Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a wonder drug that can help men age like they’re in their 30-year-old prime. HRT relieves the symptoms of hormone deficiency and helps normalize levels of testosterone, estrogen, and other hormones in men. On average, most men should consult a doctor before beginning HRT, and it’s important to monitor changes in your body to ensure you’re getting the right treatment. In this post, we will discuss what hormone replacement is, why it’s important, how to go about it, what the side effects are, and so much more.
What is HRT ?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a form of medication intended for men who have low levels of testosterone or other hormones. Most frequently prescribed HRT products are testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone (the routine female hormone). The goal in therapy is to replace the missing hormones that most likely resulted from aging or other illnesses.
While HRT is often associated with older women, men can also be prescribed HRT. The hormone that is most commonly replaced in men is testosterone. Testosterone deficiency has a significant impact on men and can result in osteoporosis, lack of energy and motivation, and even a diminished sex drive. Why do you need to take HRT? Hormone replacement therapy prevents many of the negative symptoms that occur with hormonal imbalance. Symptoms of low testosterone can include: For men, testosterone is the most commonly prescribed androgen hormone. Other androgens include: While there are many different androgens that men can take to increase their levels, the most common pharmaceutical treatment is with anabolic steroids.
However, these drugs are not legal, over-the-counter preparations. This is why many doctors recommend an alternative form of hormone replacement therapy – injections and patches using testosterone esters. How does HRT work? Hormone replacement therapy replaces the hormones that a man naturally produces. More specifically, testosterone is an androgen and should be readily available within the body when men take hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone is made from cholesterol (a fatty substance in the body), which is why doctors often prescribe testosterone injections, patches, or gels to patients.
There are many different types of hormone replacement, but all of them share the same purpose: to increase the amount of testosterone in a man’s body. In order to understand how hormone replacement therapy works, you must first be familiar with what is probably one of the most fundamental concepts in biology: hormones. Hormones are signaling compounds that are produced by endocrine glands. They are released into the bloodstream and then distributed throughout the body, where they act as chemical messengers in specific cells. For example, if a male is having trouble concentrating at his job in the morning and his boss asks him why, he may say that he was tired, and that’s why he wasn’t as productive as normal. In this scenario, testosterone is the hormone likely contributing to his lack of focus. Testosterone controls motivation and concentration levels in men.
There are many different hormones; any number of them could have been responsible for his state. Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy There are many different types of hormone replacement therapy. Some common formulations include the following: In general, it’s best to discuss which type of HRT works best with your doctor. This is because each individual is different and has certain advantages and disadvantages with each type of therapy. Over time, the doctor can determine which drug or combination of drugs will best fit your individual needs. Hormone Replacement Therapy side effects Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment for many different people suffering from low testosterone, but it can also have a negative impact. If you have any side effects that are not related to your medication, make sure you mention them to your doctor.
Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Stuffy nose -Sensitivity to light and sound
- Loss of libido or erectile dysfunction
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are many benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy.
Some common ones include:
- Improved sex drive.
- Increased energy and motivation levels in daily life
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis (bone density) and heart disease (arterial stiffness)
- Regulation of stress hormones such as cortisol
These are just a few of the many benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy. To sum it up, hormone replacement therapy is an important part of men’s health and is necessary for optimal functioning. For most men, hormone replacement therapy has remarkable benefits, but everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to discuss all of your options with your doctor. Our counselors are available 24hrs. Feel free to contact us today at 205-352-9141 if you need any help with hormone replacement therapy.