HORMONES FOR MEN - Olympia, WA - Omni Centers

HORMONES FOR MEN

MENS

Men’s Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the men’s primary sex hormone. It is mainly responsible for many of the characteristics associated with men- deeper voice, body and facial hair, bigger muscles, etc. Testosterone also plays a major role in sexual maturity, fertility and sexual performance.

Bioidentical hormones are those that exactly match the hormones such as testosterone that your body produces.  

Why replace Testosterone?

You may feel younger, stronger, healthier and happier with a better sex life by optimizing your sex hormone levels.

With testosterone replacement therapy you may notice

  • Increased energy and mental clarity

  • Increased muscle tone and reduction of fat stores

  • Restoration of sexual function and erections

  • Increase libido/desire

  • Improved cholesterol and lower risk of heart disease

  • Improved sense of well-being, overall drive, and motivation

What is low Testosterone?

As a person ages, testosterone production decreases but it can drop below the body’s usual range, also called andropause. Testosterone levels naturally start to decrease after the peak age of 18 and some men notice significant symptoms of low testosterone (low-T) by the age of 35. The severity of these decreases and associated symptoms can vary significantly from guy to guy.

Symptoms of low Testosterone

  • Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining erections)

  • Difficulty sleeping/insomnia (falling or staying asleep and association with low testosterone and sleep apnea)

  • Reduction in muscle mass (and ability to build muscle mass)

  • Reduced bone mass

  • Decrease in sex drive

  • Low energy/fatigue

  • Increase in body fat (especially around the midsection and chest)

  • Changes in mood/mood swings: low testosterone can cause lack of focus/motivation, increase irritability and higher risk of depression

  • Decreased sense of well being  

  • Loss cognitive function/mental clarity (“brain fog”)

  • lower semen production

  • Hair loss

  • Reduction of testicle size

  • Hot flashes/night sweats/profuse sweating (often caused by estrogen decline, but can also be associated with decline in testosterone)

Risks associated with low Testosterone

  • Increased risk of cancer or Alzheimer’s

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

  • Premature hair loss and wrinkling

Comprehensive Medicine

We do comprehensive testing and analysis to make sure that low-T is the cause of low-T symptoms

Other factors that can contribute to erectile function: smoking, thyroid related issues, high cholesterol, stress or anxiety, alcohol consumption, diabetes, high blood pressure. Aside from aging other causes of low testosterone may be stress, alcohol abuse, obesity, lack of adequate sleep, certain prescription medications or chronic illness.

TREATMENT:

Testosterone replacement therapy: There are several delivery methods for testosterone (topical creams, gels, oral tablets, injections and surgically implanted pellets). Dr. Peizer will discuss options; pros and cons with you determine the best method for you and your lifestyle.

  • Estrogen balance: testosterone naturally converts to estrogen in the body so when supplemental testosterone is added an estrogen blocker is often needed to reduce risk of excess estrogen symptoms like gynocomastia (increased breast tissue).

  • Natural testosterone support: this may include weight loss, diet, improving sleep and supplements.

  • Balancing other hormones that affect testosterone including adrenal and thyroid hormones.

  • Testosterone and other related blood values are monitored regularly to insure safe hormone values.

  

FAQs

Bioidentical hormones are an exact structural replica of the hormones that are naturally produced by the body. The difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones is that, although both are created in labs, synthetic hormones are not identical to the hormones naturally created in your body while bioidentical hormones match human hormones molecule by molecule.

Depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs, your practitioner may choose to prescribe bioidentical hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, melatonin, or others as needed.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy benefits men and women of various ages suffering from hormonal imbalances. Each treatment plan is uniquely tailored to the individual. To select the right therapy, you must understand all the available options for therapy and exactly how bioidentical hormone therapy can enhance your life and wellbeing.
The difference between bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones is dual fold. Unlike bioidentical hormones, synthetic, or conventional, hormones may be patented by pharmaceutical companies; therefore dosage varies only by milligrams dictated by your doctor, while the molecular structure of the prescribed hormone is the same for every single person on that drug. Additionally, synthetic hormones are not created structurally the same as human endogenous hormones, which often leads uncomfortable side effects. While synthetic hormones can mimic the effects of endogenous hormones on certain biological pathways, they rarely offer the same effectiveness at a deeper, molecular level.

Bioidentical hormones mimic the affinity of human endogenous hormones; therefore they are effective on more biological pathways, at all levels. Because bioidentical hormones are an exact structural replica of endogenous hormones, side effects are rarely observed, and in the event you do experience side effects, talk with your doctor—the dosage may simply need to be adjusted. The added benefit of bioidentical hormones is that each dose is tailored specifically for your needs, not simply what doses the pharmaceutical company offers (as is the case with synthetic hormones.)
Bioidentical hormones are hormones derived from plants, such as soy or wild yams, and are designed to be structurally identical to the hormones produced naturally inside the human body. Additional ingredients in each prescription vary by hormone: testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, etc. and form:creams, gels, pellets, pills, etc.

