Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Andropause

If you are reading this article, it is likely that you are looking to find out more about testosterone replacement therapy and andropause. Good news! This article will cover all aspects of testosterone replacement therapy (HRT) and andropause. We’ll look at the importance of testosterone as we age, types of testosterone replacement therapy (HRT), side effects, tips on finding the right treatment program, and much more! So, without further ado...let’s get started with testosterone replacement therapy and andropause!

What is testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone hormone replacement therapy is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in which testosterone is given to people whose bodies do not produce enough natural testosterone. Testosterone production normally decreases with age, sometimes resulting in andropause or male menopause. Like other forms of HRT, testosterone replacement may also be used to treat certain conditions related to hormones such as estrogen. 

However, unlike other forms of HRT that merely supplement hormones, testosterone replacement treats existing hormonal imbalances (testosterone deficiency). There are two main types of TRT: transdermal and intramuscular injection. People often use these terms interchangeably but there are some important differences between them. In both cases, natural testosterone levels will return to normal but by different mechanisms.

The Signs of Low T Levels

First, it’s important to understand what low testosterone is. Low T levels occur when your body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. The symptoms you experience could be unrelated to a low level of T—it could also be due to other factors such as poor lifestyle choices or stress. But in some cases, low testosterone can cause specific symptoms that have a direct impact on your quality of life, such as: 

• Low energy levels 
• Erectile dysfunction (ED) 
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight/Obesity 

What is Andropause?

Although it’s similar to menopause in women, andropause (also known as hypogonadism) is a different medical condition, where low testosterone levels affect men. According to recent statistics, hypogonadism affects at least 5 million American men, most of whom are unaware that they have it.

What are the Symptoms of Andropause?

Testosterone levels slowly decline after age 30, which can cause unpleasant side effects like low libido, lack of energy, and muscle loss. The good news is that testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to effectively treat many symptoms of andropause in men.

Symptoms of andropause include: 

• Low sex drive
• Loss of muscle mass and strength 
• Fatigue, lack of energy 
• Depression, irritability, and memory loss 
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Reduced body hair
• Changes in mood 
• Loss of bone density

The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, helps to ensure that men maintain optimal levels of these crucial hormones. When levels drop too low—as they naturally do with age—symptoms can include fatigue, sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, insomnia, and depression. For these reasons, some doctors suggest hormone replacement therapy for older men whose hormone levels are declining but who are otherwise healthy. 

Testing for Andropause

Although symptoms of low testosterone may develop as early as age 30, they often don’t appear until men are in their 40s or 50s. When symptoms do manifest, they can include low sex drive; erectile dysfunction; depression; increased fat around your midsection, decreased muscle mass and bone density; problems sleeping; and irregular heartbeat. You can get a simple blood test to determine whether your body is producing adequate amounts of testosterone. If you do test positive for low T, it’s time to talk with your doctor about restoring it to normal levels through hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Treatments for Andropause 

Today there are quite a few effective treatments for male menopause. The goal of treatment is to bring testosterone levels back up to the normal range, or as close as possible. Other methods can be used to combat other symptoms of andropause, such as sleep disturbances or muscle loss. 

Using testosterone supplements alone may be all that's necessary in mild cases; however, if symptoms are moderate or severe, it's likely that combining testosterone with another hormone treatment will help improve results. One common option is using a medication called Clomiphene Citrate, which works by stimulating the pituitary gland in a man's brain to release more luteinizing hormone (LH). In turn, LH triggers greater amounts of testosterone production in testicles.

Where to get treatment 

Testosterone replacement therapy clinics like Renew Vitality provide treatment to patients with low T levels. Our clients receive hormone therapy specifically formulated to meet their needs and help them feel like themselves again. We provide our HRT services in a private practice setting by a licensed physician, giving you personalized care in a comfortable environment.