Testosterone
Testosterone is the driving source of life and vitality in the male body. Age-related decline in hormone production is one of the most common causes of hormone imbalances. We know that a significant part of the aging process involves the diminished production of hormones, which begins in our early 30's and accelerates dramatically into our 50's and 60's. If left untreated, this can contribute to the development of chronic disease. Restoring hormonal balance with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can not only relieve these symptoms, but modern research indicates that it can also slow down the aging process.
Understanding Testosterone in Men
While there are many misconceptions associated with enhanced physical performance, testosterone is an anabolic steroid that is naturally produced in human bodies. When performed correctly, there are no side-effects connected to testosterone hormone replacement therapy. It’s a safe and healthy process that can directly improve your quality of life.
Testosterone is unrelated to and does not cause prostate cancer. In fact, excess estrogen is the root cause of prostate cancer in men. Testosterone can best be described as the feel-good hormone in men. With effective replacement therapy, you will experience improvements in just 1 to 2 weeks. By weeks 3 to 6, you will be feeling like a brand-new man.
WHO IS A CANDIATE FOR TESTOSTERONE HORMONE REPLACEMENT?
The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) Questionnaire
The questionnaire was designed to screen for the symptoms of low testosterone or testosterone deficiency in males. The questionnaire is listed below and could indicate if you suffer from low levels of testosterone.
- Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
- Do you lack energy?
- Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
- Have you lost height?
- Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life”?
- Are you sad and/or grumpy?
- Are your erections less strong?
- Have you noted a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
- Are you falling asleep after dinner?
- Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?
***The ADAM questionnaire yields a positive result if you answer, “Yes,” to questions 1 or 7 or any three other questions. A positive result means that you may have low testosterone and you should contact us to discuss your options.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
***If you have you had a positive result on the St Louis ADAM questionnaire or have several of the symptoms listed above it’s quite likely that you are androgen deficient and would benefit from Bio-identical Testosterone Hormone Replacement. Your next step is to have your blood tested to identify hormonal issues. ReNUMD can assist you in this process.
What is the treatment for Low Testosterone?
Testosterone replacement therapy is the only FDA-approved treatment for low testosterone. It is effective, easy, and incredibly safe. This treatment is typically self-administered in the comfort of your home. We prescribe Bio-identical hormones that are tailored specifically to your needs and our treatments are made in a 503A approved compounding pharmacy.
Bio-identical hormone replacement is considered “natural” because it uses hormones that are chemically identical (according to molecular structure) to those produced by the human body. Bio-identical hormones are more compatible with the body which creates a more natural hormonal response and lessens the chances of experiencing unwanted side effects.
Estrogen in Men
Small amounts of estrogen help men live healthier lives. Estrogen helps promote health in your heart, brain, and bones. When a man has too much estrogen it can result in symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, and the dreaded stubborn belly fat. It also has the potential to increase prostate cancer risk. With the right help, estrogen surpluses can be resolved and it’s symptoms eliminated.
Facts Related to Estrogen Levels in Men
What Are The Benefits of Bio-identical Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Now that you understand what androgen deficiency is and how to treat it, it’s time to understand the benefits associated with the treatment.
- Increased Energy: Most men undergoing testosterone therapy experience significant improvement to their energy levels. Often this energy can equate to gains in strength and the rebuilding of muscle mass. Research has shown that increased testosterone levels can lead to better physical performance and improved recovery between workouts.
- Increased Libido: Men who have been experiencing low testosterone often also experience a decline in libido. A properly administered Testosterone Therapy protocol can increase not only testosterone levels but also a man’s libido. An increase in testosterone levels often leads to a much stronger sexual desire, stamina, and orgasms. This goes hand in hand with feeling more vibrant and youthful.
- Improved Mood: When testosterone levels are low men often experience mood swings, irritability, and depression. The restoration of testosterone levels to more normalized levels through proper testosterone therapy often results in more stable mood in addition to improved feelings of well-being.
- Protection of the Cardiovascular System: Studies have indicated that higher levels of testosterone lead to improved cardiovascular health and heart function. Higher levels of testosterone lead to a stronger heart and blood vessels which means more blood is delivered to the body. Additionally, some studies indicated that healthier testosterone levels lead to healthier cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
- Decreased Body Fat & Increased Muscle: Having a leaner body will help control weight and increase energy levels. Some evidence suggests that testosterone therapy can increase muscle size and strength while decreasing body fat. Proper testosterone therapy treatment coupled with strength training can be a powerful in building a healthier body.
***A study of 108 men over age 65 showed that testosterone treatment significantly decreased fat, especially in the arms and legs. Those same men had an increase in lean mass, mostly in the trunk. The men were treated with testosterone for 36 months
Men with a history of prostate or breast cancers, sleep apnea, and urinary problems should talk to their primary doctor to make sure they are healthy enough for TRT. Though this therapy typically has minimal side effects, this medication may cause complications in men with these conditions.
Erectile Dysfunction
Improve your sex life!
Widely referred to as ED, Erectile Dysfunction can manifest itself in many forms and is characterized as the inability to develop or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance Over 30 million men in the United States are estimated to suffer from Erectile Dysfunction on a consistenet basis. ED is most prevalent in men over the age of 40 but can affect men of any age. Fortunately, there are several treatment options.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The inability to achieve or maintain an erection can affect men at any time making intimacy incredibly difficult. While there are varying causes of ED, here are the most common:
- Low testosterone levels
- Elevated estrogen levels
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Prostate Issues
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nerve & spinal cord damage
- Side effects of prescribed medication
Other health conditions that cause ED include, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, various conditions of the prostate, and some surgeries. Medications for high blood pressure, antidepressants, and blood thinners can also cause sexual dysfunction.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
What most men don’t realize is that there are incredibly effective treatments available that are safe, easy, and affordable. As a starting point, you should optimize your hormone levels first.
What if Hormone Balancing Is Not Enough?
For men who continue to experience ED after hormone replacement and optimization, we have a progression of treatment options that can restore proper function.
Treatment Options
Viagra and Cialis are type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) which promote blood flow into the penis and as a result help patients achieve an erection.