapy in men was inspired by lizard research with David Crews - DocWire News

This personal reflection is part of a series called Turning Points, in which writers explore what critical moments from this year might mean for the year ahead. You can read more by visiting the Turning Points series page.

Turning Point: The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, delayed by the coronavirus pandemic until 2021, provided an opening for important conversations about the pressures that athletes experience.

My dream was to defend my titles in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. I won gold in the womens 800-meter competition in both 2012 and 2016. I wanted to compete again in the Olympics and get one step closer to my goal of becoming the greatest female 800-meter runner of all time. But I didnt get to run in Tokyo. I am furious, sad and disappointed that I was denied the opportunity by a 2018 World Athletics ruling, based on a 2017 report that was recanted right after the Tokyo Games.

The 2018 ruling did not name me specifically, but I am the target. It said women naturally born with higher testosterone levels have an unfair competitive advantage over other female athletes. To be allowed to compete, I would have to take testosterone-reducing drugs. The news of the ruling shattered me. More than that, I felt indignant. As a woman, I should be in control of my own body. Why should I have to take hormone-altering substances just so I can compete in my chosen profession?

As the pinnacle of athletic achievement, the Olympics have pushed athletes to their physical and mental limits often at tremendous personal costs. The world expects athletes to make sacrifices to earn gold. There is such immense pressure that some may look for ways to gain any unfair edge over the competition. I did not succumb to this pressure. I know who I am, and Im not afraid to speak out about injustice not only for myself, but so that other athletes dont have to experience what happened to me.

Shortly after the Tokyo Games, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published a correction to the 2017 study that had persuaded World Athletics to ban me from competing. It said the findings about the effects that high testosterone levels in female athletes had on their performance levels were exploratory and could have been misleading by implying a causal inference. If the flaws in the study had been admitted before the Olympics, I could have been allowed to participate.

When I learned about the correction, my first words to my lawyers were, I told you so.

The courts are where I have to fight my battles now. Some of my lawyers have offered their services free of charge, but it has been a drain on my resources, and I will need support to continue the fight.

My first challenge against the World Athletics ruling came in June 2018, when I filed a request for appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, known as CAS, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. The following April, CAS handed down its ruling: I lost.

I next brought my case to the Swiss Supreme Court, which has the authority to overturn CAS decisions. In September 2020, the court refused to change the decision; it ruled only that the CAS decision did not violate fundamental and widely recognized Swiss principles of public order.

My lawyers said we had one more card up our sleeve: Challenge the Swiss ruling at the European Court of Human Rights. There the South African Human Rights Commission will support my stance as a concerned party. They submit that no adaptation, negation, nor self-abnegation is necessary. This means that the rules compelling me to take hormones to lower my natural testosterone levels and alter my natural state are an infringement on my human dignity. If we win at the European Court of Human Rights, this will further weaken the World Athletics case. Im encouraged to think I will finally get a proper hearing. My lawyers say the case will probably be heard in Strasbourg, France, in 2022.

Despite missing Tokyo, my head remains high. I am a Black South African. I was lucky to be born with a special talent. But without ambition, perseverance and faith in yourself, you will get nowhere. The many setbacks I have experienced have made me stronger; setbacks are part of what it takes to become a great athlete. I have also had to endure insults and humiliations from a world that very publicly questioned my identity. I know about maintaining dignity and hope in the face of oppression. My goal now is to win my legal case. For me, as a woman, as a human being fighting a cruel injustice, victory would be sweet, as sweet as any I have achieved on the track.

Caster Semenya, a South African 800-meter runner, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion.

See the original post:
Caster Semenya on Maintaining Dignity and Hope in the Face of Oppression - The New York Times

Surfing's most prestigious prize turned into "TikTok circle jerk."

When the WSLs self-confessed biggest fan, @surfads, partly described the WSLs recent efforts as Turning a deadshit, dumbcunt but still unique sports outfit into a generic, compliant, corporate glory hole, I nodded in agreement and felt there wasnt a lot more to say.

Especially coming in so hot on the heels of The Ultimate Surferwhere a guy and gal got a place in WCT events by surfing in a pool and winning lifetime dream prizes like SUPs, I didnt think the WSL could make itself any more tacky and tawdry, or cheapen its product even more.

On reflection, thats bullshit.

It can, and it has.

