What is normal?

So-called "normal ranges" reported on standard lab reports are very wide. Ranges are usually just a statistic and designed to include 95% of the population. The fact that you are in the normal range doesn't mean that everything is okay, especially if you are in the lower end of that range. As an example, the "normal range" for testosterone by Quest Labs is 250 - 1100. 300 is normal and 1050 is normal! Your body's response to these different levels is, to say the least, very different. Since hormones decline with age, using "age adjusted" ranges simply lowers the bar making them of little use.

What is Optimal?

Optimal ranges are where our bodies generally function best and are the ranges that are associated with a reduced risk of various diseases. Most often these optimal ranges are in the upper 20% of the so-called "normal range." However, the "normal range" for some hormones, especially if age adjusted ranges are used, are actually lower than values known to be associated with an increased risk of death. Fortunately, the medical literature provides us with some guidance.

Many doctors, even some endocrinologists, do not believe that hormone therapy is useful. Some even feel it is unsafe, which is simply not the case. They rarely consider hormone therapy for male patients unless their hormone levels well below the so-called "normal range." Instead, patients are advised to accept these changes as just part of getting older.

What Can Be Done?

With the Elite Health Evaluation, you learn where you stand. If needed, deficiencies of selected hormones can be corrected to more youthful levels resulting in:

Reduced risk of certain age related conditions

Increased muscle strength

Decreased body fat

Increased mental acuity

Improved sleep quality

Improved sex drive and performance

Increased endurance and stamina

If hormone replacement is given, it is closely monitored by laboratory testing and clinical response.