Anti Aging: Red Bull? Try some Testosterone instead!

Men, as you get older, are you feeling that you are always tired and that your body isn't performing as well as it was when you were twenty one? Well, one of the things that happen as you age is that your testosterone levels drop and that might be the cause of your problem.

Dr Suren specializes in this area and we are starting Anti Aging Clinics where we can help you maintain vitality as you age. Of course we will also be looking at menopausal issues and helping women age gracefully, but for today, we will talk about men first.

Below is an article by Dr Suren on what happens when men age.

Testosterone: It is not just about SEX

Testosterone is the main sex hormone produced by the testes. Testosterone together with it's derivatives, estradiol(E2) and dihydro testosterone (DHT) act directly on diverse target organs such as the sex organs, bones, muscles, blood-forming tissue, the brain,skin and hair. Thus, testosterone has a vital role in proper function of multiple systems in our body.

As men age, the levels of testosterone will fall. At age 70 the testosterone level is only 30% of the peak at age 25. Late onset hypogonadism, also known as andropause usually starts after age 40. It is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, low mood. There can be loss of muscles, increase of fats especially in the abdomen, decreased exercise capacity and endurance. Of course there can be loss of sexual interest and erection difficulties.

Andropause is now recognized as a serious health problem. The good news is that we are able to treat it and reverse many of the above problems.

Prevalence of hypogonadism ( Low levels of testosterone)

The prevalence of andropause is from 6 to 13% in those aged between 40 – 69 years old. Prevalence increases with age. (1)

Testosterone deficiency is associated with Diabetes

Testosterone deficiency plays a central role in the cause of Type 2 diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance. It contributes to the accumulation of abdominal fat. This abdominal fat is an active endocrine organ producing chemicals (cytokines) that cause inflammation such as causing abnormal lining of the blood vessels. Testosterone treatment of hypo gonadal men improves diabetes.(2)

Testosterone restoration improves muscle strength

Replacement of testosterone increased fat-free mass, muscle size and strength in hypo gonadal men. (3) Oral testosterone treatment in diabetic men with deficiency improves body composition, decrease abdominal fat, improves glucose homeostasis and improves erectile dysfunction. (4)

Optimal testosterone levels associated with better cognitive function

One study showed that older men with high testosterone and low estrogen level performed better in several tests of cognitive function. (5)

Low testosterone is associated with poor cholesterol and potential risk to heart health

Low testosterone is associate with high total and bad (LDL) cholesterol. The lining of the blood vessels are also slightly damaged, making it prone to accumulate fatty plaques. Also due to the association with obesity and poor glucose control, low testosterone can affect the heart health.(6)

Should you have testosterone restoration?

There is convincing evidence of the benefits of testosterone replacement. Before starting we recommend that you speak to us, so that we can ascertain that you do indeed have andropause. We will then do a blood test of your hormones for confirmation.

Are there any risks of restoration?

Some researchers have warned that restoration can be a risk of aggravating prostate cancer. As we become more familiar with testosterone replacement we belief the risk of prostate cancer is very low. There is no scientific evidence that testosterone supplement increased the risk of prostate cancer.(7) Nevertheless we will still do a blood test before and after treatment to make sure that we do not put the patient at any risk.

Testosterone restoration can also increase the red blood cell count. This is easily detected and effectively treated without any risk to the patient.

What do I do now, if I want to check for andropause?

Dr Suren Baskaran now conducts special clinics for this condition. If you wish to check for andropause, just call us for an appointment.

References

1. Araujo Ab et al. Prevalence and incidence of andropause deficiency in middle aged and older men. J Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism 2004 Dec;89(12):5920-6.

2. Traish. The dark side of testosterone def II. J Androl 2009;30:23-32.

3. Bhasin S. et al. Testosterone replacement increases fat-free mass and muscle size in hypo gonadal men. J Clin Metab. 1997 Feb;82(2):407-13.

