Testosterone is an essential hormone in both men and women. In men, 95% of testosterone is usually produced in the Leydig cells of the testes, with the remainder being produced from the adrenal glands. Every cell in the body has receptor sites for testosterone, making this a total-body hormone. Testosterone is most active on receptors found in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. Testosterone in adult males helps provide a sense of well-being, improve heart health, control blood sugar, improve sex drive, and maintain skin elasticity and muscle mass.
The natural course of aging results in a slow decline of serum testosterone levels (about 1-2% per year) beginning in the early 30s. The male experience of hormone decline is more gradual than that of women and thus frequently goes unnoticed. Even if symptoms of hormone imbalance are noticed, they are often dismissed as unavoidable signs of aging. For men, a significant decline in testosterone levels typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 55.
Do Men Need Hormone Therapy?
For many years, hormone replacement therapy has only been in the spotlight for women experiencing hormonal decline. Recently, though, the benefits of therapy for men have become better known. By their mid-40s, most men have lost nearly half of their testosterone. Even men in their thirties can be testosterone-deficient and show signs of fatigue, erectile dysfunction, bone loss, difficulty sleeping, and mental decline. It is worth noting that as men age and testosterone levels decline, estrogen levels may increase, which is common and easily manageable. It is never too late to benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy.
What’s Next?
If you’ve been experiencing the negative effects of low testosterone, there is good news! These hormone losses and imbalances are easily corrected with proper treatment. Balancing hormones safely and effectively using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can increase your quality of life, bringing about a younger you.
How Are Hormones Replaced?
It depends on the hormone being replaced. Testosterone replacement can be done via topical cream or gel, trochee (Lozenge), injections, or pellet therapy. Thyroid and DHEA replacements are typically taken in a tablet or capsule form.
Customized Hormone Replacement Therapy
After beginning bioidentical hormone therapy, careful monitoring and re-evaluation of hormone levels will be part of the integrative approach to maintaining optimal hormone balance. Adrenals and thyroid are other areas to be considered and evaluated to ensure treatment success.
Customized Hormone Replacement Therapy
After beginning bioidentical hormone therapy, careful monitoring and re-evaluation of hormone levels will be part of the integrative approach to maintaining optimal hormone balance. Adrenals and thyroid are other areas to be considered and evaluated to ensure treatment success.
Testing
Testing begins with a thorough evaluation of observable symptoms. Based on this evaluation, a selection of state-of-the-art diagnostic tests will be chosen to analyze blood or urine in order to
determine your unique and individualized hormonal levels. As treatment begins and symptoms change, retesting is suggested to see how hormone levels respond to treatment.
Bring lab work from your physician only if they are current. (From within 2-3 months of your appointment) Nutritional and genetic testing is another option to detect underlying deficiencies that could impair optimal health. It is difficult to have balanced hormones without good nutrition and exercise.
Do you take Insurance?
Linda Lea does not accept insurance plans. In addition, many insurance plans do not cover hormone therapy prescriptions. This means that your hormone treatments will be out-of-pocket
expense.
If you are not covered by insurance or have a high deductible under your current insurance plan, a full laboratory panel and other lab tests are offered at cost through the office of Linda Lea. Please contact your insurance provider to inquire if bioidentical hormone replacement is reimbursable and what specific documentation the insurance company will require.