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Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
On average, men lose around 1% of their body’s total testosterone every year after turning 30. Low male hormones can cause a variety of problems in an adult man, and low hormone levels may happen for a variety of reasons.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has proven to be an effective way for men to address the many symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Discover how to recognize the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, and what you can do to address those symptoms so you can get back to having more energy and greater vitality.
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What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a therapy designed to restore hormone levels in the body. This treatment is recommended for men and women who are experiencing symptoms or conditions of hormonal imbalance, such as low testosterone, thyroid dysfunction, sleeplessness, irritability, and more.
To find out if you are a candidate for HRT, schedule a consultation with one of our trained practitioner who specializes in hormone balance. Your practitioner will assess your current health, medical history, symptoms and collect labs to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to restore hormone balance.
Low Testosterone in Men
Men may have low testosterone for a variety of reasons. Some men are simply born with testosterone levels that are lower than average. Older men have lower testosterone levels due to the fact that men lose some testosterone as they age. Older men may also be more likely to have health problems that affect hormones.
How Common is Low Testosterone in Men?
Low testosterone in men is more common than you might expect. This is because many men have low testosterone levels without even knowing it. Experts also debate the definition of what constitutes “low testosterone levels”. Yet, it has been estimated that roughly 4 out of 10 men over the age of 40 have low or diminished levels of testosterone.
Causes of Low T in Men
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary.
Primary hypogonadism is when the testes do not produce adequate amounts of testosterone. The causes of primary hypogonadism can range from congenital conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome to testicle injuries, use of anabolic steroids, and some types of tumors.
Secondary hypogonadism describes low testosterone that occurs as a result of conditions or issues with the pituitary glands. Secondary hypogonadism can also come from congenital conditions or be acquired later in life. Some of the most common acquired causes include kidney failure, chronic alcohol abuse, cirrhosis of the liver, unchecked diabetes and even obesity. In fact, many experts believe that there is a strong connection between obesity and low testosterone.
The type of low testosterone that is often tied to the natural aging process is known as late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). LOH is also more likely in aging men who are overweight.
Symptoms of Low T in Men
Low testosterone can result in a wide variety of debilitating symptoms in men, including:
● Low sex drive
● Erectile dysfunction (ED)
● Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
● Hot flashes
● Increased body fat
● Mood swings and depressed mood
● Decreased muscle mass
● Memory loss and cognitive decline
Long Term Health Risks of Low Testosterone in Men
There are many long-term health risks that may occur when low testosterone levels are not treated. For one, men with low testosterone levels are more likely to gain weight and develop weak muscles. Chronic weight gain and obesity can lead to a number of cardiovascular issues and increase the risk of diabetes.
Men with low testosterone levels are also more likely to develop weak bones. They can even develop osteoporosis, which is a serious condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures.
Thyroid Dysfunction in Men
Thyroid dysfunction may occasionally cause a hormonal imbalance in men. The thyroid is a small gland in the middle of the neck that is responsible for controlling several hormones throughout the body.
If the thyroid malfunctions, certain thyroid hormones may not be produced in the correct amounts. Thyroid dysfunction can describe either inadequate levels of thyroid (hypothyroidism) or too much thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction in Men
There are several things that may cause thyroid dysfunction. For example, thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland and it may influence the gland’s ability to produce hormones. There are also certain autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, that may destroy cells in the thyroid. This makes it difficult for the thyroid to work properly.
How Common is Thyroid Dysfunction in Men?
Thyroid problems are less common in men than they are in women. Most experts believe this stems from the fact that autoimmune diseases, which are more common in women, are often responsible for thyroid dysfunction.
Long Term Health Risks of Untreated Thyroid Disorder
If left untreated, thyroid dysfunction may result in damage to the peripheral nerves–the nerves that carry information from the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body. The result is often pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs. Chronic fatigue, infertility, blurred vision, and heart problems are also effects of untreated thyroid.
Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction in Men
The symptoms of thyroid dysfunction depend on whether they have occurred as a result of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, although fatigue can be tied to both conditions.
The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid) include:
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Fatigue
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Hair loss
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Memory loss
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Cognitive decline
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Joint pain
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Depression
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Muscle aches
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Weight gain
Erectile Dysfunction in Men
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by the inability to maintain or achieve an erection. It is often the result of other physiological or psychological issues that should not go unaddressed. ED may be a sign of a hormone imbalance, heart, blood vessel or kidney disease.
