Anti-Aging with Testosterone Replacement Therapy
As you get older, there comes a time where you may not feel like yourself anymore. You may find you have less energy to get yourself through the have a general lack of motivation and focus. You may be experiencing unexplained weight gain, loss of muscle mass, or even a decreased libido. While many of these symptoms on their own are often attributed to the natural aging process for men, living with multiple symptoms can also be a sign that the hormone levels in your body have dropped or have become imbalanced.
Hormones control the most basic bodily functions in both men and women, such as growth, digestion, appetite, immune function, mood and sex drive. When hormone levels become out of balance or drop even slightly, it can have a drastic impact on your overall health and well-being. Contrary to popular belief, women are not the only ones who suffer the adverse side effects of changing hormone levels as they age. Many men will experience symptoms similar to what women endure during perimenopause and menopause. In fact, andropause, also known as male menopause, involves a gradual drop in testosterone production as men age and can result in physical, psychological and sexual difficulties.
Often times men are more reluctant or embarrassed to admit that they are struggling with these changes with their primary care physician. However, recognizing the importance of male hormonal balance is the first step in alleviating your symptoms and improving your quality of life. At BodySymmetry MD, we understand how detrimental these symptoms can be and offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to help you get your hormones back in balance so you can feel like yourself again.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone is a hormone that is present in both male and female bodies and is primarily produced within the testes in men. Testosterone plays a critical role in male sexual development as well as a man’s physical appearance. It regulates the sex drive and sperm production, promotes muscle and bone mass and can increase your energy. It is also known to influence certain behaviors and moods, such as aggressiveness or competitiveness.
It is estimated that by the age of 30, testosterone levels in men may begin to decline by 1% every year. According to the American Urology Association, as many as 20% of men over the age of 60 have low testosterone, and that statistic jumps to 30% for men over the age of 70. Low testosterone, also commonly referred to as “Low T”, can lead to a wide range of symptoms if levels drop too far below your normal levels, including:
- A lowered sense of well-being
- Cognitive difficulties
- Depression or anxiety
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns
- Irritability Loss of libido
- Loss or thinning of hair
- Obesity
- Reduced muscle mass and definition
- Weight gain
In addition to these physical and emotional symptoms, low testosterone can have serious long term effects on your health if left untreated. Low levels of testosterone can increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. However, studies have shown that normal levels of testosterone in men lead to healthier and longer lives. If you are struggling with any of these symptoms of low testosterone, BodySymmetry MD is here to help. We are experts in the field of hormone therapy and can run a simple blood analysis to determine if your hormone levels require supplementation.
WHAT IS BHRT?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, often referred to as bioidentical hormone therapy or natural hormone therapy, involves the use of human-made hormones derived from plant estrogens, which are chemically identical to those produced in the human body. While BHRT is most frequently used today to ease the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in women, it can also be used to effectively treat and balance hormone deficiencies in men. BHRT may also be administered in various forms, such as injections, pills, patches, creams and gels.
Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapies that use synthetic hormones or hormones derived from animals, BHRT is entirely natural. Studies have shown significant long-term health benefits with natural hormone optimization, such as reducing the risks of diseases and unpleasant symptoms associated with low testosterone and other hormonal imbalances. While testosterone is the most common replicated hormone for men, other hormones such as progesterone can be included in your treatment as well depending on your body’s needs.
THE BODY SYMMETRY DIFFERENCE
The success of your BHRT treatments is often determined by a qualified health care provider who has advanced knowledge of restoring male hormone deficiencies. At BodySymmetryMD, every BHRT treatment is wholly unique and designed around each of our patient’s concerns and distinct biology by our expert providers. Your blood results, health history and personal goals are all considered when tailoring your BHRT dosage. Once your biological deficiencies have been pinpointed, your optimized anti-aging program will dramatically improve your hormonal function. Hormone replacement therapy can provide you with:
- A heightened sense of well-being
- Boosted energy levels
- Improved moods
- Increased libido and restored vitality
- More natural weight loss and muscle tone development
Aging is an inevitable part of life; however, it should not have an impact on your quality of life. If you are currently struggling with unwelcome physical or psychological symptoms, BHRT may be able to help. To learn more about what bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can do for you, contact BodySymmetry MD today at 470-396-0600 to schedule your complimentary consultation.