Men need hormone replacement therapy when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. This reduction usually happens around the age of 50 and is diagnosed through blood tests. Hormone therapy is prescribed by a urologist and can be administered through injections, patches, gels, or implants. Learn more!
Do you feel tired, lack energy, or notice unexplained changes in your body? These signs might be related to a reduction in testosterone levels, an essential hormone for men’s health.
Beyond just aging, hormonal imbalance can affect everything from libido to bone density and memory.
But how can you tell if it’s time to seek help and, more importantly, how can hormone replacement therapy transform your quality of life? Discover everything you need to know about this topic.
How to Know if a Man Needs Hormone Replacement Therapy?
To determine if a man needs hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to watch for common symptoms of low testosterone production, such as:
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Depression or anxiety;
- Weight gain;
- Loss of muscle mass or bone density;
- Lack of motivation;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Reduced libido;
- Difficulty achieving orgasm;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Fewer spontaneous morning erections;
- Low sperm count.
These symptoms affect quality of life and are linked to both andropause and androgen deficiency.
The difference is that andropause refers to the natural reduction in testosterone production, while androgen deficiency can be caused by issues in the testes or pituitary gland, the brain area that releases substances to stimulate sexual hormone production.
Main Indications
Hormone replacement therapy is mainly recommended for men facing androgen deficiency, especially when there are signs of sexual dysfunction, mood and sleep disorders, weight gain, or muscle loss.
How to Evaluate Low Testosterone Levels?
Testosterone levels are evaluated by a urologist. The doctor reviews the patient’s complaints and may perform a physical exam to check for abdominal fat and muscle loss.
Blood tests are also requested to measure testosterone levels bound to proteins, which are responsible for muscle development, libido, and sperm production, as well as free testosterone levels, which are available for the body to use.
Everyday Symptoms
Cases of men with testosterone imbalance vary, but the classic symptoms observed in daily life often include:
- Extreme fatigue;
- Decreased sexual desire;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Mood swings, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability;
- Cognitive difficulties, like poor concentration and memory issues;
- Weight gain with abdominal fat accumulation;
- Reduced bone density.
What Are the Main Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy for men can be done in four ways:
- Intramuscular injections administered every 15 or 21 days, or every 3 months;
- Gel applied daily to the arm, shoulder, or abdomen, preferably at the same time each day;
- Patches applied daily to the arm, shoulder, thigh, or abdomen;
- Implants inserted under the skin every six months, usually in the buttocks.
The method is chosen by the urologist based on the severity of testosterone reduction, the cause of the deficiency, and the patient’s preference.
What Is the Best Medicine for Male Hormone Replacement?
The best medicine for hormone replacement is the one that meets the patient’s needs. For example, testosterone cypionate, marketed in Brazil as Deposteron, and testosterone undecanoate are recommended in cases of androgen deficiency.
These testosterone replacement options are injectable and are contraindicated for men with prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or liver tumors.
Is Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
Male hormone replacement therapy is safe when prescribed and supervised by a specialized doctor. This ensures the patient receives the right medication and their testosterone levels are monitored throughout the treatment.
Duration of Treatment
The duration of male hormone therapy varies depending on the patient’s clinical conditions. If low testosterone is due to being overweight, for instance, the treatment might take longer.
If the therapy is recommended to reduce the effects of age-related hormone decline, the treatment might be shorter.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement for Men
Male hormone replacement therapy offers several benefits, including:
- Weight loss;
- Increased muscle mass and bone density;
- Improved sleep quality;
- Better mood.
Risks and Contraindications
Men with suspected or confirmed prostate cancer should not undergo hormone replacement therapy, as testosterone can stimulate tumor growth.
Liver cancer is another contraindication, as the organ cannot process testosterone properly.
Regarding the risks of testosterone replacement, the article by the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, titled “Benefits and Risks of Andropause Treatment“, associates the treatment with the following issues:
- Onset and worsening of sleep apnea;
- Gynecomastia, or increased male breast tissue;
- Polycythemia, an increase in red blood cells that can impair circulation and lead to strokes or heart attacks;
- Higher risk of cardiovascular diseases;
- Hepatotoxicity, a liver condition causing fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Always consult a trusted urologist before starting treatment.
Practical Tips to Maintain Healthy Testosterone Levels
You can boost testosterone levels with foods rich in zinc, proteins, fatty acids, omega-3, and vitamin C, such as:
- Oysters;
- Lean meats;
- Eggs;
- Salmon;
- Nuts and seeds;
- Beans;
- Lentils;
- Chickpeas;
- Dark leafy greens;
- Citrus fruits.
There are also exercises that increase testosterone, such as weightlifting and CrossFit.
Other tips include avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
The Importance of Medical Supervision
It’s crucial that hormone replacement therapy is supervised by a urologist to monitor testosterone levels and adjust medication. Follow-up care is also important to identify potential side effects.
Now that you know when male hormone replacement therapy is recommended, follow the Dr. Paulo WhatsApp channel to get the best health tips delivered to your phone.
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