Even though low testosterone has been getting more press lately, evidence suggests that many men with symptomatic low testosterone don’t get treated. Let’s take a look at why testosterone levels matter and what bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can do for you.

While menopause for women happens when estrogen levels plummet in a matter of months, andropause in men is marked by a gradual decline in testosterone over a longer period, at a rate of about 1% per year. Because of the gradual decline, many men may not notice that symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, muscle loss, depression and decreased sex drive are related to their loss in testosterone.

Research suggests low testosterone is also associated with several chronic medical conditions, including obesity, diabetes, depression, erectile dysfunction, and possibly cardiovascular disease. Testosterone maintains and builds bones and muscles, so low testosterone can lead to thinning of the bones, or osteoporosis. Additionally, low testosterone levels have been associated with poor sexual performance, so hormone replacement therapy can be very beneficial in revitalizing your sexual health.

Hormone replacement therapy may help improve and prevent these conditions by replenishing testosterone back to the body’s normal levels. Low testosterone levels can be addressed with a variety of treatments including gels, creams, pellet implants, or injections. The treatment should be personalized to each patient and closely monitored for reaction and effectiveness.

Within three to six weeks of testosterone therapy, most men report improvements in energy, mood, sexual performance, confidence, self-esteem, and an overall sense of well-being. Other benefits of hormone therapy include:

• Increased mental & physical energy
• A decrease in feelings of irritability, sadness, nervousness
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved sex drive & sexual performance
• Increased lean body mass
• A decrease in fat mass
• Increased muscle strength & endurance

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of decreasing testosterone, hormone replacement therapy could help you get your life back.

At Thrive Anti-aging and Aesthetic Center, we are medical professionals who specialize in anti-aging and hormone therapy. Our medical director and age management specialist Dr. Adam Maddox has taken a personal interest in the treatment of andropause and menopause patients. Through a detailed consultation and laboratory testing Dr. Maddox will design a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

We are happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter and insist on beginning every relationship with an hour consultation to discuss our treatment options in more depth. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.