If you’re lacking energy, you may have andropause. If you suspect you have an androgen deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy can help increase vitality.
Testosterone is a type of androgen hormone that regulates reproductive, digestive, and cardiovascular functions in both men and women. Optimal levels of testosterone maintain healthy hearts. In men, testosterone influences vocal pitch, muscle mass, body hair growth and sperm production. As men get older, testosterone levels gradually decrease which can cause physical and psychological symptoms. This hormone decline is a natural part of the aging process.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most men’s testosterone levels peak in adolescence and early adulthood. Between ages 30 to 40, levels decline by about 1% per year. By age 70, testosterone levels may be 50% lower than their peak in adolescence.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
- Low libido
- Low energy
- Low endurance
- Insomnia
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of height
- Weight gain
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Poor mental focus
- Hot flashes
Causes of Andropause
Clinically low testosterone levels can lead to the chronic condition known as andropause, androgen deficiency or late-onset hypogonadism. Men who experience andropause have abnormally low amounts of bioavailable testosterone in their blood. Stress, environmental changes, genetically modified foods, sugar, meat with estrogen added, and natural aging all have deteriorative effects on testosterone.
Unlike women who experience rapid hormone loss during menopause, men experience andropause symptoms gradually over time. According to a 2001 Study, approximately 20% of men in their 60s, and 50% of men in their 80s are hypogonadal.
Without treatment, andropause can increase the risk of serious health conditions. Low testosterone can decrease strength and muscle mass. It can also increase abdominal fat and lead to obesity. These factors can cause diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and osteoporosis.
Health Benefits of Testosterone Therapy
Lifestyle changes such as increased exercise, stress reduction, and good nutrition can naturally increase androgen hormones. For men experiencing clinically low levels of testosterone, hormone therapy can reduce andropause symptoms.
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines, the goals of testosterone therapy are to:
- Restore sexual function, libido, well-being, and behavior
- Optimize bone density and prevent osteoporosis
- Normalize growth hormone levels
- Decrease risk of cardiovascular disease
- Restore fertility
Types of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone therapy is available in a variety of different preparations including skin patches, capsules, gels, and injections. Your practitioner can help determine which treatment is best for you based on your lifestyle.
Skin Patches
By releasing androgens through the skin, patches allow a slow, steady release of testosterone into the bloodstream. Patches can be applied once a day to dry skin on the back, abdomen, upper arms, or thighs.
Gel
Gel is usually applied on the arms and also offers a release of testosterone into the bloodstream.
Capsules
Capsules can be taken twice daily after meals. Men with liver disease, poor liver function, serious heart or kidney disease, or too much calcium in their blood should avoid testosterone capsules.
Injections
Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate can be injected into muscles every 2 to 4 weeks.
Testosterone BioIdentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a drug-free solution to restore hormone balance. The Endocrine Society has defined bioidentical hormones as “compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the human body.”
There are a variety of “natural” hormone replacement therapies that claim to be natural because they aren’t made from synthetic chemicals. However, bioidentical hormones are the only natural alternative that your body can’t distinguish from the ones your ovaries produce.
Bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy can relieve andropause symptoms truly naturally. Through blood testing, a practitioner can determine your unique androgen levels. You can receive the exact amount of testosterone necessary to help you reach optimal health.
At Natural Bio Health, we also test for other male health indicators, including iron levels, blood count and kidney functioning. We test DHEA and HGH levels, which measure your body’s ability to regulate and repair itself. Other tests such as CRP, homocysteine and cholesterol levels can provide beneficial information on how your lifestyle is affecting your health. These tests provide an in-depth, overall evaluation of your potential vitality.
Contact Natural Bio Health Today
Since 1999, Natural Bio Health has helped thousands of people regain their quality of life, prevent disease and maintain a strong immune system for optimal health. Through a careful review of health history, genetics and lifestyle, our providers are able to create individualized wellness plans to address the root-cause of your underlying health concerns.
Whether your personal struggles are with hormone imbalance, weight, sleep, energy, libido, migraines or depression, Natural Bio Health is committed to help you restore your quality of life and achieve optimal mental and physical health.
Contact Natural Bio Health to learn more about hormone replacement therapy for men and women.