What Is Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy for men is also known as testosterone therapy. This treatment can help when your testosterone levels are decreasing. Understanding this therapy can help you prepare for it. Here are the details to consider about hormone therapy in men.

The need for testosterone therapy

Testosterone comes from the Leydig cells in the testicles. This hormone is responsible for the development of male characteristics. It is also important for sperm production. Testosterone levels in men are higher than in women. Male hypogonadism is a condition in which there is a low production of testosterone. Problems in the pituitary gland, testicles, or hypothalamus can result in this condition.

Some scientists reveal that a low testosterone level is less than 300 nanograms per deciliter. Others think that it should be below 250 nanograms per deciliter. Doctors acknowledge these levels and consider symptoms as well before diagnosing low testosterone. This condition can affect males from birth to senior years. But the following people have a higher risk for low testosterone:

• Male patients with AIDS or HIV
• Older men
• Male patients with chronic health conditions
• Obese men
• Male patients with obstructive sleep apnea
• Male patients with uncontrolled Type II diabetes

Benefits from hormone therapy

Clinical tests show that testosterone therapy can help treat hypogonadism. Researchers are still doubtful that it will help healthy older men. However, some older patients say that they feel more energetic and younger after taking hormone therapy medications. Studies show that this therapy may help enhance sexual performance in some patients.

The therapy

The doctor will perform a physical exam before hormone therapy. Reviewing the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and diet, as well as any symptoms, is necessary. The doctor may also order blood tests. The symptoms, signs, and test results will help determine the diagnosis. Hormone therapy is the primary treatment for this condition. It has many forms:

• Oral testosterone comes in pill form. This type of hormone therapy is for patients whose low testosterone comes from medical conditions like tumors. These ailments damage the pituitary gland.
• Testosterone skin creams and gels are common topical treatments. The patient will apply the gel each day on clean, dry skin. Skin-to-skin contact will transfer the gel medication to another person. The patient must be careful not to transfer the gel to children or pregnant women. The gel will stay for 24 hours.
• Testosterone patches should be on the skin every day. Rotating the location is necessary so that the patient can avoid skin irritation. These transdermal medications do not harm the liver.
• Intramuscular testosterone injections are administered by the doctor every one to two weeks. The patient can choose to get long-acting injections into the gluteal muscles every 10 weeks. Subcutaneous injections are also available. These injections can affect the person’s mood, energy levels, and libido.
• Buccal testosterone patches are sticky pills. The patient must attach them to the gums two times a day, every 12 hours. The capillaries in the gums will absorb the testosterone right away. But, this form of hormone therapy can cause mouth irritation and headaches.
• Testosterone pellets or implants go under the skin of the buttock or upper hip. These pellets release testosterone slowly. The patient must get this minor inpatient surgical treatment every three to six months. It provides a long-term and stable dosage of testosterone during the hormone therapy.
• Testosterone nasal gel goes into each nostril. Apply it three times each day, every six to eight hours.

The effects of hormonal therapy

Testosterone therapy has effects on sexuality. The genitals will enlarge upon arousal. Some patients find that there are specific physiological changes that the patient must learn to adjust to. Some patients experience acne because of an increase in the skin’s oiliness. The right levels of hormone therapy can help control acne.

There will be more muscle definition in the body. The veins will look rougher. Fat in some areas may thin out. Daily exercise and a healthy diet can contribute to an increase in strength. The patient may gain or lose weight depending on muscle mass or lifestyle.

The risks of hormonal therapy

Like other treatments, there are risks to taking testosterone therapy. The patient’s risk of blood clots increases because the body makes more red blood cells because of this hormone therapy. Excessive amounts of testosterone in the system can convert to estrogen. This can lead to blood clots as well. It can also result in the development of breast tissue.

Hormone therapy for low testosterone can help enhance your quality of life

Hypogonadism or low testosterone can happen at any age. A consultation with your doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for hormone therapy. Following the doctor’s instructions can help you maximize the treatment’s benefits. Changes in your lifestyle and diet can improve your general health as you go through your therapy.

Get more information about Optimal Medical Group in Fresno at https://omgwellnessmd.com.

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