Hormone Therapy

Thinking about it ?

If you’re a man considering hormone therapy, you already know things can get a bit confusing. Trying to figure out exactly what it is, what it will do for you and even if you need it can be difficult. However, it’s not impossible. Perhaps you are experiencing some rather unpleasant signs of aging as a man and have heard of this thing called hormone replacement therapy for men. While predominantly thought of as being a female issue, as men age they also can need help with their hormones. You see, as men age, they lose testosterone. In fact, they lose about 10% per decade. This means that by the time a man reaches 50 years of age, he will have only about half of the testosterone he had as a teen.

The symptoms

This can cause tons of issues. Men can expect to experience things like loss of libido, weight gain, insomnia and the list goes on. Most of us have already heard of hormone replacement therapy for women. However, not so much have we heard much on the topic of hormone replacement therapy for men. Be worried not, it does exist and it can help many men feel younger and have a much better quality of life. It’s no surprise that it’s not common for men to automatically think of hormone therapy. Lots of men will chalk up their worrisome symptoms to stress, or lack of sleep or something of the sort. There is a stereotype that hormone replacement therapy for women is the only that exists.

It’s not just for ladies

Thankfully, there is hormone replacement therapy for women and men, both. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain such, or loss of muscle mass may want to consider hormone therapy. It’s very easy to see if this is something that is right for you. You can talk to your doctor about it. Be sure to try and tell your doctor all the symptoms you are experiencing. It sometimes helps to make a list before you see the doctor so you can go over each symptom without worry of forgetting something. Be honest and express all your questions and concerns.

Where to begin

Of course, there will be some lab tests needed to see if you’re a good candidate for this type of therapy. You’ll need to get a physical examination and go over not only your medical history, but also those of your family to the best of your ability. Also, be sure to let your doctor know of any and all medications you are taking. That goes for prescription, over the counter and even health supplements such as vitamins. The more information you give to your doctor, the more your doctor will be able to help you.

Custom plan

Every person is unique, and therefore, every plan will be unique to that individual person. In other words, when you get this kind for therapy, what you are getting is truly custom made just for you. If it is found that you are in fact a viable candidate for such therapy, your doctor can get you started. Once you begin you will need to have follow-up up visits to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have. In case you’re wondering, not all insurance covers this type of a thing, unfortunately. On the other side, they may happily cover it. You’ll never know if you don’t inquire about it.

Make an informed decision

Ultimately, of course the decision is up to you. You know your body better than anyone. Only you know exactly how you feel and if that warrants receiving therapy or not. The best thing to do if you are interested in this is to simply ask about it. If you so happen to not be a good candidate for it, perhaps the doctor can give you other ways to help manage your symptoms. Regardless on what you decide, at least you will have answers to your questions.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a solution for men and women who are experiencing a drop in their reproductive hormone levels. This downward shift in testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone is typical for individuals in their 40’s and 50’s. It can cause a host of unwelcome symptoms, including a loss of libido, vaginal discomfort, weight gain, inability to concentrate, mood changes, loss of stamina, and muscle weakness. Bioidentical hormones for men and bioidentical hormones for women give them the opportunity to restore their hormone levels. The main goal is to make symptoms of a hormonal imbalance go away. Options for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy include injections, patches that are applied to the skin, and hormone pellets that are inserted beneath the skin. If you choose to begin hormone replacement therapy, it is important you know what to expect after therapy has begun.

What are Symptoms You Can Experience After Bioidentical Hormone Replacement?

While bioidentical hormones for men and bioidentical hormones for women offer relief from symptoms brought on by a hormonal imbalance, treatment can cause symptoms as well. Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical foundation as the hormones that are being replaced. As a result, the body should adjust to them more easily. Hormone replacement therapy is supposed to make you feel better. However, you may experience side effects. They are unique for men and women.

What Side Effects are Common for Bioidentical Hormones for Men?

If you are a man and you decide to begin bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, be prepared for the downside of this treatment option. It may be highly effective for you in giving you relief from symptoms caused by a drop in hormones. At the same time, you may experience troubling side effects. Your testicles may become smaller. At the same time, you may notice that your breasts have become enlarged. You are at a higher risk of becoming infertile. If you have sleep apnea, monitor it closely. Your condition could become worse. You may experience a spike in cholesterol levels. Your red blood cell count could increase as well.