Your pharmacy may be able to provide you with an ingredient list for your specific medication.
As men age, production of the hormone testosterone begins to decline and many men experience symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for maintaining mental focus, energy, metabolism, muscle mass, fat levels, and sex drive. By balancing a man's hormones with bioidentical hormone therapy, men can restore vitality and reduce the symptoms of low testosterone (also known as andropause).

You may be suffering from Testosterone deficiency if you have the following symptoms:
  • Reduced sex drive, sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Muscle weakness and loss of muscle tone
  • Weight gain (specifically in the abdomen)
  • Irritability
  • Depression
Many people wait until they begin to feel the symptoms of aging and decreased hormone levels before starting the program. As with most hormone supplements, being proactive and starting your treatment early can assure you keep the ideal levels of hormones in your body. Doing so avoids many disagreeable conditions associated with decreased levels.
Traditional doctors do not usually have the time or the resources to seek expertise in bioidentical hormones. Omni Centers physicians undergo extensive training in bioidentical hormone therapy and have specialized knowledge of anti-aging medicine.
The answer is likely a resounding yes. Regardless if you are enjoying a healthy sex drive, a high sex drive, or agonizing over a low sex drive, in most cases, your hormones are in control. For some patients, emotional and psychological factors play a role in sexual desire. For both men and women, sex drive that has diminished with age, menopause, andropause, or pregnancy is likely linked to a hormonal issue. Approximately 70 percent of low libido issues are related to a hormonal imbalance. A low libido due to hormonal imbalance does not mean that you are helpless. In fact, you can take an active role in resetting your hormones to reclaim your sex drive.

LOW SEX DRIVE IN MEN:
• Low sex drive in men is most commonly linked to issues with sexual performance, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. However, men with a hormonal imbalance may also struggle with the desire to have sex.
• Low testosterone is frequently the diagnosis for sexual dysfunction in men. Testosterone plays a role in energy and weight management—two side factors important for sex drive. It also plays a strong role in sexual desire, stamina, arousal and performance.
• Erectile dysfunction, which commonly occurs in older men can be influenced by low testosterone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) that is not a result of low testosterone may be treated with a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors. These drugs enhance blood flow to the penis, which leads to an erection. If this pathway is blocked, as a result of vascular impairment, it can be a sign of more serious diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or complications with diabetes.
• Premature ejaculation is the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men and affects men of all ages for a variety of reasons. Ejaculation is regulated by neurotransmitters, hormones, prostate and erectile dysfunction. The cause of premature ejaculation (PE) may be an issue with one or some of these systems/conditions. For example, hyperthyroidism has been shown to contribute to PE and may be treated with anti-thyroid medications. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which act on the neurotransmitter, serotonin, can help men who are struggling with PE. Prostate issues and erectile dysfunction can also be contribute to the incidence of PE.
• Although low testosterone is the most commonly diagnosed factor for low libido and sexual dysfunction in men, it is not the only hormone to play a role. Men who are stressed, depressed or lack sleep may also show a disinterest in sex. These symptoms may be related to high cortisol, or adrenal fatigue, or an imbalance of the thyroid hormones that influence metabolism, energy and sleep.
• Start feeling better today —contact Omni Centers and begin your journey toward total wellness
Your doctor will carefully review your medical questionnaire and records and will prescribe the exact amount needed to optimize your levels. We use a combination of lab testing and monitoring your results to identify the ideal dosages.
Yes, many studies have shown that hormone therapy is safe when administered in the correct dosage and monitored by a qualified physician.
Some patients begin to feel the effects immediately. In general, we ask that you give the plan between 4-6 weeks for best results.
Testosterone Hormone replacement therapy will provide the following benefits:
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Increased libido
  • Reduced fat
  • Improved sexual performance
  • Has been shown to lower cholesterol levels
  • Strengthened bones
  • Minimized symptoms associated with diabetes
  • Sharpened mind
  • Improved mood
  • Improved skin tone and elasticity
  • Increased energy and stamina
Bioidentical hormone therapy has a few potential side effects which are classically linked to dosage—as your hormone levels improve, your dosage may need to be adjusted. If you notice side effects, contact your physician.

• Men and women have reported increased aggressiveness, acne or irritability during the initial phases of testosterone hormone therapy, but these issues are generally resolved as levels become balanced.
⦁ Occasionally, hormone therapy patients will complain of itching or redness at the injection or insertion site, these symptoms diminish as the body adjusts to treatment.

It is always recommended that you communicate side effects to your physician to be promptly addressed.
Dr. Lauren will carefully consider your medical and family history, genetic factors, and review your baseline lab tests to select the hormones for your specific needs. Hormone replacement therapy typically takes 1-3 weeks to optimize and restore your hormonal balance to regular levels. An effective and safe hormone replacement program will always involve ongoing monitoring to ensure that dosage levels remain appropriate. To that end, you will have lab testing and follow-up visits with Dr. Lauren every 3-6 months.

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