How Does Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?
Testosterone is an important hormone in men, and it is required for reproductive function, male sexual development, building muscle bulk, etc. Low testosterone levels can lead to physical changes such as fragile bones, increased body fat, etc. Even low T can lead to erectile dysfunction, a type of sexual dysfunction that involves inability to maintain an erection. Male hormone replacement therapy is used for correcting low testosterone problems in men. Read on to learn more about the therapy.
Male Hormone Replacement Therapy
Men who are unable to produce enough testosterone levels can benefit from the male hormone replacement therapy. For instance, male hypogonadism is a dysfunction of the testicles, and it can result in low T problem. Some men are born with this dysfunction while others develop it later in life. Some of the common symptoms of low T are infertility, impotence, loss of facial & body hair, etc.
Hypogonadism is usually diagnosed by a blood test, and doctors recommend male hormone replacement therapy for correcting the testosterone levels, restoring muscle strength, and preventing bone loss.
Researchers have found that testosterone production in men tend to lower after they cross age 40. However, if your body is producing enough testosterone in 40s, there’s no need to take the testosterone therapy. High doses of HRT may lead to trouble sleeping, infertility, increased risks of prostate disorders and stroke.
If your doctor recommends you the HRT, you have various options to choose from-
- Intramuscular Testosterone Injections- The injections are injected in the buttock muscles every 2-3 weeks.
- Testosterone Patches- These special patches are applied to different parts such as arms, back, buttocks, etc. However, you should rotate the areas of application.
- Topical Testosterone Gel- Applied to arms, shoulders, etc. every day.
Although hormone replacement therapy is effective in restoring a normal erectile function, it can lead to various side effects. Some are severe, while others are relatively minor.
The potential side-effects of HRT are-
- Decreased size of testicles
- Increased levels of cholesterol
- Infertility
- Reduced sperm count
- Increased number of red blood cells
Minor risks associated with hormone replacement therapy are-
- Acne
- Frequent urination
- Fluid retention
However, the increased red blood counts caused by the HRT can lead to muscle pain, blurred vision, chest pain, high blood pressure, and clots in blood vessels.
Everyone has a different condition, so the HRT’s effects may vary from one patient to another. Always discuss your condition with a professional male hormone replacement therapy doctors, and seek professional advice for what’s right for you.
To sum up, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for low levels of testosterone. Medical researchers have found that the therapy provides many benefits to men with hypogonadism, such as improved libido, muscle mass, red blood production, and bone density. However, it comes with various risks, which you should be aware of before getting the HRT treatment.
However, you can talk to a licensed doctor regarding safer alternatives. Regular exercises such as running, walking, swimming, etc. and a healthy diet can help you increase energy levels and get off stress.
