Male hormone replacement therapy can be administered through pills, patches, injections, or gels. When prescribed by a doctor, it brings benefits to men’s sexual and overall health, especially for older men. Learn more below.
Male hormone replacement therapy involves restoring the levels of male hormones, mainly testosterone, when there’s a clinically diagnosed deficiency. This helps men live better lives, free from the symptoms associated with hormonal decline.
Hormones work together to regulate development, sexual function, reproductive health, and many other functions in men. When these are out of balance, male hormone replacement therapy may be necessary to reestablish equilibrium.
Consulting with a doctor can determine if you need hormonal intervention, as self-medication is not advisable.
What causes testosterone decline?
The decline in testosterone levels can be influenced by one or more factors.
Some of these are related to aging, such as entering andropause. During this phase, it’s common for hormonal disorders, chronic diseases, and issues with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland to interfere with the production of the primary male hormone.
However, there are factors independent of age. Genetic predisposition, injuries or trauma to the testicles, the use of certain medications, and an unhealthy lifestyle can impact hormone levels.
When is replacement therapy indicated?
Testosterone replacement may be recommended by a doctor when the patient’s hormonal levels are below reference values (which vary depending on the laboratory performing the measurement), combined with the emergence of symptoms.
In this case, the patient exhibits a condition known as hypogonadism.
Symptoms
Some of the main symptoms of testosterone decline impact men’s sexual life, fertility, and daily activities. Check them out:
- Decreased libido
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in involuntary erections
- Low sperm count
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
- Decrease in lean mass
- Increase in body fat, especially around the waist
- Decreased bone density
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis from a doctor, a man needs to undergo a blood test that measures hormonal levels.
The most relevant are total testosterone and free testosterone.
The results will be analyzed considering the patient’s age, health, and symptoms. This way, the professional can make a diagnosis.
How treatment works
The goal of male hormone replacement therapy is to restore adequate hormonal levels in the body, stimulating the production of testosterone and other hormones that are in low supply.
Male hormone replacement therapy should take into account each patient’s needs, which includes the best form of administration. Currently, replacement can be:
Topical route
Used at least once a day, testosterone gels are applied to the skin on the shoulders, arms, or abdomen. They are absorbed by the skin and release the hormone throughout the day.
Transdermal route
Testosterone patches, applied directly to the skin every day, are absorbed and enter the bloodstream. They are usually placed on the abdomen.
There are also testosterone implants, inserted under the skin in an outpatient procedure. They last for a few months and are replaced when necessary.
Injection route
Testosterone injections are very common. Depending on the formulation, they can be administered weekly, bi-weekly, or even every two or three months, as they release the hormone gradually over time.
Oral route
Testosterone tablets can be taken orally. However, this treatment is not as popular, as it is more harmful to the liver and shows variations in absorption.
Is male hormone replacement therapy safe?
Male hormone replacement therapy is safe when the patient undergoes a medical evaluation, has access to personalized treatment, and undergoes regular follow-ups.
During hormone use, it’s crucial for the patient to observe whether they are achieving the expected benefits and if there are any side effects, as it’s possible to adjust the treatment accordingly.
Benefits of hormone replacement therapy
A successful hormone replacement treatment can achieve the following benefits for men’s life and health:
- Increased libido
- Improvement of erectile dysfunction, which can also be treated separately
- Gain in muscle mass
- Reduction of body fat
- Increased strength and endurance
- Increased bone density
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis and fractures
- Improved mood
- Enhanced cognition, concentration, and mental clarity
- Better quality of life during aging
Contraindications
There are cases in which hormone replacement is not recommended, which is why the medication should only be prescribed by a doctor.
Men who have or suspect any type of cancer, especially prostate cancer, are not ideal candidates for the treatment, as hormone use can stimulate tumor growth.
Individuals with liver disease should also avoid hormone therapy, as the liver may have difficulty metabolizing testosterone. Liver complications represent one of the main risks of the treatment, even for healthy men.
Testosterone replacement can also worsen sleep apnea in men with this untreated condition, leading to respiratory complications.
How long does treatment last?
The duration varies according to the patient’s needs and their response to the treatment of hypogonadism, but often, this period is prolonged or indefinite.
It is very important to evaluate, especially when the use is long-term, whether the benefits are outweighing the treatment risks.
How soon does replacement therapy start to show results?
The first signs of improvement can take weeks or months. Everything depends on the patient’s specifics, the way the hormone is administered, and the prescribed dosage.
Some benefits, like improved mood, appear more quickly. Others, like fat loss and increased bone density, take longer to manifest.
Does replacement therapy improve libido and sexual function?
Hormone replacement can significantly improve low libido and sexual function in men with testosterone deficiency.
This improvement is because the hormone plays a crucial role in sexual desire, erectile function, and the overall health of sexual organs. It also stimulates sperm production, contributing to fertility.
In cases of erectile dysfunction, if there are other associated causes (such as Peyronie’s disease and psychological factors), hormone replacement alone may not fully address the condition. It will be necessary to consult a urologist.
How to maintain balanced testosterone production?
Natural male hormone replacement therapy is achieved through a balanced lifestyle.
This includes a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins, regular physical exercise, which helps maintain a healthy weight, good nights of sleep, and alternatives to avoid and manage daily stress. Additionally, avoid alcohol and smoking.
Male hormone replacement therapy may be indicated for those exhibiting symptoms associated with low testosterone. It tends to significantly improve the quality of life for men, but it is important to have medical assistance to ensure the treatment is effective and safe.
To learn more about the relationship between erectile dysfunction, low libido, your sexual life, and testosterone, contact us.
