Men. Are you tired of feeling tired? Sick of having no sex drive? Angry because you’re gaining weight and losing muscle mass? Do you feel powerless? If you are over 40, these feelings- and symptoms- are completely normal. As you age, you will experience an imbalance of any number of hormones, but your quality of life takes the biggest hit from a drop in testosterone. It’s entirely natural for your testosterone levels to drop by 1-2% per year as you move into your 40’s. This drop-in testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety, reduced muscle mass, decreased energy, weight gain, loss of fitness, and decreased job performance. It sounds grim, but don’t lose hope. This article will address frequently asked questions about low testosterone and how you can get back to feeling normal again.
What Are the Symptoms of a Testosterone Deficiency?
Hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats don’t just happen to women. As testosterone levels decline, men can also experience hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats- as well as a decrease in sex drive, stamina, energy, and motivation.
When your testosterone levels drop, you may also experience depression, anxiety, sleep problems, hair loss, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, and muscle mass loss.
Once you hit middle age, you can expect these symptoms to occur with greater frequency and intensity.
What Are the Risk Factors for Low Testosterone?
Testosterone levels decrease as you age. However, men who have chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are at a higher risk of experiencing a more significant decline. Stress and sedentary lifestyles can also be contributing factors.
How Do I Know If I Have a Testosterone Deficiency?
A simple but advanced lab test can determine whether or not you are testosterone deficient. Male testosterone levels should fall between 300 and 800 ng/cL. If your test results show that your testosterone level falls below 300 ng/dL and you are experiencing any of the symptoms, you probably have a testosterone deficiency. Your doctor will help you understand what’s going and come up with a plan. Part of that plan will likely be Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy(BHRT).
What is BHRT for Men?
BHRT restores hormone levels to a balanced state so that the body can function at its best. Bioidentical hormones are created in a lab. These hormones are bio-identical to the hormones that are naturally produced by your body. Unlike synthetic hormones, bio-identical hormones are an exact match to your hormone receptors, which means they work better and have fewer side effects than synthetic hormones. Because bio-identical hormones are compounded into customized prescriptions at a compounding pharmacy, your doctor can prescribe a dose that will deliver the exact amounts of hormones that your body needs to regain balance.
How Are Bio-Identical Hormones Delivered to My Body?
The most popular delivery systems for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy include topical gels, topical creams, capsules, pellets. Each delivery system has its benefits and actions on the body.
Why Should I Use BHRT for Men?
Studies have shown that BHRT is safe and effective for treating hormone imbalances in both men and women. Men who have used BHRT have experienced the following benefits:
- An increase in energy
- A reduction in body fat
- To be in a better mood
- A decrease in anxiety
- An increase in muscular strength
- Boost in sexual performance
BHRT has a very positive effect on the overall health of men. Studies suggest that some men who use testosterone replacement therapy to restore testosterone to natural levels reduced their risk of heart attack and stroke. BHRT has also been shown to contribute to better bone density with aging and improved spatial performance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
How We Treat Testosterone Deficiency at Phoenix Integrative Medical Center
At Phoenix Integrative Medical Center, we are all about treating the root cause and not just putting a band-aid on the problem. We take a comprehensive approach to testosterone deficiency by identifying and addressing the root cause of testosterone deficiency with lifestyle, nutrition, and diet in conjunction with Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy.
Here’s What You Can Expect When You Choose to Work with Us
At your first appointment, we will take a full medical history and talk with you about your symptoms, concerns, and lifestyle. During the visit, we will also run lab tests. After reviewing your lab tests, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that suits your specific needs. We use a hybrid approach to healthcare by combining conventional medicine with integrative practices, which means that your treatment plan will consist of a combination of BHRT, lifestyle changes, and supplements.
We have had so much success in treating testosterone deficiency with BHRT and supplements that we have created a BHRT program which includes:
- 3 to 6-month program tailored to individuals needs
- Initial health assessment and examination by the physician and laboratory testing
- Discounted standard laboratory testing
- Discounted supplements
- Lab result discussion via telemedicine if indicated
- Follow up visits and treatment plan, which may include creams, injections, or pellet therapy
Men Can Trust Us to Treat Their Needs
Our founder, Dr. Hoffman, has been there too. With the stress and demands of running a busy Family Practice, Dr. Hoffman started having his own physical challenges. He went through the standard testing and treatments but did not have any improvement in his symptoms. As a result, he started pursuing Integrative and Functional Medicine, looking for alternative ways to treat his problems. By going through this journey, Dr. Hoffman has learned new ways to treat common conditions. It has allowed him to provide his patients with additional treatment options that were limited in conventional medicine.
Schedule Your Consultation
When it comes to your long term health and wellness, you deserve care that addresses root causes rather than symptoms. Dr. Hoffman and the team are ready to create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation today and learn what personalized, integrative medical care can do for you!