Women on high doses of testosterone get back their sex drive, and then some. Many of them describe themselves to be “resurrected and on fire,” with new, extremely enhanced libido, craving for sex every day or more often, where in the past they did not even want their husband to go near them. Most of these women are in their 40s and even 60s; one of them is a TV star in a TV show about housewives. Besides their sex drive, their performance at work and at home was also dramatically improved by the drug. There are only a few of these instances where testosterone was prescribed for a specific medical problem.

Testosterone is predominantly a male hormone produced by the testes and the adrenal glands, and by female ovaries and adrenals to a lesser degree. This hormone production wanes after age 30 by 1-2 percent each year. This hormone is rarely prescribed for women because of irreversible masculinizing and other dangerous side effects, including increased risk for certain cancers. Neither is it recommended for men due to a lack of libido because of aging; only for those with a medical condition where the level is abnormally low for the age. Although not carcinogenic in itself, testosterone could increase the risk for prostate cancer.

Testosterone is a controlled substance and requires a prescription. Before embarking on the use of testosterone or any other medication, even aspirin, consult your physician.

Inadequate sleep

People with inadequate sleep (children need about 10 hours, and adults, about 8), have been found in a study to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. Stimulants, alcohol (suppresses REM sleep), coffee, tea, tobacco, TV watching, anxiety or anger before bedtime, all impair sleep. Anyone who does not get restful sleep, who gets tired and sleepy early in the day, should consult a Pulmonologist for possible testing for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, breath holding for several dozen times during sleep, depriving their vital organs of oxygen, elevating the risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and even cancer. In 2013, I lost a 69-year-old colleague, ironically a Pulmonologist, from a heart attack thought to be precipitated by Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Sleep and dementia

A new study revealed through MRI scan, “found that people with cardiovascular risk factors that impaired the function of the glymphatic system had an increased risk of dementia.” The glymphatic system controls the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid during sleep to flush out toxins and waste materials from the brain, to maintain brain health. Impairment of sleep negatively affects the glymphatic flow. Improving sleep also enhances the flow, and this helps keep the brain healthy, according to The Journal of Alzheimer’s Association.

TikTok: A drug hype

Anti-depressants is recently recast as a “trendy lifestyle choice” in significant posts by young people on TikTok. This has been inspired by influencers and telemedicine marketing. This appears to minimize the stigma of and glamorize the use of antidepressants. Without physician supervision, this abuse could lead to detrimental side effects and deadly complications. Parental guidance is vital to stopping this trend, one child, one home at a time.

As posted in my book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children” (amazon.com), as parents, we must learn to say “No” to our children for their own good. Our failure to guide them to live a healthy lifestyle through good habits and behavior will increase their risk of death as youngsters, or of developing chronic illnesses later that will shorten their lifespan as adults. And that natural burden is on us.

Dangers of microneedling

Microneedling is very common today as a cosmetic tool to enhance a good appearance.

The new public alert issued by the FDA on October 16, 2025, stated it had become “aware of reports of serious complications (adverse events) including burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage, and the need for surgical repair or medical intervention to treat injuries with the use of these microneedling devices for dermatologic or aesthetic procedures intended to improve the appearance of the skin,” or tattooing. The FDA explained that radiofrequency microneedling devices employ an array of small electrodes (microneedles) to penetrate the skin, delivering RF energy to specific depths. Each microneedle produces intense heat, leading to changes in the tissue.

The obvious question is, is the cosmetic goal worth all the risks and dangers of microneedling?

Breakfast warning

Some people skip breakfast as part of their regimen to control calories to maintain a healthier body. A systematic review and meta-analysis and of 9 studies revealed that skipping breakfast, was associated with an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome and its individual components, a cluster of health issues like high blood sugar risk, high triglycerides, low ‘good cholesterol’ large waist, high blood pressure, and higher risk for stroke of the worst outcome, heart failure, and organ damage. These findings were published in Nutrients.

Walking backwards

Studies have revealed that walking backwards among seniors strengthens leg muscles, improves balance and flexibility, inspires concentration, reduces knee and joint pains, and boosts cognitive function. Done carefully, a few minutes a day, regularly, in a safe environment, retro-ambulation also prevents falls with better balance and stability.

Martial arts also confer the same benefits for seniors, like gentle, low-impact Tai Chi, most popular among Asians, even in the Philippines and in the United States. I do Tai Bo (like shadow kick-boxing), a more active exercise, which I have modified to my ability and tolerance. All three exercise regimens do not need special equipment and could be done at home anytime.

Let’s get off the couch and move! The results might surprise you.

(Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh.  Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?”  Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com)