Hormones are chemical messengers made by the endocrine glands. They travel through your bloodstream to tissues and organs, and affect a number of different processes, such as growth, metabolism and sexual function.
In men, testosterone is the most important and abundant hormone, and is primarily produced in the testicles and adrenal glands. Sex hormones, such as testosterone, control the development of muscles, bones, and sperm; a deficiency can cause a number of negative side effects, such as low sex drive and fatigue.
If you are experiencing symptoms of declining testosterone, you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss male hormone therapy options. To learn more about Male Hormone Therapy, Find a Provider Today!
In men, testosterone is required for a number of important functions, including:
There are many reasons for testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism. While testosterone levels can naturally decrease as men age, other contributors to low testosterone may include:
Hypogonadism can cause the following symptoms:
In addition, low levels of testosterone are linked to Metabolic Syndrome — the cluster of risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure that boost men’s risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
To begin, your healthcare provider will review and collect your symptoms and medical history, and then test your hormone levels (with either blood, saliva or urine samples) to determine hormone deficiencies or imbalances. Common hormones tests used to confirm or rule out the need for male hormone therapy are: Testosterone, Estrogens (estradiol and estrone), DHEA-sulfate, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Prolactin, Luteinizing hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Complete blood count (CBC. Many practitioners also like to evaluate Dihydrotestosterone, Luteinizing hormone, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone.
By determining how severe your hypogonadism or imbalance is, hormone therapy can be tailored to address your specific hormonal imbalances. There are several ways to boost testosterone and balance hormones, including:
Your delivery method and dosage will depend on your condition, personal preference and your provider’s advice.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Men
Depending on the specific mix and levels of hormones prescribed, male hormone therapy may support healthy sexual response by increasing sexual drive and allowing longer and more satisfying erections.
Other benefits of male hormone therapy may include:
Studies also show that restoring testosterone levels may actually increase good cholesterol and decrease bad cholesterol.
Only an analysis of your symptoms and testing to understand your individual hormonal profile can suggest the hormone therapy protocol right for you.
To learn more about hormone therapy options for men, Find a Provider Today!
