Hormone Replacement Therapy For Men: Everything You Need To Know

While hormone replacement therapy is often associated with women, it has many valid uses for men, as well. A growing number of men are asking about testosterone supplements to reverse some of the issues associated with the decline of testosterone.

The Decline Of Testosterone In Men

Did you know that men hit their peak of testosterone around the age of 17? From here, testosterone levels plateau until men hit the age of thirty, when they begin to decline at a rate of about one per cent for every year a man ages. Eventually, this will result in andropause, the male version of menopause. However, it differs from menopause because of this gradual decline of testosterone, versus for women, female hormones drop suddenly during menopause.

While most men under the age of 40 will rarely notice the gradual drop in testosterone, some men will notice the symptoms, as early as 30, or even younger. For men in their forties, about thirty per cent will experience symptoms of andropause caused by low testosterone levels. Symptoms of low testosterone include:

Height loss
Fatigue
Loss of muscle bulk
Loss of muscle strength
Night sweats
Infertility
Fewer spontaneous erections
Swollen breasts
Irritability
Poor concentration
Withdrawing from life
Increased body fat
Anemia
Sleep problems
Shrunken testes
Memory loss.

Andropause doesn’t just cause minor physical and mental stresses. A man who is experiencing andropause could also be at risk of other serious health conditions. The first thing a man who believes he is suffering from low testosterone should do is to see his physician for a full checkup. It’s estimated that the number of prescriptions for testosterone has tripled in recent years. This has added up to sales of about $400 million per year. For men dealing with a decline in their testosterone levels, there is hope.

Hormone Treatment Options for Men

Primarily, the first line of defense against waning hormone levels is hormone replacement therapy. However, this does come with some very important disclaimers.

Men with active prostate cancer or heart disease will need special consideration before testosterone replacement therapy. For those without these two health issues, testosterone replacement therapy can make a large difference in the quality of life.

Testosterone replacement therapy can help men deficient in testosterone reduce their risks of heart disease and diabetes. This hormone plays an important role in a man’s libido, and low testosterone has been linked to cardiovascular risks and diabetes.

Low levels of testosterone may also be associated with metabolic syndrome which is a cluster of risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol which boosts a man’s risk of heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes. The goal of testosterone treatment is to keep the levels within the normal range. Testosterone supplements are used daily, with most men reporting an increase in energy and a lessening of other symptoms within a couple of weeks.

Testosterone can be self-administered with intramuscular injections, our custom compounded cream or subcutaneous injections.

Other Treatment Options For Low Testosterone

Whether you decide testosterone therapy is for you or not, it is important to know there are many ways you can improve the symptoms associated with low testosterone through diet and exercise.

Protein helps manage the production of hormones that regulate your appetite, helping you feel full sooner, allowing you to regulate your weight better. Caffeine can cause your adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. This is known as the stress hormone and it’s the reason why caffeine gives you that extra burst of energy to keep you going. However, this overproduction is also the cause of sleep problems, fatigue, and even weight gain. Cut back on the coffee to keep your body balanced and calm.

Working out can help regulate your insulin levels. Studies have found that exercise helped to reduce insulin levels and increase the levels of a hormone with anti-inflammatory properties. As you age, hormones such as testosterone decrease, but physical activity may help boost these hormone levels, improving your strength and maintain muscle mass. Resistance training with weights can build muscle mass, increase bone strength, and keep off fat, while walking can keep the cardiovascular system in shape.

Fatigue may be related to solvable sleep problems or a lack of nutrients in your diet. Getting those 8 hours of sleep is crucial for your body to release hormones as you rest, allowing for a better balance of insulin and cortisol levels, as well as ensuring the steady release of growth hormones as you rest.

Talk To A Male Hormone Specialist

In short, healthy testosterone levels are essential to optimizing a man’s well-being. To find out about how hormone replacement therapy from Performance Rejuvenation Center in Washington DC can help you reverse those symptoms, schedule a consultation today!