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Testosterone Levels Declining in Men at Younger Ages: ZRT Laboratory Hormone Tests Reflect Global Trend

Posted on: Tuesday, 28 August 2007, 21:14 CDT

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- When researchers at ZRT, a leading hormone testing laboratory in Beaverton, Oregon, analyzed the hormone levels of over 8,000 men, they found that testosterone levels peaked in the men's early 20's and gradually declined after that. Testosterone that starts to wane in a man's forties is to be expected, but in some men, testosterone drops more rapidly than normal. And in these men, ZRT finds they suffer more from low energy, erectile dysfunction, and loss of libido, prostate problems and weight gain.

The larger implications for male health and aging are discussed in the September issue of Men's Health Magazine. Male staffers at the magazine tested their hormone levels using ZRT home test kits and reported their "scores". All the men tested within the normal range for their age, but if recent research and testing trends are anything to go by, the Men's Health team could become the exception.

Researchers in the US are finding testosterone levels to be substantially lower -- by about 15 to 20% -- than they were fifteen years ago. Scandinavian studies show similar declines, and in younger men too; a man born in 1970, for example, had about 20 percent less testosterone at 35 than a man of his father's generation at the same age.

David Zava, PhD., President of ZRT Laboratory, and an acknowledged expert on hormonal health, makes the point that environmental toxins, lack of exercise, and prolonged stress often trigger hormonal imbalances that can block testosterone production or its access to tissues. "Hormones work together in symphony," says Zava, "so you really need to look at testosterone in relation to other hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid that regulate its activity in the cells."

Testosterone is a key player in muscle and bone strength, sex drive and mental sharpness in men. When levels drop below normal, the shortage not only impacts physical and mental performance, but can have serious long-term consequences for health and longevity.

Men who want to stay ahead of the curve can take a simple test in saliva and/or blood spot to check their hormone levels. Male Hormone Profile and comprehensive test kits are available at selected pharmacies, physician's offices and online at http://www.zrtlab.com/.

Contact: Candace Burch, Director of Education, ZRT Laboratory; cburch@zrtlab.com (503) 597-1923 or Mary Smeby, msmeby@zrtlab.com (503) 597-1926

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. David T. Zava, Ph.D. http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=39329 Candace Burch http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=66670

ZRT Laboratory

CONTACT: Candace Burch, Director of Education, +1-503-597-1923,cburch@zrtlab.com, or Mary Smeby, +1-503-597-1926, msmeby@zrtlab.com, both ofZRT Laboratory

Web site: http://www.zrtlab.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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