Most people think of testosterone as a sex hormone. But its role in the body goes far beyond bedroom performance. An international team of researchers has reported in the Journal of Andrology that having a deficiency of testosterone is associated with an increased risk for heart disease.

The team reviewed the medical literature from 1980-2009 and found that men with testosterone deficiency were more likely to have higher total cholesterol levels, higher levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, higher levels of inflammation, and increased thickness of the arterial wall.

In other research, low testosterone levels have also been associated with low libido, depression, memory problems, and have been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.

We are only beginning to talk about male menopause, but it is a real issue that needs to be treated for many men.

The review in the Journal of Andrology revealed some promising information. Testosterone supplementation reduced cholesterol and inflammation levels while improving the arterial wall. Supplementation can help with the other problems mentioned as well. For men with low testosterone, supplementation options include creams, gels, and injections.

This comprehensive review shows how your hormones play a vital role in your overall health. Did you know that your hormones have a huge impact on brain function, for both men and women? When your hormones are balanced you tend to feel happy and energetic. When your hormones are off, everything and everyone in your life suffers.

To find out if you might have a hormone deficiency, take The Brain in Love Master Questionnaire, which includes separate hormone checklists for men and women.