Male hormone restoration
It is very important that men know about hormone imbalance. Hormonal decline in men is much more gradual than the rapid change of female hormones during menopause, so the lack of hormones will often not be considered when health problems occur.
Andropause, sometimes referred to as male menopause, occurs when men's natural levels of testosterone fall below the level they had when younger. The principle male hormone is testosterone, which determines male sex characteristics including physical and emotional strength, body conformation, depth of voice, sex drive and performance.
Male hormones decline beginning at age 30. Testosterone decreases about 1% per year and DHEA at 2.5% per year. By the age of 80 most men will have testosterone levels below those of a young male who has not reached puberty. Hormones that decline with age include human growth hormone (HGH) from the pituitary gland, testosterone from the testes and DHEA and androstenedione produced in the adrenal gland.
Common symptoms of low testosterone include:
· Loss of muscle mass and strength
· Change in hair growth and skin quality
· Erectile dysfunction (ED)
· Depression and irritability
· Decreased memory
· Decreased libido
· Premature aging
Diagnosis and Testing Hormone Levels
· Medical history
· Physical examination including digital rectal and testicular exam
· Diagnostic tests
o Blood total testosterone and free testosterone
o Salivary cortisol and DHEA
o Prostate specific antigen (PSA)
Treatment
Each patient’s hormone regimen is made up specifically for them. Hormones are delivered in the form of a bioidentical topical cream. This treatment plan is individualized and personalized to meet your requirements. Blood tests measuring the level of prescribed hormones are performed periodically.
What are bioidentical hormones? Bioidentical is a term that accurately describes the chemical structure of the hormone you are prescribed. It means that the replacement hormone has the same chemical structure as the hormones your body makes. Hormones need to have a specific chemical conformation in order for them to bind to specific receptors and cause normal hormonal responses by the body.
Bioidentical Hormone formulations are made by a compounding pharmacist for each patient individually, based on the specific symptoms and test results.
This page last modified on Friday, September 16, 2011