
HORMONES FOR MEN
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
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Increased energy and mental clarity
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Increased muscle tone and reduction of fat stores
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Restoration of sexual function and erections
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Increase libido/desire
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Improved cholesterol and lower risk of heart disease
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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
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Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining erections)
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Difficulty sleeping/insomnia (falling or staying asleep and association with low testosterone and sleep apnea)
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Reduction in muscle mass (and ability to build muscle mass)
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Reduced bone mass
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Decrease in sex drive
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Low energy/fatigue
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Increase in body fat (especially around the midsection and chest)
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Changes in mood/mood swings: low testosterone can cause lack of focus/motivation, increase irritability and higher risk of depression
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Decreased sense of well being
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Loss cognitive function/mental clarity (“brain fog”)
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lower semen production
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Hair loss
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Reduction of testicle size
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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
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Increased risk of cancer or Alzheimer’s
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Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
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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.
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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).
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Natural testosterone support: this may include weight loss, diet, improving sleep and supplements.
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Balancing other hormones that affect testosterone including adrenal and thyroid hormones.
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Testosterone and other related blood values are monitored regularly to insure safe hormone values.
FAQs
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 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.)
Your pharmacy may be able to provide you with an ingredient list for your specific medication.
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
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
- 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
• 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.