The Testosterone Syndrome: The Critical Factor for Energy, Health, & Sexuality--Reversing the Male Menopause

Rating:
Summary: A must read for all men!
Review: As a physician specializing in male hormonal replacement, I have read many books on the subject. I find "The Testosterone Syndrome" to be the definitive book on the restoration of healthy levels of testosterone and estrogen. Dr.Shippen has written a book not only grounded in scientific facts but one that is enjoyable to read. Low testosterone is something every man will face in his life time. This is the book to tell you what to expect and what to do about it. I recommend it to all my male patients who are beginning to notice signs of aging.

Rating:
Summary: A very interesting book
Review: I read this book after being formally diagnosed with testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) at the relatively young age of 34. For me, testosterone deficiency tied in with a long battle with severe, medication resistant clinical depression, not with "anti-aging" issues or self esteem/virility issues of middle aged men. It was the only book I could find that seemed to address the issue of testosterone deficiency. Written by a Medical Doctor gives it more credibility, I try to avoid reading books of this sort that are not written by MDs.

Once I started reading it, I found it fascinating. I didnt realize testosterone is responsible for so many things. I also didnt realize the importance estrogen plays in the male...many males with low testosterone also have high estrogen levels which is a bad thing. Dr. Shippen explains how you can naturally lower your estrogen levels, which is good for male health. And he also explains how to naturally increase testosterone, although he fails to mention heavy strength training which I always understood was a hallmark of "naturally" increasing testosterone levels.

This book is really more oriented for the middle aged male who has hit his "mid life crisis" or "male andropause" as Dr. Shippen likes to describe it. In my opinion, its not really oriented for men who are truly hypogonadal (not producing enough testosterone and flunked formal lab tests). It is an anti-aging book, but it has lots of information thats useful for any male who doesnt want to end up getting hypogonadal at some point. Dr. Shippen describes the details of testosterone replacement therapy.

I find it odd that there arent a lot of other "me too" testosterone replacement books on the market. It seems like there would be more interest in this subject.

I really was amazed at the total lack of mention Dr. Shippen placed on exercise and especially strength training to maintain or improve testosterone levels. Thats my only complaint with this book.

Rating:
Summary: Important Book
Review: This book helped save my marriage. I was suffering from low sex drive, poor performance and general malaise and irritability. A doctor suggested I have my thyroid level tested, but it was normal range. Viagra only gave me massive headaches. Then an article I saw suggested this book. It is very readable and informative, but most of all balanced: It does not advocate testosterone treatment as a cure-all for everyone or everything. I had my blood retested, and discovered that I had a severe case of testosterone deficiency. I began the treatments advocated by Dr. Shippen. It took trying several different methods of application (because my level was so abnormal), but within about 8 months, my testosterone levels were normal. Thank you Dr. Shippen.