Did you know as men grow older their levels of testosterone decrease and the ratio between testosterone and estrogen go out of balance? Often we see the average 60 year old male has a higher level of estrogen than the average 60 year old female!
This age related decline in testosterone also known as andropause, may result in decreased energy, low sex drive, decrease in muscle mass, weight gain around the belly, depression, irritability, insomnia, mood swings, brain fog, harder time making decisions, lack of motivation or couch potato-it is and heart problems.
Understanding the function of hormones and testosterone replacement therapy has made it possible to manage many of the negative side-effects often associated with age related testosterone decline. Bio-identical or natural testosterone replacement therapy has gained popularity in recent years. While testosterone replacement therapy has been around since the late 1930s, here in the Midwest it’s taken some time to catch on.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men has been shown to improve sex drive, help erectile dysfunction, decrease heart disease risk, increase lean muscle mass and prevent osteoporosis. Having optimal or ideal testosterone levels may also lower total cholesterol and LDL and decrease insulin resistance. Other research has shown benefits for cellular energy production, improved brain function and improved oxygenation.
Personalized hormone blood tests help determine the right testosterone dosage needed for each man. No two men are alike and hormone needs differ from man to man. While there are many commercial, synthetic drug products available that promise to help with the symptoms of low testosterone, they come with great risk. Natural testosterone replacement therapy helps address the cause of the problem while offering additional long-term benefits.
Bio-identical testosterone therapy comes in many forms; including injections, topical gels or creams, sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue and pellets that are inserted under the skin. Injections are often self-administered on a weekly or biweekly basis. Topical gels and creams are applied once or twice a day and sublingual tablets are taken twice a day as well. Pellets offer a more consistent steady release of testosterone and can last 3-4 months.
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