When @surfads wrote his article, I commented that itd take far too long to unpack all thats wrong with the WSL right now, but that was a cop-out. I hate peanut gallery fuckwits who mock your efforts without offering any kind of explanation, thus, for that reason, I want to pinpoint a couple of glaring examples of the WSL clusterfuck sticking out like shit on Meghan Markles shoes.

This is part one.

@surfads bemoaned the lack of a Pipe contest to end the year, so what better place to start than Hawaii? Specifically, the Triple Crown of Surfing.

And, while the TCOS is run this year by Vans and Stab, the Vans TCOS official website says, This competition is sanctioned by the WSL, so thats good enough for me.

Billed for decades as the most prestigious title to win outside of being anointed surfings world champ, the Triple Crown of Surfing was always something that mattered in the surfing world.

Especially to the Hawaiians.

A list of Triple Crown winners since its inception in 1983 shows a whos who of surfing royalty.

Michael Ho, Derek Ho, Kong, Tom Carroll, Sunny, Kelly, Andy, Parko, John John, Gabe.

Its a mighty impressive list.

And why wouldnt it be, when you look at the historical format of the TCOS itself? Three contests, all in prime, big-wave spots where heavy waves explode on shallow reefs.

You had to be a fucking good surfer to win the whole shebang.

If we use a starting point in the contests as Round 64 for the top guys, to win a contest you gotta get through five heats against all the best surfers in the world, in some of the scariest, most intimidating waves in the world. No-one has ever won all three contests of the TCOS in a single year (I think), so lets just play a little game of averages for the fuck of it.

Lets say a surfers results over the three contests were final, quarters, quarters. Thatd get em pretty close to the gong most years. Starting from R64, that means our surfer would have got through eight or nine heats or so across three contests. Getting through that many heats in Hawaii against all the best guys in the world in big, dangerous, powerful conditions, including the locals who love nothing more than shitting on the outta town blow-ins, is fucking hard.

And thats why the list of TCOS champions includes eight world champions and multiple top three finishers like Julian Wilson and Gary Elkerton.

You win the TCOS and its a big fucking deal. Something that earns the respect of everyone in the surfing community, among them even the grumpiest, most begrudging old naysayers.

Well, it was.

Cause now, what used to be the prestigious TCOS is no more. Nuked, nixed, and fucking gutted. There are no contests involved anymore. None. No four-man heats. No two-man heats. No paddle battles. No local intimidation. No Wolfpak or Black Shorts. No interference calls. No Hawaiian underdogs. No buzzer beaters. No scoreboard pressure or commentators curses.

Nothin.

Why? Because The Triple Crown of Surfing is now a fully online digital contest.

(No relation to doctors sticking their fingers up your asshole.)

To compete in and win the Triple Crown of Surfing now you just gotta take a few videos of your surfing and then submit them online (dont forget to tag @vanstriplecrownofsurfing) and hope that the judges like your content. I aint making this up.

Out with the old, in with the hip and the new.

More than just a bit confused by this new turn of events, I tried to make some sense of it all. Big failure.

When I first went through the rules format the first thing that popped into my stupefied, spinning gogglehead revolved around the videos surfers have to submit. Half the tour surfers dont even have major sponsors, so I dont think its too much of a stretch to say that most of em dont have dedicated filmers following them around with the new $80,000 RED 8K video camera.

Exhibit A. Connor OLeary, ex WQS overall winner, WCT Rookie of the Year, and winner of the most recent Challenger Series event, who just requalified for next years CT tour. Riding a pure white, stickerless board.

You reckon the video editors at Quiksilver are just putting the finishing touches on his signature movie as we speak? Whats that? They dropped him?

Taking it a step further, what happens if poor old 86 ranked, unsponno surfer gets the wave of the winter out Pipe in the dark, dying light of an evening and all hes got to show for it is his girlfriends grainy iPhone vid where he looks like an ant on a piece of bread?

Is the poor bloke then forced into an extortionate bidding war with rival beach videographers for half-decent footage, if theyve got it? Or take your chances, send in your cheap ass iPhone vid and hope it gets viewed favourably against John Johns HD, technicolour, close-up screamer dreamer?

Shit outta luck if you dont have the tech or mates who have the tech.

This is moving forward, and aligning with the fans.

