This month I want to focus on HORMONE THERAPY IN MEN. There seems to be a misconception that testicles are supposed to work forever while ovaries go through menopause. Unfortunately, this is not true. Men routinely ask me what they can do or take to naturally bring their testosterone levels back to normal. There is NOTHING over-the-counter and NOTHING you can do on your own to increase testosterone to optimal levels for health and symptom relief.
Men eventually go through ANDROPAUSE which is basically male menopause. This typically occurs between age 35 & 55 but can occur earlier. This process occurs slowly and symptoms creep into our lives unnoticed until they begin affecting us and those around us. Symptoms include weight gain, lack of energy, irritability, fatigue, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, reduced exercise tolerance, weight gain, impaired memory, poor concentration, nervousness, depression, insomnia, sweating and the feeling that you have past your prime. Is it any wonder that men go through a midlife crisis?
Testing is easy. We can provide a lab order for you to take to your lab or we can draw your blood at any of our offices. If you have already had your labs drawn, send them to us for review. Often it is best to have labs redone as most doctors fail to order everything properly. Labs should be drawn in the morning and although fasting is not required it is recommended. At The Hormone Restoration Center we look at testosterone, thyroid and many other levels that can be affected by low testosterone.
TREATING LOW TESTOSTERONE CAN REDUCE OR ELIMINATE EVERY ONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS. The problem is not all treatments are the same. Some treatments can improve symptoms but INCREASE the risk for disease and death. For example, research shows that testosterone shots increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. These risks are not the same with every form of testosterone replacement. At The Hormone Restoration Center we use bio-identical testosterone replacement that reduces the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, muscle loss, osteoporosis and more. Wouldn’t you prefer to have a testosterone that makes you feel better AND prevents disease?
In addition, estrogen levels are vitally important in the proper treatment of andropause. Unfortunately, many physicians forget to consider this issue or some incorrectly block estrogen production which increases the risk for disease and death. This is a topic for another day.
There are many considerations when treating low testosterone in men. Although symptoms may be universal, treatment MUST be individualized.
Treating testosterone properly should not only resolve your symptoms but also improve your health. At The Hormone Restoration Center we do this every day. Our providers are certified in the use of bio-identical hormones in both men and women for the treatment of andropause, menopause and many other conditions.
Dr Richard Chern, MD has been taking care of hormone patients for over 20 years. Contact us today for a lab order or appointment. 850-837-1271.