What Side Effects are Common for Bioidentical Hormones for Women?

If you are a woman and you choose to begin hormone replacement therapy, you may find yourself up against typical side effects. They include more facial hair, moods that are changing all the time, bloating, and an increase in your weight. Flare-ups of acne are common as well.

What to Do if You Experience Side Effects from Hormone Replacement Therapy?

The first thing you need to remember is you need to have patience when you begin hormone replacement therapy. The benefits of treatment are going to be gradual. You may not even notice a significant difference for at least a month. Any side effects that you are going to experience usually occur early on and improve with time. As a rule of thumb, your doctor will advise you to stick with your hormone replacement program for three months. This will give your body time to adjust. If you complete that trial period of time and you aren’t happy with your results, you and your doctor can discuss other options. You may need a change in dosage or it may be time to try a different type of hormone replacement therapy.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open with Your Doctor

You know your body and you need to pay attention to what it is telling you. If you experience any severe side effects, contact your doctor right away. You may be having a reaction to your treatment. Your doctor will be able to evaluate you and tell you if your symptoms are normal. Work with your doctor to make changes as needed. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an effective option for many men and women. You need to keep an open mind and take advantage to treatment alternatives that can give you relief.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is designed for men and women whose hormone levels have dropped or become unbalanced in any way. Other conditions that BHRT can help improve are thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia. Although it is mainly used for perimenopause and menopause, men can benefit greatly from the treatment as well. BHRT comes in a variety of forms including gels, creams, injections, patches, and implanted pellets.

Depending upon your lifestyle and your doctor’s professional opinion, a specific form may be more suitable for your situation. Also, be sure to keep in mind the side effects of the treatment and how it can add to the stress on your body from your medical condition.

Bioidentical Hormones for Men

Bioidentical hormones for men can help any man that has hormone levels that are not balanced the way they should be. Symptoms of hormones being off balanced in men are exhaustion, irritability, and extreme mood swings. As BHRT is used for women’s menopause, it is also used for the male version of menopause, “andropause”. Andropause occurs when there is a steady reduction in a man’s testosterone levels as he ages. Most men will begin to experience symptoms of andropause between the ages of 35 and 40 years old. Once the symptoms set in, every day can become an uphill climb until treatment with BHRT is started to help reduce the side effects or completely eliminate them.

Bioidentical Hormones for Women

Bioidentical hormones for women greatly decreases unwanted symptoms from perimenopause/menopause including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, memory loss, weight gain, sleep issues and loss of interest in sex. For women diagnosed with cancer that has had to undergo treatment that changes their estrogen levels, BHRT has proven to be extremely effective in improving their quality of life. In multiple studies, women who have used BHRT found great relief from their treatment symptoms like migraines, insomnia, and incontinence. For any woman searching to eliminate cancer treatment symptoms or side effects from menopause, BHRT is an excellent option to consider.

What are the Pros of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

For men and women with hormones that have seemingly gone off balance due to menopause or andropause, BHRT is an excellent option to help reduce the symptoms such as exhaustion, hot flashes, and sleep troubles. Not only does the treatment help with balancing your hormones, but it also helps with the prevention of osteoporosis and side effects from fibromyalgia. Due to BHRT being a natural solution, it has become a big hit to women and men between the ages of 35 and 45 looking to help with these particular conditions. Once the treatment starts, it is a very short time frame in which the patient starts to see improvements in their symptoms.

What are the Cons of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

Research has on BHRT has shown that therapy can increase the risk of conditions and diseases such as strokes, blood clots, gallbladder disease, breast cancer, and heart disease. Alongside these risks for diseases, your body can also experience unwanted symptoms from Bioidentical Hormone Therapy including acne, fatigue, bloating, weight gain, mood swings and increased facial hair in women.

Before You Go

Before deciding on whether or not you should undergo therapy, always weigh out the pros and cons as per your doctor’s advice based on your health history. Even though BHRT helps reduce unwanted symptoms, it can also add to the unpleasant side effects with certain medical conditions. In order to avoid this from happening, it is critical for you to do your research and find out if the treatment is worth going through.