And, what about the judging system? Four in number. Three official WSL judges and one wild, exciting, new type of judge thrown into the mix. What could it be, I hear you wonder?

No more suspense. One of the official judges is the online punter, you, me, and every other digital fan.

How cool, eh? Now we get to make or break a surfers livelihood just by pushing buttons on our phones.

Inclusivity at its best from Vans and the Wozzle.

Alas, Im confounded again, however.

If the fans vote, is this just going to be a sad, pathetic numbers game of Im more popular than you are na na na na na naaaa? For example, JJF has 1.4 million Instagram followers. If he gets 10% of his fans to tap the app and clap clap clap for JJF. Plus five 5% on top of that for non John-fans. 210,000 votes.

On the other hand, Callum Robson, currently #12 in the Challenger Series rankings, only has 7,250 Insta followers. Just for the fuck of it, lets go all in and say he magically gets 100% of his followers to vote for him and they all get a mate each to do the same (wishful thinking but indulge me). 14,500 votes.

Who the fuck gets the choccies there? Confused much?

Not content with reducing one of surfings most esteemed prizes to a TikTok circle jerk, theres an extra layer of incomprehensible doolally with the inclusion of a progressive craft element.

Yep, one of a surfers six vids has to be on a progressive craft. Slight problem though. According to their own rules published on their website, the progressive craft must be a craft (their terminology, not mine) thats not quite as progressive as what the current kids ride.

In fact, some of the progressive crafts recommended are over 100 years old. No fucking shit.

I bring to you our progressive craft suggestion list, as per the contest guidelines:

alaiasasymmetricalstwin finsfishsingle finseggslongboardsbonzers

Fuck me, where do I kick off on this? The alaia, 100s of years old, if not a thousand. Longboards? Close to 100 years now. Twinnies? MR won titles on em in the 70s. Bonzers? Campbell Brothers, 1970. You get the drift.

Surely it cant be just me to wonder how the fuck riding a board from 100 years ago can be called a progressive craft? And why the fuck is it a compulsory component in the Triple Crown of Surfing?

Can they be any more ludicrously pretentious?

High-performance surfing has progressed beyond all of the progressive crafts listed to the toothpicks we have today. Granted, toothpicks are not for everyone, but the pros are riding the most progressive craft every fucking day. And, doing shit on them now that was pretty much impossible on any of the craft listed above.

Theres a reason theyre riding what theyre riding. Its cause theyre the most progressive boards available.

Do they even know what progressive means? A five-second search on the Googlenet shows its favouring progress and improvement as opposed to maintaining the status quo.

Newsflash: High-performance surfers progressed beyond logs half a century ago. Fuck me.

Who comes up with this shit? And who rubber stamps it?

The WSL, thats who. Remember, This competition is sanctioned by the WSL.

You reckon other sports are looking on enviously at the WSL, wondering how they can copy such genius?

Maybe right about now the bigwigs of Formula 1 admin are telling drivers like Lewis Hamilton they can only win the F1 title this year if theyve driven a progressive mobile like, say, the Reliant Regal three-wheeler during one of the remaining Grand Prix races?

Or the Tour de France organisers sending out a memo telling riders they must complete a stage in The Pyrenees on a penny fucking farthing?

You cant script this etc,

Link:
Testosterone-squirting big-wave surf icon lambasts Hawaiian contest organisers for calling off prized Triple Crown event in building swell, If you...

Express News Service

BENGALURU:Testicles are an important part of the male reproductive system and are located inside a sac called the scrotum. They make the hormones such as testosterone and sperms fertilise a female egg cell to start a pregnancy.It starts in the cells of the testicles (testes). The most common (more than 90 per cent) type of testicular cancer is called germ cell tumour.

Testicular cancer inyoung adults

Although testicular cancer can occur at any age, it is more prevalent in young adult men (especially between ages 18 to 35 years) and constitutesless than one per cent of all adult cancers. Testicular cancer is not talked about as it is not very common. In India, it constitutes 0.3 per cent ofall cancers and ranks 31 among all cancers.

Watch out for

Risk Factors

There are not many known risk factors leading to testicular cancer. Some risk factors include the history of undescended testis at birth, abnormal testicle development, family history of testicular cancer, and some rare inherited diseases. Prior injury to the testicles, though blamed many times, is not a proven risk factor.

