Hormone Replacement Therapy
(HRT For Men)
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers that play an important role in one’s health. A slight disruption may complicate your system.
A deficiency of testosterone, a type of male hormone, can occur in men as they age. This hormone is a key component of a man’s strength, energy, and stamina. Low testosterone levels can take a toll on your confidence, sex life, and health.
Winter Wellness, a Flagstaff-based Naturopathic and Hormone Clinic, fully understands this. We are committed to helping you alleviate your hormonal issues with our hormone replacement therapy for men.
A LOOK INTO MEN’S HEALTH: Male Hormonal Imbalances
Male hormones start to lose balance at a certain age, usually around 30 or 40. These imbalances can have adverse effects on one’s health, whether it be physically, sexually, or emotionally.
As you approach your thirties, you need to be vigilant with your hormone health. You can determine whether or not you should try testosterone replacement therapy, which is a form of hormone therapy for men.
Andropause (Male Menopause)
As women go through menopause (hormonal deficiency associated with aging), so do men.
Testosterone, the primary male hormone, is mainly produced from the testes or testicles. As men enter puberty, the hormone rises dramatically and peaks in early adulthood. It is responsible for many major bodily functions including:
- Boosting the male libido (sex drive)
- Sperm production
- Maintaining a healthy bone density
- Building muscle mass and strength
- Maintaining a normal range of red blood cell count
- Growth of body and facial hair
At 40, most men lose half of the testosterone level they had at 18 years old. This phase is what we call andropause or male menopause.
While the decline is more gradual than menopause in women, testosterone deficiency is still there and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Common signs and symptoms of low testosterone level include:
- Decreased motivation
- Decreased self-confidence
- Decrease in mental sharpness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fewer spontaneous erections
- Increased nervousness
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Reduced body hair
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Weight gain
Many men report the inability to achieve or maintain an erection and, as you can see, there are many reasons why:
- Low testosterone levels (common after age 40)
- Metabolic disease: cardiovascular issues, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes
- Side effects from medications for high blood pressure or depression
- Tobacco use, recreational drug use
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Surgery or radiation of the pelvis or prostate gland
- Trauma to the penis
Prostate Problems
According to the American Cancer Society, hormone treatments can also help in shrinking, stopping, or limiting the spread of prostate cancer cells for men.
These are the common signs of prostate problems:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (also known as prostate gland enlargement)
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to empty the bladder
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (HRT For Men): Is it right for you?
Hormone replacement therapy or HRT for men is a medication that contains male hormones. This medication replaces the testosterone your body stops making naturally (often called testosterone treatment).
HRT can help reverse the effects of male hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency) by restoring normal hormone levels.
Testosterone therapy has been proven to improve energy, red blood cell production, sleep quality, mood, motivation, muscle mass, and sexual function. It also helps to lower the chances of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Approximately, a small number of men have a side effect of testosterone therapy, including increased risk of acne, breathing problems during sleep, tender breast, and ankle pain. At Winter Wellness, we make sure to monitor red blood cell counts to prevent clotting.
Certain types of HRT have a higher risk, and each man’s risks can vary, depending upon the individual’s personal medical history and lifestyle. Dr. Winter will discuss the health benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy with you.
What We Can Do For You
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bio-identical Hormones have chemically the same structure as the hormones that your own body produces. Compounded prescriptions are preferred so they can be tailored to your specific needs.
Common Types prescribed: Testosterone and DHEA
Common Forms: topical creams, troches, and pellets
It doesn’t matter if you are 25, 45, or 65, hormone imbalances affect men of all ages.
We’re here to help you see significant improvements in your testosterone levels so you can enjoy the quality of life that you deserve.
Whether your goal is prevention or replacement Dr. Erin Winter will evaluate your symptoms and laboratory tests to create a tailored treatment plan made specifically for you.
If you have concerns about diminishing vitality Dr. Winter’s expertise can help you get back on track!