You need to be aware of what your options are, what will happen, and how you will feel when you request male hormones replacement therapy. There are a number of things that you should learn about yourself and the therapy before you begin. You can talk to your doctor about what they think will work best for you, what your current medical status is, and how long your treatment plan should last.

1. What Will Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Do For Me?

Male hormone therapy should have a goal. You do not want to start your therapy simply for the sake of doing it. You need to go to your doctor, ask them what they would do, and target certain goals such as losing weight, getting into shape, or presenting as more masculine. Each person who would like to get therapy should let their doctor know where their target is. When the doctor knows your goals, you can lose weight, get into shape, and feel much more comfortable.

2. Do You Want To Get Stronger?

It is easier for you to get into shape when you are using men’s hormone replacement therapy. When men have an optimal level of testosterone, muscle building occurs almost naturally. There are a number of people who would like to get stronger by working out very hard, and they also need to be sure that they have allowed their doctor to gradually increase their dosage until it is just right.

The best part of this is that you can track your results, take those results to your doctor, and ask them what changes you need to make. If you are trying to get in shape, you need to be very aware of the fact that your doctor is your partner in this. Remember, you get out of HRT, what you put into it. If you combine our HRT program with healthy diet, lifestyle, and exercise, the physical benefits follow quickly.

3. Do You Want Present As More Masculine?

Presenting as more masculine is a very important thing for many men because this therapy can help you grow body hair, help build muscle mass, and increase your energy levels. You might feel tired all the time, and you should go to your doctor to ask them how they can make it easier for you to remain active and energetic. If you are constantly tired, you should ask your doctor if this is a good remedy for that problem. Someone who has another condition might need to treat that problem first. Plus, you should remember that most people who are trying to look their best will start using this hormone only when their doctor is ready.

Testosterone is an androgenic steroid. Androgenic traits are all of the common male traits that we typically come to mind, such as facial hair, increased muscle size, increased libido, assertiveness, and increased energy.

4. Honorable Mention: You Need To Know How Long Treatment Will Take

Testosterone therapy does not have to be a lifelong treatment. You only need to continue on the therapy, for as long as you want the benefits. When a man stops taking the testosterone replacement, we recommend a post-therapy protocol. The post-therapy protocol consists of a combination of HCG (human chorionic gonadatropin) and Clomid for 30 days. After the post-therapy, the man may use herbal therapy to maintain his testosterone level, if he chooses.
The only reasons for discontinuing therapy, is either the man is trying to conceive a child, or the therapy is too expensive. In either case, we strongly recommend doing the post-therapy, not stopping cold turkey.

Conclusion

The male hormone therapy that you have requested will change your body, make you feel good, and help you see yourself in a new light. You can get male hormone replacement therapy from a doctor who has cleared you for care, and they will track how well the men’s hormone replacement therapy works. You can talk to your doctor about your results, and you will feel like a changed person because you look different, you have more energy, and you have more confidence.

The World of Hormone Replacement

BHRT or “Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy” is an up-and-coming phenomenon that’s been gaining traction. It’s a therapeutic approach that works in conjunction with hormones that are extremely similar to endogenous ones. It employs hormones in order to take care of the effects of issues with the balancing of them. It can manage hormone waning that’s the result of the natural aging process as well. “natural hormone therapy” is another commonly used name for the therapy. Men and women alike are often good fits for it. If you’re a strong match for BHRT, then there may be some telling indications in your life.

Sleeping Soundly Is Next to Impossible for You

If sleeping soundly at night seems like an impossible goal for you, then you may get a lot out of hormone replacement. People who are strong fits for BHRT often lack the ability to sleep for extended stretches of time. They frequently lack the ability to sleep entirely. People who toss and turn for hours on end often opt for BHRT. Sleep is vital for beneficial recovery processes. Hormones that trigger sleeplessness are testosterone and estrogen. Progesterone, on the other hand, is a hormone that can enhance sleep hygiene greatly.

Vitality Is a Thing of the Past for You

Constant sluggishness is never a good thing. If nonstop languor has become the bane of your existence, then BHRT may be the thing that can get you back on track. Hormone replacement therapy can often do wonders for people who are zapped of vitality and liveliness.