Diagnosis

Sometimes, testicular cancer is self-detected by men either unintentionally or through testicular self-examination. In other cases, it is usually detected by your doctor during a routine physical exam. Testicular cancer typically presents in young males with a lump or swelling in the testicles. To confirm if the lump is testicular cancer, your doctor may order a testicular ultrasound test, and certain blood tests to detect the presence and levels of tumour markers in your blood. Checking blood for tumour markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta HCG and LDH help in the diagnosis and staging.

Medical Treatment

The treatment of testicular cancers involves surgery and removal of the affected testis. If the lump on your testicle is diagnosed to be cancerous, a surgery called radical inguinal orchiectomy may be performed to remove the cancer affected testicle. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed using a procedure called retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Alternative treatments such as radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be recommended before or after surgery. The cure rates after appropriate treatment in testicular cancers are very good.

Usually, testicular cancer affects one testicle, and the other testicle can produce enough male hormone, testosterone, for a future normal healthy life. But in some patients, infertility can be a side effect due to cancer or its treatment, and this should always be discussed while planning treatment.

Importance ofself-examination

It is not clear if testicular cancer is preventable. However, it can be detected in its early stages by doing regular testicle self-examinations. You can discuss with your doctor how testicular self-examination is performed. It is a simple and painless test and takes just a minute.

Doing the testicular self-examination in front of the mirror may be helpful. Since testicular cancer is relatively rare, in case you find a lump, dont panic. Consult your doctor for a prompt diagnosis.

(The writer is HOD and consultant - medical oncology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road)

Continued here:
All about testicular cancer - The New Indian Express

Before writing for the Strategist, Jenna Milliner-Waddell covered home dcor for Forbes Finds. Now she finds the best-rated products you didnt know you needed, from placemats to puzzles.

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

In 2015, My Big Fat Fabulous Life premiered on TLC. The show follows Whitney Thore, a woman struggling with the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Watching it was my first time learning about the medical condition, but since then PCOS has become a greater part of the womens-health discourse, with celebrities including Keke Palmer and Lea Michele coming out to talk about their diagnoses. Shows like My Big Fat Fabulous Life might lead you to believe that the main symptom, or even cause, of PCOS is weight gain, but there are a host of other effects.

PCOS is characterized by higher-than-normal levels of the pituitary hormone, the luteinizing hormone, or androgens like testosterone, which disrupts the hormonal pathway that regulates the menstrual cycle; the most common symptoms are irregular or missed periods, saysDevon Klauck, the lead nurse practitioner at Tia.In addition to unwanted weighted gain or difficulty losing weight because of metabolic complications, PCOS can have an impact on fertility and cause hirsutism (unwanted hair growth), hair loss, or acne.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but you can manage the symptoms. Your first step is consulting a health-care professional. We talked to Klauck and five others about their top over-the-counter solutions. Most of their recommendations are vitamins from doctor-recommended brands that are safe for anyone to take, but before you spend the money, ask your doctor to test for deficiencies so you dont overly or improperly supplement. Your doctor may also recommend diet and lifestyle changes, such as reducing sugar intake, exercise, and proper sleep.

Many people with PCOS are insulin resistant, meaning their bodies make insulin but cant use it effectively. Normally, when the food you eat breaks down into glucose, your pancreas releases an amount of insulin that enables your cells to absorb the glucose. But when you have PCOS, theres just a big surge of insulin that gets secreted like a tsunami, says Angela Grassi, a member of PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Associations health advisory board and the founder of PCOS Nutrition Center. Inositols can help. Sugars Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol have been tested in PCOS to help with insulin signaling,improve egg quality, and promote ovulation. Three of the experts we spoke to sang the praises of inositols, and two mentioned Ovasitol by name. It has the right 40:1 ratio of Myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol, which endocrinologist Dr. Ana Kausel says is important, especially when shopping in America, where supplements are not regulated. There was a study that compared 40 Different inositol preparations, and only like 1 percent had what is actually beneficial, she says. Ovasitols ratio is clearly stated on the packaging, and Grassi has seen how well it works in her patients. I would say 90 percent of my patients get their menstrual cycle regulated within three months, she says. Grassi, who has PCOS herself, says Ovasitol also helped get her A1C levels down. A1C is the average blood glucose for three months, which can be higher when one of your PCOS symptoms is insulin resistance. When I was diagnosed with PCOS, my A1C was around 5.6, Grassi says. When you get over 5.7, thats considereda pre-diabetes range. When I took Metformin, which is a common [prescription] medication used in the PCOS population to produce glucose and insulin,it only reduced my A1C to 5.4.I started researching inositol to see if its really as good as it sounds, and I tried it for myself, and three months later, my A1C went down to 5.1 and then three months after that, it went down to 4.9.

