Although hormone therapy for women gets more attention, men can also benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Men go through a male equivalent of menopause known as andropause, which is not as dramatic but just as real. Male testosterone levels begin dropping once a man reaches age 30, with levels falling about 10 percent per decade.
That means that once you turn 60, your testosterone levels are at least 30 percent lower than they were 30 years earlier. You may have considered some of the signs of low testosterone just part of normal aging, but hormone therapy can bring back vigor and vitality.
Men going through andropause may notice the early signs in their 40s, but by the time they reach their 50s it is obvious things have changed. Signs of andropause include:
Some men may even suffer from hot flashes as their hormone levels drop, much like their female counterparts. As testosterone levels decline, men are more vulnerable to conditions such as osteoporosis and the threat of a cardiovascular incident such as stroke or heart attack.
Bioidentical hormone therapy is a natural therapy. Before starting a bioidentical hormone regimen, doctors will test a man to determine his hormone levels. There are certain conditions that can cause low testosterone levels other than andropause including high blood pressure and diabetes, and doctors must rule out and treat these conditions before bioidentical hormone therapy begins.
Along with testosterone injections, patches, or creams, the doctor designs a diet and exercise program to meet an individual patient’s needs. The goal is optimal health, and that requires a holistic approach. Patients visit the doctor for regular monitoring and adjustments to their hormone regimen.
Men will not walk out of the doctor’s office after the first treatment feeling 20 years younger. Over time, however, they will notice that symptoms of andropause diminishing. It may start with simply feeling better emotionally and mentally, sleeping better, and possessing more stamina. Eventually, a man feels and looks better than he has in years. Bioidentical hormone therapy is an investment not only in a man’s health but in his quality of life.
Most men can undergo hormone therapy, but there are exceptions. Men with prostate cancer or severe kidney or heart disease are not usually candidates for this type of therapy. Make sure to discuss with your doctor what kind of alternative treatment could work best for your situation.
Though andropause is not as dramatic as menopause, that does not mean that it does not have a negative impact on a man’s life. Hormone therapy can help a man restore his falling hormone levels, making him feel years younger. This can help his libido, energy, and physical appearance. To find out if this is the right option, consult an experienced hormone therapy doctor who could explain the process and the benefits you might experience. Consider scheduling your free consultation today.