People Associate You With Irritability

Are you always snapping at people for making even the most innocent and harmless comments? Do people compare you to Oscar the Grouch? Grouchiness tends to denote the need for hormone replacement therapy. Emotions such as intense anxiety and frustration frequently denote the need for it as well. If the balance of your hormones is out of order in any way, grouchy behavior may just the result. BHRT commences with in-depth evaluations that determine patients’ existing hormone situations. These evaluations enable professionals to make fitting choices with regard to vital hormone quantities.

The Absence of Your Former Libido

If your libido seems nonexistent these days, then you may want to think about getting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. People frequently turn to this form of therapy due to issues in the bedroom. The absence of a libido can in many cases bring on significant relationship woes. It can sometimes even turn marriages upside down. People frequently associate testosterone with being the hormone that pushes the libido. It’s a massive factor that influences the urge to have sex in individuals of both genders.

Other Things to Consider Regarding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

There are a number of other indications that are linked to the need for this hormone therapy. If your muscles no longer seem as powerful as they did in the past, the therapy may be able to come to your aid. If your hair is no longer anywhere near as voluminous and thick as it used to be, ditto. Excessive skin dryness can sometimes also be an indication. Note that it’s not even uncommon for people to pack on the pounds due to shifts in hormone balance. It doesn’t matter if you notice muscle power issues. It doesn’t matter if you have sleep troubles, either. Bioidentical hormone replacement for men or women may be the answer. You can find out more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men by reaching out to Radiance Age Management. We specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement for men and women here.

The Mid-Life Crisis, An Inconvenient Truth

Menopause has been in a woman’s vernacular since the 1800’s. But did you know men suffer a similar mid-life disruption in hormones? Occurring generally between the late 40’s and mid 50’s for both sexes. Although, andropause (men’s menopause) can run into their 60’s. Suffering debilitating symptoms that come with the territory doesn’t have to be the case with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Is It Hot In Here? Menopause Symptoms

As women age, the ovaries stop supplying the body with estrogen and progesterone. This occurs until menstruation ceases. It’s not unusual for menopause to commence at an earlier age due to disease, tobacco use, chemotherapy, removal of the ovaries, uterus or both. Women are not considered to be entirely in menopause until menstruation has stopped for one year. For far too long 75% of women just buckled in and suffered needlessly through most of these symptoms associated menopause:

• Sweating
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Sleep disruption
• Mood swings
• Menstruation flow changes
• Skin changes

Yes, Men Suffer Too

Andropause is when a man’s testosterone level decreases as they age. Like with a woman’s hormones, there are two deficiencies at work here. Men experiencing andropause are also deprived of two hormones much like a woman. A man’s secondary hormone is sex hormone binding globulin or SHBG which helps pull testosterone from the bloodstream. Testosterone levels drop approximately about 2-3% every year starting at age 30. In some cases where men had a particularly high percentage of estrogen, it spurred on early andropause. Men will likely suffer some or all of these andropause symptoms:

• Decrease in bone density
• Impotency
• Weight gain
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Loss of energy
• Changes in mood

Turning To Bioidentical Hormones

Some men and women that suffer this mid-life drop in hormones will turn to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormones are man made from plant estrogens which replicates the same chemical makeup as a human’s hormones. The three commonly replicated hormones are testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen.

Choosing Which Hormone Replacement Is Right For You

A few bioidentical hormones are produced by drug companies, while a pharmacist customizes others, known as compounded bioidentical hormones on the direction of a healthcare provider. Both types of hormone treatments come in injections, pills, creams, gels, and, patches which helps make this treatment method far more convenient. Insulin resistance, fibromyalgia, adrenal disorders, and thyroid issues are just some of the other conditions that have been known to benefit from BHRT.

Discovering Different Uses For Bioidentical Hormones

Some cancer patients whose estrogen levels were depleted by cancer treatments say they too benefitted from BHRT. These patients experienced fewer migraine episodes, higher libido, better sleep, and lowered incontinence issues thus improving their quality of life. Whatever the reason for pursuing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy we’re here to answer any questions regarding our programs and services. Click here to contact Radiance Age Management for more information.