Photo: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

Vitamins were also very popular among our experts, with vitamin D being the most frequently recommended. One study indicated that calcium and vitamin D were helpful for PCOS by assisting with weight loss and regulating menstrual cycles, says Dr. Amy Roskin, chief medical director of The Pill Club. Other recent evidence shows that women with PCOS may be vitamin-D deficient, which can lead to additional problems with fertility, so those supplements may be particularly useful to help the condition. Dr. Kausel also recommends vitamin-D supplements to her patients. She says it can help with insulin resistance and therefore with regulating the menstrual cycles. Grassi agrees and usually recommends anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000 international units, to be taken with fat as vitamin D is fat soluble. She adds that vitamins K1 and K2 help vitamin D absorb better, so her company created a liquid supplement that has all three ingredients in it.

Photo: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

Zinc is another popular supplement among our experts, as it inhibits testosterone from converting to its active form, says Grassi, which means its a great option for people experiencing PCOS-related acne or hirsutism.

Dr. Roskin says people with PCOS are 19 times more likely to be deficient in magnesium. She and Klauck also said magnesium supplementation can improve insulin resistance.

Berberine is an herbal supplement thats pretty potent, says Grassi. It has been compared to Metformin for its ability to lower glucose and insulin. And its good for fatty liver and cholesterol.Klauck also says it can promote ovulation and reduce testosterone production.

Photo: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

An awful lot of women who take Metformin or oral contraceptives have lower levels of vitamin B12, says Grassi, so she normally recommends a supplement to those patients after checking their levels. Everyone needs sufficient B12 in their system. Its essential for energy production and neuropulsatility, which plainly means if you get a deficiency in B12, it can cause permanent nerve damage. It can also cause mood shifts and fatigue.

Male-pattern baldness is one of the side effects of PCOS. Klauckrecommends massaging rosemary oil into the scalp to stimulate hair growth by reducing the androgen effect on hair follicles.

Bailey Haddad is the founder of She Syncs, which helps people balance hormones and heal PCOS. She has PCOS herself and describes acne as one of the symptoms she struggled with the most. It was very painful, physically and emotionally, she says. It really impacted my self esteem, my confidence. At one point, I wouldnt even come out of my room without a full face of makeup on, so Im passionate about helping people with acne. One thing that worked for her and she recommends to others is spearmint tea. Theres research that suggests that drinking a cup of spearmint tea twice a day can help reduce androgen levels like testosterone, reduce skin inflammation, and reduce the severity of acne. Haddad says. Similarly, Klauck recommended peppermint herbal tea. The main difference between the two are the menthol levels, so if you prefer a stronger tea, peppermint might be easier to knock back twice a day.

We have lots of different guides to getting rid of acne and healing scars, but something that Haddad likes to do is double cleanse with Marie Veronique products at night to ensure her skin is free of bacteria before sleeping: I start with a pump of the Pure + E.O Free Oil Cleanser. I massage this on my face for one to two minutes. I place a small microfiber cloth under warm or hot water, then gently press the cloth on my face for 15 to 20 seconds, wipe the skin to remove any remaining residue, then cleanse with its Gentle Gel Cleanser.

At the Strategist, we are fans of daily sunscreen use for a number of reasons. Haddad recommends it because UV damage can actually make acne worse. It took me a while to find a non-comedogenic sunscreen that didnt clog pores and contribute to breakouts, she says, but she finally came across this one by Supergoop!, a daily moisturizer with 40 SPF that she describes as non-greasy and very moisturizing.

Pillowcases are notorious for holding onto dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can clog pores and contribute to acne, says Haddad. To combat this, she likes to change her pillowcase as often as possible. She likes using a silk one, as its gentler on the skin. Weve also been told by dermatologists that they help reduce hair frizz and skin irritation. This particular one from Slip has many fans, including celebrities like Kristen Bell and Kourtney Kardashian.