Causes and Symptoms of ED
ED is generally caused by poor blood flow to the penis. Low testosterone may also play a role in erectile dysfunction.
The primary symptom is the inability to reach erection or sustain an erection for sexual intercourse.
Achievement of an erection is an important part of male sexual health. Whether psychological or physiological, men should seek treatment to avoid long term risk of disease, impaired relationships, and more.
Long Term Health Risks of ED
The main risk of ED is that it may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such atherosclerosis, heart disease, kidney disease, or type 2 diabetes.
Also, it can ruin a man’s sexual relationship with his partner. This can be difficult on a psychological level as well.
How Common is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED is a relatively common problem. Around 30 million men in the United States suffer from it. It tends to be more common in older men. However, it sometimes occurs in young men.
Hormone Imbalance in Men
How are Hormonal Imbalances in Men Diagnosed?
Generally, symptoms begin to compile leading to impaired function or discomfort. A hormone imbalance is often confirmed and diagnosed through a consultation with a qualified practitioner and lab tests.
If the tests show abnormal hormone levels, you may be diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance.
How are Hormonal Imbalances in Men Treated?
Hormonal imbalances are often treated with hormone therapy, nutraceuticals, and a balanced, healthy lifestyle that includes routine fitness, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight. When hormone levels are optimized, men experience increased energy, improved mood, quality sleep, and other benefits that make it easier to enjoy a higher quality of life and pursue a healthier lifestyle.
Hormone Therapy for Men:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Low testosterone is the most common hormonal imbalance in men. However, thyroid disorder is another common imbalance. Men who are experiencing symptoms that are impacting quality of life, relationships, and health should seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment option.
What are the Different HRT Delivery Methods?
There are a variety of hormone therapy delivery methods. You can select the option that best suits your lifestyle and delivers optimal results. Your practitioner can review the various options and make recommendations as part of your treatment plan.
What are the Different HRT Delivery Methods?
What you might not know about HRT is that there are several types of delivery methods you can consider.
It is important to consider these different methods to ensure that your treatment is seamless: fits your lifestyle and achieves optimal results during each treatment cycle.
Creams and gels
Creams and gels are a common method of hormone therapy because they are both simple to use and discreet.
However, this delivery method comes with some risks. Hormone creams and gels may transfer from one person to another through contact with the area where the cream was applied. This exposes kids, pets, and partners to the therapy and can impact their health. Creams and gels also require application one to two times daily. If you skip a dose because you run out or forget, you can hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. It can also be difficult to measure each dose and ensure that the exact amount is absorbed into the skin further impacting consistent and effective relief.
Pills
Pills are also a common method of hormone therapy. Pills allow for precise dosing and travel easily. However, much like creams and gels, they can be inconvenient.
Most pills have to be taken at least once a day, depending on the prescription. If you skip a dose, your treatment may be impacted. Furthermore, pills have to compete with the harsh environment of the gut. While most pills are designed to be effectively absorbed as they travel through your GI tract, this delivery method does not offer the consistency achieved by other delivery methods.
Patches
Patches offer the convenience of “set it and forget it,” but a bulky patch is hardly forgettable. Patches may only be placed on certain areas of the body that are not always discreet in certain clothing. Not to mention that patches do not adhere well when coming in contact with water or certain fabrics. If a patch falls partially or completely off, your treatment will be impacted. Steady dosing is difficult with patches as well because the volume of hormone in the patch declines toward the end of the treatment cycle, leading to the return of unwanted symptoms until a new patch is applied.
Injections
Injections are a particularly popular method of testosterone therapy. Injections enter the bloodstream directly and therefore absorption is highly effective. However, injections must be administered every 7 to 10 days. If you skip or delay a dose, your treatment may be impacted. Injections notoriously cause a rollercoaster dosing effect. Most patients that choose injections will experience a surge of hormones in the days after the injection followed by significant declines each day until the next injection. This can make symptom relief short-lived. Injections are also associated with discomfort, inflammation, bruising, bleeding or pain at the injection site.
Pellets
Pellets are the preferred method of hormone replacement therapy and have grown in popularity over the last decade. For most people pellets offer a convenience that is unparalleled. Pellets are placed under the skin during a short medical visit and deliver a steady dose of hormone for 3 to 6 months based on your level cardiac output, gender, and dose. You don’t have to remember to apply a cream, take a pill or hassle with painful injections. This method of delivery also most closely mimics the body’s natural secretion of hormones–delivering timely and steady dosing for optimal function.