Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is predominantly associated with treating menopause symptoms in women. However, men can experience hormonal imbalances at a similar age, despite the issue not being discussed quite as openly.
Male hormone replacement therapy is sometimes referred to as testosterone replacement therapy. It can be used to make men feel more energetic and alert, as well as helping restore mental sharpness and mitigate symptoms of sexual dysfunction. These symptoms may all occur in men as they age.
If these symptoms seem familiar, you may wish to consult a doctor to better understand your condition. The team at The Healthy Choice can then work with you and your doctor to provide the treatment you need.
Does the Male Menopause Exist?
While the concept is generally scoffed upon in wider society, evidence suggests that similar hormonal imbalances can appear in men around the same age as women. In males, this imbalance manifests in testosterone levels, a hormone produced in the testicles that manages sexual development, muscle strength, and other male characteristics.
Testosterone most prominently triggers the growth of body hair and deepening of the voice during the onset of puberty. Testosterone levels decrease naturally as you age. However, if levels become too low, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced muscle mass
Testosterone deficiency can appear in men of all ages. However, studies show that as few as 1 percent of younger men experience symptoms of testosterone deficiency, compared to over 50 percent of all men over 80.
Do I Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
You may be experiencing some or all these symptoms, but is hormone replacement therapy right for you? HRT can be highly effective for those diagnosed with hormonal imbalance or low testosterone levels and can help manage symptoms and restore balance to the body. But your doctor may need to perform tests to rule out any other causes for your symptoms.
Treatment can be delivered in various ways, depending on your personal preferences:
- Transdermal/Topical Application – Treatment is applied in the form of creams, lotions, and gels. These treatments are usually prescribed for around four days.
- Short-Acting or Long-Acting Injections – This treatment calls for injections with differing periods between doses depending on your circumstances.
- Buccal Administration – This treatment involves placing a tablet above your incisors to absorb into the bloodstream through the palette over twelve hours.
- Intranasal Ingestion – This treatment involves pumping gel into your nostril three times daily. This option may be less invasive than other treatments.
- Pellet Therapy – A medicinal pellet is placed under your skin, releasing testosterone steadily for between three and six months.
It’s important to remember that none of the above methods are better than any other. Conversing with your doctor will allow you to discuss which option would be best for you. You’ll also be required to take regular blood tests to determine whether your hormone replacement therapy is working as intended, without introducing adverse side effects.
Find Hormone Replacement Therapy in Greenwich
If you’re interested in HRT as a potential treatment for a condition or hormone imbalance you’re experiencing, contact our team at The Healthy Choice today. We’re ready to provide guidance to those in need and discuss potential avenues of treatment with your chosen physician. We want you to receive the best course of therapy possible for you.
When you’re ready to speak with us, call 914-238-1700 or fill out our online contact form. We’ll do everything we can to help you make the right decision for you.