Unwanted hair growth is just as prevalent as unwanted hair loss in the PCOS community. Haddad knows that hormonal hair growth is harder to treat, which is why she recommends laser hair removal to her She Syncs clients. Its something shes done regularly for herself. Youll likely get the best results at a salon, after consulting with a derm of course, but this at-home device has been recommended to us by professionals who say its safe to use on fair skin with caution.

If youre trying to get pregnant, Dr. Amy Divaraniya, CEO of Oova, recommends Thornes Fertility Test, an at-home blood-and-saliva test that analyzes your fertility. This will provide a snapshot measurement of a womans reproductive-hormone levels and evaluate her thyroid function and stress responses, Dr. Divaraniya says. This information could be very useful for those diagnosed with PCOS, as thyroid issues are common for these women. Along with your results, Thorne will provide a personalized treatment plan to improve your fertility health.

Dr. Divaraniya says tracking your period in an app like Clue can also be helpful. It will allow women to start listening to their bodies and notice slight changes that occur at various points in their cycle, she says. If you are using any of the above supplements or prescription medications, you will also be able to track how they are working as your cycle becomes more regular.

Of course, as the CEO, Dr. Divaraniya also recommends Oova, a tool that can help those with PCOS detect and confirm ovulation as well as their most fertile window. Its an at-home urine test that, unlike most, you dont have to send back to a lab. Simply scan a QR code with an app on your phone to receive your results and an action plan instantly. Oova works by measuring luteinizing hormone and progesterone. For someone who has PCOS, and an irregular cycle as a result, hormonal testing can be helpful in determining ovulation windows when its otherwise hard to tell when youre ovulating or if youre ovulating at all, says Dr. Roskin. Oova learns each users hormone baseline so that when theres a deviation from that baseline, the device can tell where the user is in their cycle (no matter if theyre menstruating regularly or not). This type of measurement is ideal for women with PCOS, as they often have hormone imbalances that render traditional ovulation tests inaccurate. The Oova can also alert the user if theyre not ovulating at all.

As previously mentioned, lifestyle changes are incredibly important when it comes to PCOS treatment. Klauck recommends an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in protein, fiber, and soy, as well as moderate exercise. She also reminds us how important prioritizing sleep is. Consistent, good-quality sleep is beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight, balancing mood, and reducing risk of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease, she says. Lack of sleep can also impact your hunger home hormones and make you feel hungrier and it can impact your immune system, Haddad continues, noting that sleep deprivation can lower your moods, and that less sleep can also trigger a release of testosterone and cortisol, which can make people feel irritable, aggressive, and angry. Thus getting a good nights sleep is helpful not only for symptom managementbut your overall mental health.

If youre having trouble sleeping, Haddad recommends a topical magnesium.Magnesium absorbs into the skin quickly and helps with muscle relaxation, she says. This magnesium-oil spray is a highly concentrated solution of magnesium chloride and water, which she sprays on my legs and feet, basically the lower half of my body, ten to 15 minutes before I go to bed, and it really helps release tense muscles and gives me an overall sense of relaxation.

Wearing a sleep mask at night helps her as well. Sleep masks can help people fall asleep faster, improve sleep quality, and increase overall relaxation, she says. To those shopping for one, she recommends finding something that actually blocks out the light and fits your face. For her, its this Lunya mask, which is padded and covers much more than just the eyes, ensuring no light creeps in. Its made from machine-washable silk, which she appreciates for beingantibacterial, lightweight, and gentle on the skin.

Another favorite sleep aid of Haddads (and ours) is this classic white-noise machine. I actually travel with it, says Haddad. It drowns out external noise and gives an overall sense of calm.

Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

See the original post here:
The Best Over-the-Counter Supplements for PCOS Symptoms, According to Experts - New York Magazine

Dr Edwin Ong, DTAP Clinic

Infertility is suspected when a couple is unable to successfully conceive after approximately 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse. While there are many causes of infertility in both genders, over a third of them stem from the male, primarily due to problems with sperm production or delivery.

In no particular order, here are the top 5 causes of male infertility:

A healthy amount of good quality sperm is necessary in order to have the best chance of conceiving. Disorders may include:

Oligospermia: Low sperm count, defined as fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A low sperm count drastically reduces the odds of the sperm fertilising your partners egg.

