Do Men Need Hormone Therapy?
Many people mistakenly assume hormone therapy is only for women and only when they’re going through menopause, and the truth is that men can also greatly benefit from hormone therapy.
Whether it’s low testosterone levels or other hormone imbalances, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be a game-changer for men’s health. This blog post will discuss the topic of men and hormone therapy, including what hormone therapy is, what conditions men seek hormone therapy for, and how bioidentical hormone therapy can help. So, if you’re a man struggling with hormonal imbalances or simply curious about how hormone therapy can benefit your health, keep reading!
“Testosterone to me is so important for a sense of well-being when you get older.” – Sylvester Stallone
What is Hormone Therapy?
The purpose of hormone therapy in ageing is to help restore the body’s hormones after they have declined due to the ageing process. Our body relies heavily on hormones, as they are chemical messengers that help different body parts talk to each other and keep bodily functions such as brain and heart health, energy, mood, and metabolism performing at optimum levels.
At Harmon, we specialise in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body. This means they are more easily absorbed and utilised by the body than types of hormones, which may cause side effects and complications.
Bioidentical Hormone therapy can come in various forms. We utilise creams, lozenges, and capsules to help the body absorb and utilise the prescribed hormones. The specific delivery method, types and amounts of hormones provided depend on the patient’s needs and medical history.
Overall, bioidentical hormone therapy aims to optimise hormone levels and restore balance in the body. This can help alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances and improve overall health and well-being.
What Conditions Can Men Seek Hormone Therapy For?
Changes in Physical Health
Low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism, can cause many symptoms, particularly in one’s appearance. Without testosterone, the body cannot maintain muscle tone and strength. Hypogonadism also decreases energy levels and slows metabolism, which can lead to weight gain, and low energy or motivation to workout. It can become increasingly difficult for a man in his early 50s to maintain the physique he had in his 30s, even if his workout regimen and diet has remained the same. BHRT can raise testosterone levels to an optimal level, allowing men to look and feel healthier again, improve their physical appearance and increase self-confidence.
In addition to muscle loss, bone density decreases with age, making bones more brittle and susceptible to breaking. Combine this with a tendency to lose one’s balance with age and cognitive decline, this could lead to some painful and devastating outcomes with a serious fall. Testosterone is critical to supporting bone density and strength.
Men in andropause can also experience hot flashes, dry, thinner skin, ringing in the ears, poor sleep and joint stiffness or pain. Each of these can be relieved with personalised hormone replacement therapy.
Mood Changes
Changes in mood are common in men experiencing andropause. These mood disturbances can include depression, anxiety, mood swings, and increased irritability. Balancing hormones can regulate ones’ disposition, improve their outlook on life and in turn, improve relationships.
Sexual Changes
Erectile dysfunction and low libido can also be a result of low testosterone levels, and this is one of the primary reasons men seek help. Thankfully, these conditions are easily treatable with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and many men find renewed confidence and success with treatment. Even if erectile dysfunction is not present, a man can still suffer from low testosterone levels, which is why blood testing is critical to determine specific levels. Increasing these levels can still maintain or improve sexual health and functioning.
Cognitive Function
Testosterone is essential for cognitive function. Attention and memory decline with lowered testosterone, but brain health is easily improved with personalised bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Optimal hormone levels may also help with maintaining balance and gait, reducing the likelihood of falls.
Preventative Measures
Men also seek hormone therapy for preventative reasons. Optimising hormone levels, particularly testosterone, can regulate blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance, which can help protect against Type 2 diabetes. It can also decrease cholesterol and prevent the clogging of arteries, protecting against heart disease and stroke. Optimising hormones through BHRT can also serve to protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer. For men wanting to do everything they can to prevent some of these chronic conditions, incorporating BHRT into their wellness plan can certainly help.
How Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Can Help
Bioidentical hormone therapy can be an effective way to restore hormonal balance and alleviate associated symptoms. Here are some of the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy for men:
- Improved mood and energy levels
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Increased bone density
- Improved sexual function
- Improved focus and memory
- Improved sleep
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, dementia, osteoporosis and heart disease
- Optimised healthy ageing and longevity
Conclusion
Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy can be a valuable tool for men dealing with hormonal imbalances. BHRT can help restore hormonal balance and improve overall health and well-being.
It’s important to note that hormone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each patient’s needs and medical history are unique, and thus their treatment also needs to be personalised to their specific needs. Our BHRT specialists are well-qualified to tailor a treatment plan to best optimise your hormones and experience the results you seek. Our close monitoring ensures you are only receiving the hormones you need at levels needed to bring your body back into balance.
If you’re a man struggling with hormonal imbalances due to ageing, consider talking to our BHRT specialists about whether hormone therapy may be right for you. With proper evaluation and monitoring, hormone therapy can be a safe and effective way to restore hormonal balance and improve your quality of life.
