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5 Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
At Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Trace Alexander rejects the notion that you are doomed to feeling tired and like a worn version of yourself as you age. Declining levels of testosterone are a normal part of aging, but if you have symptoms that disrupt your life, we have a treatment that may help.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for women who have decreasing levels of estrogen because of menopause. Men may experience a similar phenomenon, called andropause, which causes lowered production of testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be helpful in relieving symptoms such as erectile dysfunction (ED) among many others that are a result of andropause.
Testosterone and your body
You may be surprised to learn that women’s bodies produce testosterone, because it’s sometimes described as “the male hormone.” During adolescence, men’s bodies begin to produce substantially more testosterone, and as adults, men have substantially higher levels than women.
As the hormone messenger that triggers male physiology and function, testosterone plays a significant role by:
- Deepening your voice
- Causing the growth of body, facial, and pubic hair
- Contributing to increased bone and muscle mass
- Influencing sexual development
- Increasing libido
- Contributing to memory development and reasoning ability
Testosterone continues to regulate your sexual function and physical condition throughout your life. This important hormone even plays a role in keeping your heart healthy because it helps your body produce red blood cells.
After about the age of 30, testosterone levels begin to decline at the rate of roughly 1% per year, frequently leading to a lower libido, decline in physical condition, and other negative effects.
How you feel with less testosterone
The loss of 1% of your testosterone each year means that you may not notice any changes for a long time, but once your production reaches a certain point, you may begin to notice effects on your health and wellbeing. When you see Dr. Alexander, he first rules out other potential underlying causes of your issue.
If Dr. Alexander thinks your problem may be low testosterone, a blood test can confirm it. Some symptoms include:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Increased body fat
- Loss of muscle
- Decreased bone density
- Changes in your cholesterol composition
- Lack of focus
- Mood changes such as depression
- Loss of energy
Some of these symptoms can impact and worsen others. For example, when you lose muscle mass, you may see an increase in body fat because your body doesn’t burn calories as efficiently.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Once Dr. Alexander has determined that low testosterone is causing your symptoms, he may recommend TRT. Five improvements you’re likely to see include:
1. Increased energy levels
Rather than fatigue and listlessness, you’re likely to feel invigorated and witness your energy level increasing along with your endurance.
2. Renewed sex drive
If you’ve felt the effects of lower testosterone in the bedroom, you may find that your libido returns with TRT.
3. Rebuilt muscle mass
If your efforts at the gym weren’t providing the expected results, TRT may help. Weight and resistance exercises produce better results when your testosterone levels are balanced. As a bonus, TRT helps boost your metabolism.
4. Goodbye, body fat!
More muscle mass, increased energy levels, and a boost to your metabolism combine to make it easier to lose excess weight — especially the so-called “spare tire” that may have accumulated around your waist.
5. More focus and better concentration
Once you begin TRT and your hormone levels reach a more optimal balance, you may find that you can think more clearly. You may also enjoy a more stabilized mood and better sleep!
You don’t have to live with flagging energy and a diminishing muscle mass. Book an appointment with Dr. Alexander, and find out if you’re a good candidate for TRT. You can schedule an appointment online, or you can call the location that’s most convenient for you, and we’ll be glad to help.
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