Azoospermia: No measurable amount of sperm is present in the semen to fertilise your partners egg, making natural conception impossible.

Poor motility: A large proportion of sperm are unable to swim properly or are not motile at all, increasing the risk that the sperm may not be able to reach and penetrate your partners egg.

Abnormal morphology: Sperm are immature or abnormally shaped, and may not live long enough to fertilise the egg.

Factors that can affect the health of sperm include:

Environmental and lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, illicit drugs or steroid use, or exposure to toxins can affect the health of your sperm.

Hormonal factors: Diseases of the pituitary gland or testosterone deficiency can affect sperm production.

Testicular infection: Especially from the mumps virus or tuberculosis (TB) during childhood.

Chronic diseases: Diseases such as kidney failure can also affect the production of sperm.

Genetic diseases: Such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis which can affect sperm production or transport.

Erectile dysfunction, better known as ED, is an inability to obtain or maintain a good erection. While ED is a fairly common problem that can happen to men at any age, it is more common from middle age onwards. ED can stem from:

Story continues

Hypertension

Diabetes

Atherosclerosis (restricted blood flow due to plaque buildup)

Hormonal or pituitary gland issues

Phimosis (tight foreskin)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - abnormal prostate enlargement

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol and/or drug use

Stress or mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety

Side effects of certain medications to treat hypertension or hair loss

Varicocele is the enlargement of veins in the testicles, caused by abnormal backflow of blood. Exactly how this condition can cause infertility is unknown, but studies suggest that it could be related to warmer temperatures from the increased blood flow, which may be suboptimal for sperm production. Approximately 16% of men may have a varicocele.

This condition occurs when the semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm due to the muscles of the bladder neck not tightening properly. This can happen due to previous surgery, certain medications, or nerve damage caused by medical conditions. Men with this condition may experience dry orgasms whereby very little or no semen is ejaculated from the penis. Urine may also appear cloudy after an orgasm.

STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), if left untreated for a prolonged period of time, can lead to the inflammation of the epididymis or testicles, interfering with sperm production and health.

Chronic inflammation to these structures may lead to permanent scarring that blocks the passage of the sperm.

A semen analysis test would be required from the patient in order to assess fertility. Several parameters are analysed including semen volume, pH count, sperm count, motility, and morphology. The sample can also be screened for problems such as infections.

As sperm counts often fluctuate from one sample to the next, several samples may need to be collected over a period of time to ensure a higher degree of accuracy when processing the results.

Follow up tests may include the following to determine and confirm the cause:

Ultrasound scan of the testicles: To look for presence of varicoceles or other issues in the testicles and surrounding structures.

Ultrasound scan of the seminal vesicles: To analyse the ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles to see if they are poorly formed or blocked.

Post-ejaculatory urine test: To look for any sperm present in the urine after ejaculation to suggest retrograde ejaculation.

Testicular biopsy: Minimally invasive procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed from the testicle and observed under the microscope. This test helps to both assess the cause of infertility as well as retrieve any viable sperm for later use in assisted reproduction.

Hormonal profile: Blood test to measure testosterone levels and other related hormones essential to sperm production.

STD screen: To check for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other infections that may affect sperm production.

Treatment options will vary according to the cause of infertility (if any is found), and may include:

Lifestyle modification: Cessation of smoking, reducing alcohol intake, increasing exercise and having a balanced diet.

Supplements: Male fertility supplements that contain a blend of micronutrients and enzymes to support healthy sperm production

Treatment of any underlying STD; however, this may not fully restore fertility.

Hormonal medications: Required in cases where infertility is caused by too much or too little of a specific hormone.

Surgery for conditions such as:VaricocelesEjaculatory duct obstructionObstructed vas deferensPrior vasectomyNon-obstructive azoospermia

Treatment for sexual dysfunction: Medication or counselling may help to improve chances of conceiving in conditions such as ED or premature ejaculation.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Sperm is obtained through normal ejaculation, surgical extraction, or from donors. The sperm is then used in ART procedures such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

About Dr Edwin OngDr Edwin Ong underwent extensive training across various specialties including Orthopaedic Surgery, General Medicine, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery and Plastic Surgery. He focuses on comprehensive and holistic care for Mens health, Womens health and other Acute & Chronic medical issues including Viscosupplementation Treatment for Knee Arthritis. He firmly believes in honest communication and works closely with his patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.

