Hormone Replacement for men
Testosterone is the main sex hormone for men. It is highest when young and diminishes over time. It works in combination with the thyroid gland and adrenal glands to provide hormones to maintain vitality.
Signs of Low Testosterone
Testosterone affects various parts of the body. These include the brain, muscles, and energy production. Men with low testosterone have issues in these areas.
First, men can experience focusing and concentration issues. Also, low testosterone can lead to a sense of anxiety or irritability. Second, men with low T can also experience less muscle development with exercise. They feel it takes more working out to build more muscle. Finally, men with low testosterone can experience fatigue. That fatigue can be all day. But often they feel it in the late afternoon or towards the end of the day.
Theses are some of the main signs and symptoms. Not all of them may be present.
What to expect with hormone replacement
The idea of hormone replacement therapy is to replace the testosterone that the male testicles are not making which is causing the above symptoms. We use bioidentical hormones in appropriate doses for safety and efficacy. The idea is to get the testosterone up to a level that relieves symptoms but is not excessive. This is measured by how you feel and doing lab work to check levels.
As far as efficacy, the expected results are symptom reduction or resolution. Men should experience better concentration and focusing. Much of the irritability and anxiety should be resolved. Men notice more strength and they feel their workouts are more effective and productive. Finally, they should see a decrease in their daily fatigue.
To get the dosing just right, we want symptom reduction and resolution. We also measure blood levels of testosterone and estrogen to make sure they are in the appropriate range.
Lastly, testosterone does not cause prostate cancer. That narrative has been debunked.
Testosterone is only available by prescription and you should consult your physician if you are interested in hormone replacement.
As always, if the situation becomes overwhelming, seek professional help regarding your physical and mental symptoms.
|