4. Boyanov MA et al. Testosterone supplementation in men with T2D, visceral obesity and partial androgen deficiency. Aging Male. 2003 Mar;6(1):1-7

5. Barrett-Connor E et al. Endogenous sex hormones and cognitive function in older men. J Clin Endocrinology Metab 1999 Oct;84(10):3681-5

6. Traish et al. The dark side of Testosterone deficiency III. J Androl 2009;30:477-94

7. Morgentaler A. Testosterone replacement therapy and prostate risks. Can J Urol.2006 Feb;13 Suppl 1:40-3

Winners of the "Why our patients choose Karri Family Clinic" Baby Photo Contest

Many thanks to everyone who sent in the photos of their kids and emailed to tell us why you choose Karri Family Clinic to provide for your family's healthcare needs!

I had a difficult time choosing the top ten winners as the entries were all very good. But after much deliberation, here are the ten winners of the Baby IQ DVD sets.For those who did not win the DVD sets, not to worry. Abbott has kindly sponsored some consolation prizes as well.

All winners will be notified by email concerning the collection of prizes.

Many thanks to Abbott for sponsoring the photo contest.

"After Charlotte was born, we were trying to find a good family doctor that could look after our family healthcare needs instead of randomly visiting clinics that were nearby. We felt that Dr Tay really gets to know his patients and most importantly, he listens to us. Being a first time parent, my husband and I tend to ask many questions during Charlotte’s consultations; Dr Tay answered all our doubts and helped us make the right health care decisions. Besides all these, we were able to get updated medical information on the clinic’s website even with comments answered. We thank God that we were able to find Karri Family Clinic to be our family doctor."

Kristine Chan

"I have 2 princess Soo Ning (3years) and En Ning (5.5mths) and found Dr Tay by chance on a Sunday night. Dr Tay is very friendly and so different from the usual clinic that my princess are happy going in. After visiting the clinic, Soo Ning can talk about what went on in the clinic. The best was the anti-biotic which Dr Tay gave her once, that was a nice and effective formula that I have no problem feeding her. She also remembers that. Now if she needs to see doctor, we will ask her where she wants to go and she will reply Dr Tay. Isn't that sweet? The price is very reasonable as well and best of all it opens on Sunday night. Another great thing, Dr Tay is a blogger and I get informative news regularly which is great especially on the recent H1N1 vaccine which no one has mentioned before on the 10 Dose Vials. I must also say that your effort together with other doctors/committee members to push Pnemococcal has finally seen effort."

Celine Ng

"It's hard not to smile whenever I see my baby girl Chloe's inquisitive expression. She is so eager to try everything that I have to be mindful of her health and what she comes in contact with. I choose Karri for Chloe and my older son Kaden as their healthcare needs are comprehensively covered and the environment is inviting to my kids. It's so much more convenient for us to be at Karri than going to KKH and polyclinics - it's not easy to bring two cranky kids for medical treatment. There is also a sense of assurance when our queries are addressed by Dr Leslie Tay.

thank you!"

Yvonne Wong

"I choose Karri Family Clinic because the Resident Family Doctor is Dr
Leslie Tay !!

I come across Karri Family Clinic by chance while surfing the web to search
for another GP in Tampines area because my 6 month old baby girl was down with flu and the nearby clinic that my family had been seeing was closed for holiday trip.

After the 1st visit to Dr Tay, I had decided that I will send my girls to him for vaccination and future consultation (despite that fact it’s located at the other side of the town). Dr Tay is a very caring and experienced doctor that has his way with baby and kids, both my girls are very comfortable with him. By the way, my elder daughter aged 4 was so proud when she saw her family doctor appears on TV!"

Jessica Lai

"We choose Karri Family Clinic because of the service, real time health advisory and especially the assurance that my Family's health (especially my baby) is in good hands. It's hard to find a clinic now a days that will makes you feel secured it terms of your health, but Karri Family Clinic did it. Thanks and More power."

Herole Tunggol

"Before I visited Dr. Leslie, I had went to a few pediatricians in the east area of Singapore; but the way Dr. Leslie treated my kids are a little different from the others. He knows how to capture the kids attention and made the trip to the clinic as wonderful as going to the minimart. Now, I do not have a hard time bringing my two lilitle princesses to the clinic. My elder daughter (4 years old) is no longer afraid of going to the clinic and my younger one, well she is just 11 months old so she did not say anything.
I just would like to thank Dr. Leslie to ease the difficulty and made the trip to the clinic for my kids, a wonderfull one!"
Hardi de Janaiero