About DTAPEstablished in 2005, DTAP (Dr. Tan & Partners) clinics, a pioneer of the GP plus, or General Practice with Special Interest model in Singapore, provides holistic and comprehensive medical care for everyone. We provide basic GP services with a key focus in HIV & STD testing and management, Mens Health (Andrology), Womens Health, Aesthetics, and Chronic Disease Management services. DTAP clinics are located in Singapore and Malaysia, and DTAP Express is the first clinic in Singapore with express self-testing kits for STD. DTAP to Home is an extension of DTAP Teleconsult and DTAP Delivery for medications, supplements and health aid services.

Originally posted here:
5 causes of male infertility - Yahoo News

Is a mans beard length an honest signal of their psychological and physiological characteristics? Not really. According to a new study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, there is no association between beard length and mens dominance or testosterone levels.

Male facial hair is an incredibly potent topic. Did you know that the history of male beards goes back to ancient times? As a woman myself, unfortunately, I cannot grow an enormous Santa-Claus-like beard but there were a few women, especially in the 20th century, who did grow a long beard and were famous for it! So maybe that is why this topic attracted my attention in the first place, explained study author Marta Kowal, a PhD student at University of Wrocaw. Why is it men, and not women, who possess facial hair? And is it true what some claim, that bearded men are dripping with testosterone? Is that fella with lumberjack shirts and longer beards really more dominant than the clean-shaven one? Curiosity is a great drive in science.

Physical appearance can be an indicator of ones underlying qualities, and thus, is a valuable source of information in the dating market. The male beard in particular is one of the most noticeable and sexually dimorphic traits, making it very easy to visually differentiate between the sexes. The presence of a beard may signal masculinity, dominance, aggression, strength, and even enhance perceptions of a mans age, confidence, and social status. Beards also influence self-perception, with bearded men feeling more masculine than non-bearded men.

Kowal and colleagues recruited 97 young and physically active men, who were in good health, not taking any hormone supplements, and had not smoked or consumed alcohol within 24 hours of the study. Given male testosterone decreases throughout the day, the experiment was conducted between 7:00 AM 11:00 AM. Participants reported their age, weight, height and beardedness. Beardedness was measured indirectly, via self-report by selecting a picture that mirrored participants self-perceived facial hair. It was also measured directly by using digital calipers. This study was among the first to use both direct and self-report measurements of beardedness. Next, participants provided saliva samples.

Participants then engaged in physical activity, cycling sprints on a stationary bike to induce a testosterone spike. They rested for 12-minutes, during which they completed a questionnaire assessing for levels of dominance, providing ratings to questions such as I usually make decisions for myself and others or It is me who influences others and not the other way round. Afterwards, participants provided saliva samples once again.

Prior studies have reported that testosterone is associated with the density and rate of beard growth, suggesting that beards may be a proxy for male masculinity and dominance. However, Kowal and colleagues found no such relationship.

There is this popular view that bearded men are more dominant and are even sparkling with testosterone than clean-shaven men. That if you want to be with a real man, you need to find one with a beard. However, our study provides no evidence for such claims, Kowal told PsyPost. Even though testosterone has been found to affect the density and rate of beard growth, men displaying their beards may not be truly signalling their dominance nor testosterone potential. So, sorry ladies, that beardy-looking fella in a lumberjack shirt may not have more testosterone than the clean-shaven gentleman sitting right next to him!

But with regard to study limitations, Kowal said, We need to remember that hormonal studies are more difficult to conduct, and thus, the sample size is not ideal to draw any general conclusions. Furthermore, our sample consisted of rather young men, ages ranging from 19 to 25.

Future studies should focus on beardedness and other markers of biological quality, such as susceptibility to disease or developmental instability expressed by fluctuating asymmetry. It would also be interesting to test our hypotheses among older individuals, such as middle-aged men, she added.

The study, Are Beards Honest Signals of Male Dominance and Testosterone?, was authored by Marta Kowal, Piotr Sorokowski, Agnieszka elaniewicz, Judyta Nowak, Sylwester Orzechowski, Grzegorz urek, Alina urek and Magdalena Nawrat.

Follow this link:
New study finds no relationship between beard length and dominance or testosterone levels - PsyPost

Page 20«..10..19202122..3040..»

Home » Testosterone » Page 20