Men and HRT: The Modern-Day Choices

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is an increasing popular modern-day health choice for men who are suffering from an imbalance of hormones.  HRT helps men feel healthier, more energetic, and more mentally sharp.  While they sound similar, testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, and hormone replacement therapy, HRT, are different in their approach.  TRT usually addresses only low testosterone levels while HRT is a more “big picture,” comprehensive approach to managing hormone imbalance. Both therapies are used for specific purposes: as medical interventions for men whose quality of life have been compromised due to “out of whack” hormones.  Keep in mind that hormones are important chemical messengers that tell the cells in your body what to do and when to do it; therefore, it is important for your hormones to be available in the needed amounts.

HRT treats not only low testosterone levels but the low levels of other hormones, such as, follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH; cortisol; thyroxine, or T4; and luteinizing hormone, or LH. Understanding  where in your body these hormones are made and the roles they play, helps you make educated decisions about your body and your health.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland found at the base of the brain.  FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in women while in men FSH helps regulate sperm production.  Low levels of FSH can cause fertility issues due to a low sperm count.  Higher than normal levels of FSH can be an indicator of kidney issues or the presence of tumors in the body.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands which are located on top of each of the kidneys.  Cortisol is a stress hormone which regulates many functions in the body, including metabolism and immune system response.  Too much cortisol can result in weight gain and may cause an increased risk of heart disease.  Too little cortisol in the body can cause depression, a lack of energy, and an increased risk of infection because of a compromised immune system response.

Thyroxine, T4, is made by the thyroid gland which sits in the neck near the windpipe.  T4 helps regulate the amount of glucose that is released into the cells.  Unbalanced T4 levels affect processes in the body including regulation of appetite and management of energy.  Too much T4 leads to hyperthyroidism which can cause weight loss, insomnia, irritability, abnormal heart rhythms, and vision changes.  Too little T4 in the body causes hypothyroidism which cause energy loss which leads to obesity, fatigue, depression, hair loss, and an abnormally low heart rate.

Luteinizing hormone, LH, is also produced by the pituitary gland.  LH aids in testosterone regulation and aids in the production of testosterone in the testes. Abnormal levels of LH in the body can cause fertility issues and a low libido, or sex drive.

Testosterone is produced in the adrenal gland and in the testes and is vital in many aspects of a man’s health. Testosterone levels should remain constant during adulthood but may decline early due to stress, life style, or illness.  Also, aging causes a natural decline in testosterone which causes a number of health issues.  Low testosterone causes fatigue, bone loss, depression, loss of muscle mass, and a decrease in cognitive function.

The main difference between HRT and TRT is that HRT is going to pinpoint abnormal levels in all of the hormones listed above. Its main goal is to maintain a healthy balance between all of the hormones.  HRT affects men differently, and you can expect a three-to-six-month window before you see or feel any major changes; however, many men feel slight differences in as early as one week.  As with any major programs for the body, starting HRT or TRT needs to be done under the supervision of medical specialists, like the professionals at Androgenix, who are trained in the fields of health and hormone replacement therapies.  You will be given a through a thorough health exam, a complete review of your current health, and a comprehensive blood test before starting any hormone program.  You will have to be seen on a regular basis for testing to check and recheck your hormone levels to ensure the therapy is working well and to tweak any imbalances.

There are two types of hormones used in these therapies  The first is traditional which uses synthetic hormones from animal sources, such as horse urine.  These synthetic hormones, while not identical to human hormones, work to relieve symptoms of hormone imbalances. The second and newer therapy is bioidentical which uses bioidentical hormones made from plant and which are molecularly similar to  hormones found in the human body. Bioidentical hormones work better and are better tolerated due to the similar molecular structure.

How Androgenix Can Help

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with our staff and doctor about the risks and benefits. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms or have any other concerns about your health, please contact our office and make an appointment with our staff and visit our office to get complete blood work and a physical examination.  You will be monitored by our team for treatment effectiveness and side effects on a regular basis.

The team at Androgenix are here to support you in your journey for a better, healthier you. Our staff of caring healthcare practitioners will help diagnose and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.  Every person who enters our doors is treated as an individual deserving of care and respect.  We can help you feel and look better.  Give us a call today.

 

 

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*Unless otherwise stated, individual results may vary depending on many factors not all patients “feel” or achieve the same results.