"I had chosen Karri Family Clinic because it is near my house. My baby was just three months old and I wanted to save travelling time and to allow my baby to reach home quickly after each doctor’s visit. This decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I came to know Dr Leslie Tay. Dr Tay changed my mindset on the role of a doctor. His personality and ever readiness to share medical knowledge impresses me. Dr Tay is a doctor that builds relationship and is passionate about his work His method of administering vaccinations for babies also amazes me. He would hum a tune and then swiftly complete the vaccination, before my baby could react. Dr Tay also airs his views honestly encouraging me to sign up for a Pneumococcal vaccination for my baby. I am glad that I have chosen Karri Family Clinic for my baby"

Andrea Ang

We came to know Karri Family Clinic through internet where it located in Tampines. We found out the clinic once you step in, it has a warm atmosphere adult c& kids corner. “As you won’t feel like just consult, pay and go”. Karri unlike many clinic it have consultation medical services includes various health topics, latest widespread diseases precaution health care measures & information, using technology like “BLOGS” published on website. As you can feel personal touch consultation services. Whenever our baby boy injection vaccine, given with care thoughts to distract the pain. We feel that Dr. Tay not only have family care thoughts and warmly attention services. Best of all is quick, informative short consultation time for adults or children and moreover from young to elderly are well take care of their medical needs. Warmest Regards,

Vincent ONG

Few weeks ago, we were browsing thru the net searching for some baby information.
We happened to see Karri family Clinic website. The website caught me by surprise as I didn’t think that Singapore GP do provide such a good service and very informative blog.
Whenever our girls fall sick, we would take them to Pediatrician Clinic and the medical bill doesn’t come cheap.

Although Karri Family Clinic location is a bit out of place for us, we would definitely visit it if there is a need. We love the consultation hours especially on Sunday evenings. The best part is this GP accepted Baby Bonus card which most of the GPs don’t and the charges are much more affordable to us.

Our first visit to Karri Family Clinic on 20 Nov 09 (Sunday) was an impressive one.
The place was indeed cozy, warm and doesn’t look at all like a GP Clinic to us.
Dr Tay is not just a doctor but rather a Godly doctor to us. He knows how to handle kids well, especially when my girl tensed up during his session.. He would take the effort to blow balloon and show his toys to my girl. We appreciate these little gestures from him.
It’s really a blessing to us to know this clinic.

Verlyn Yeo

"We choose Karri Family Clinic because Dr Tay takes good care of all of us. When he gives my little brother his vaccinations he does it so quickly that me brother only cries for a while. Dr Tay does not give us antibiotics unnecessarily when we have coughs and colds. The best thing about coming to visit Dr Tay is that he gives us lightsticks after seeing him."

Carol Ng

H1N1 Vaccine is now approved for kids from 6 months of age

MOH has just approved the use of the H1N1 vaccine for children from 6 months onwards.

Children from 6 months to 3 years of age will need 2 half doses one month apart.

Those from 3 yrs to 10 years will need 2 full doses one month apart.

We currently have stock of the Panvax H1N1 vaccine which is the individual shots that do not contain mercury. These are $30 nett. The Panvax H1N1 vaccine is the one that the MOH has approved for use in children as they are satisfied with the safety of the vaccine.

You can read more about the announcement on Channel News Asia.

H1N1 Vaccine: New Stock has arrived

By now you would have heard that the H1N1 vaccine has been approved for 10 year olds and above and the good news is that our new stock of vaccines have just arrived so we have enough for walk in patients.

There has been some concern about the safety of the vaccines. This pertains to the older 10 doses per vial vaccine. The vaccine we stock is Panvax from CSL labs which is the individual vaccine that does not contain mercury. So far, we have received little complaints from our patients. I personally have administered the vaccine to my own left arm and all I had was a bit of pain over the injection site for 2 days. (Yes, I did it Rambo style and injected myself)

The other question that often gets asked is whether you should take the seasonal flu vaccine or the H1N1 vaccine. The best answer is that you should take both. Both vaccines can be given at the same time. If you have to choose one, I would advise young adults to take the H1N1 vaccine because there has been some concern that the H1N1 virus is somehow more virulent amongst young adults with several deaths occurring amongst otherwise fit young adults.

Our price for the Panvax is $30. Do ring up first to check for stock availability.