What is Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men?

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All humans have hormones that are produced by the endocrine glands and play an essential role in hundreds of functions and processes inside the body. Some glands include the thymus, adrenals, hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, pancreas, thyroid, testes, ovaries, and parathyroid.

Testosterone is one of the more popular hormones and while it’s produced by the testicles in men and the ovaries in women, it’s much more prominent in the male body. It regulates libido, muscle mass, strength, the production of sperm, bone mass, growth, and development.

The production of testosterone peaks around the age of 18 or 19, but starts to decline throughout adulthood. In fact, testosterone levels are known to decline roughly 1% every single year once you turn 30 years old in men. This is a natural decline that shouldn’t result in any major issues.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men?

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men?

Although most male patients will have normal levels of testosterone in the body, some patients are born with or develop a condition that results in unnaturally- and dangerously-low levels of testosterone – a condition known as male hypogonadism. If left untreated, it can cause great distress.

For these individuals, hormone replacement therapy can help regulate and normalize the levels of testosterone in the body. This is especially useful when the root cause of the testosterone deficiency can’t be treated or solved. By replacing the testosterone, the body gets what it needs.

There are currently mixed opinions on whether testosterone replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment for the natural decline of testosterone. For now, it’s best to follow the direct advice of your trusted hormone doctor – testosterone replacement therapy isn’t for everyone.

What to Expect From Testosterone Replacement Therapy

When you schedule an appointment with your hormone doctor, they’re going to want to ask you several questions and perform several tests (including blood work) to get a better feel for your hormone levels and how they’re impacting your life. If needed, they’ll recommend TRT.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be administered in a variety of ways – including a transdermal skin patch, gel, mouth patch, injections, and implants. Your hormone doctor will help determine which administration method is best for you and how to proceed with treatment.

Potential Benefits & Potential Risks of TRT

Like we mentioned earlier, hormone replacement therapy isn’t suited for every male patient, but it certainly can help those with abnormally-low levels of testosterone. That’s why it’s so important that you meet with a qualified and experienced hormone doctor to determine eligibility.

Let’s first go over some of the most common benefits of testosterone therapy for men:

  • Increases your energy level and makes you feel more awake
  • Renews your sex drive and libido
  • Helps you rebuild muscle mass and strength
  • Reduces body fat thanks to the restored energy and muscle mass
  • Helps increase your focus and concentration
  • Increases production of facial and body hair
  • Preserves bone density and mass
  • Improves cholesterol levels in the body
  • Improvement in mood and overall quality of life
  • Change body composition and appearance
  • Improves cognitive function

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most prominent risks, side effects, and complications of testosterone replacement therapy for men:

  • Fluid retention and increased urination
  • Acne and other skin reactions
  • Decreased testicle size, sperm count, and infertility
  • Increase in red blood cell production
  • Blood clots and high blood pressure
  • Muscle pain or chest pain
  • Worsening of sleep apnea
  • Enlarged, swollen, or tender breasts
  • Prostate cancer and noncancerous growth of prostate
  • Can cause liver toxicity, liver tumors, gynecomastia, erythrocytosis, and skin diseases

If you aren’t a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy, there are alternative treatments you can consider – as well as a number of habitual or behavioral changes that might help relieve your symptoms. Speak with your hormone doctor for direct advice on what’s best for you.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels in Men

Abnormally-low testosterone levels can make it difficult for a male to live a happy, healthy, and rewarding life. It can produce a wide range of unwanted symptoms that are hard to overcome and cope with. Until proper treatment is found, the symptoms will only continue to grow worse.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms of low testosterone levels in men:

  • Depleted sex drive (low libido) and sexual function
  • Excessive fatigue and low energy levels
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • A reduction in muscle mass or strength
  • Losing your body or facial hair
  • Having a difficult time concentrating
  • Depression, mood swings, and low sense of well-being
  • Irritability or unexplained anger
  • Impaired growth or development in children and adolescents

Understanding the symptoms of low testosterone is essential to the early detection and eventual treatment of hypogonadism. If you experience any of the above symptoms and they interfere with your ability to live a quality life, then don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted hormone doctor.

How Can Hormone Clinic Help You?

Whether you’re suffering from low levels of testosterone or human growth hormone (HGH), we can help.

If you’d like to learn more about hormone replacement therapy for men contact HGHMeds right away. We can’t wait to learn more about your health situation and help you find some relief.

Related Article: Things Every Man Should Know About Human Growth Hormone