Blog — testosterone

Acne, a pervasive skin condition, arises when hair follicles—tiny skin holes—become obstructed. Understanding the intricate mechanisms behind this condition unveils the complex interplay of hormones, genetics, and lifestyle factors.  The Role of Sebaceous Glands: Sebaceous glands near the skin surface produce sebum, an oily substance that moisturises hair and skin. However, these glands begin overproducing sebum in acne, combining it with dead skin cells to create a plug within the follicle. This plug's emergence on the skin's surface leads to either a whitehead or blackhead. Bacterial Infection and Inflammation: When plugged, follicles encounter bacteria that usually reside harmlessly on the...

Author: Dr. Alison McAllister Men's Heart Health and Testosterone: Separating Fact from Fiction In recent times, the media has been abuzz with discussions on men's heart health and the role of testosterone therapy. Reports have raised concerns about potential links between testosterone treatment and heart attacks, prompting physicians to reevaluate the use of testosterone supplementation in men. To gain a better understanding of this complex issue, it's essential to delve deeper into the scientific study that has triggered these debates (referenced at the end of this post) (1).The study in question examined 55,593 men who initiated testosterone therapy. Among these...

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be an emotionally distressing and physically uncomfortable condition, often leaving behind scars and affecting one's self-esteem. While there are various factors that contribute to acne, hormones play a significant role. In recent years, saliva hormone testing has emerged as a potential solution for understanding the hormonal imbalances that contribute to acne. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms and problems associated with acne and delve into how saliva hormone testing can provide valuable insights towards effective treatment.Understanding Acne:Acne is a chronic skin condition that typically...

As men age, they may experience a decline in testosterone levels which can lead to a range of symptoms commonly referred to as male menopause or andropause. This condition is not as well-known as female menopause, but it can have a significant impact on a man's quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments available, including hormone testing, to help alleviate the symptoms associated with male menopause. What is Male Menopause? Male menopause is a condition caused by a decline in testosterone levels as a man ages. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and is responsible for many of the...

Written By Dr Allison McAllister It’s an everyday occurrence when someone calls the doc line at the lab and wants to know how they can change the labs to improve their patients’ symptoms. However, it’s important to take a step back and look at what labs can tell us. While it’s true that abnormal lab findings can contribute to symptoms – high thyroid-stimulating hormone reflects hypothyroidism, high testosterone reflects polycystic ovary syndrome, and hyperandrogenism or low cortisol may contribute to fatigue. Yet, in many other conditions, labs reflect the medical condition happening in that patient’s body and not a cause...