Men over the age of 40 are seeing symptoms like erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, mood swings, low libido, and uneven fat distribution. But due to a lack of public awareness and difficulties in diagnoses, they are unaware that these ailments could stem from a testosterone deficiency.
Currently, 40% of men over the age of 45 are experiencing symptoms such as these, and are suffering with no means of alleviation. However, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy offers a solution, and Bodyline Clinic now offers bespoke BHRT testosterone treatments for men over the age of 40.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of hormone replacement therapy and explore how it can help improve the quality of your life, should you be suffering from low testosterone levels.
What Can Cause a Hormone Imbalance in Men?
There are several factors that can lead to hormone imbalances in men. The most common factors are age, stress, and some medical conditions, all impacting hormone levels.
Testosterone is known as the ‘male hormone’ and is vital for the health and wellness for men. Testosterone stimulates men’s muscles, bones, skin, and sex organs, and is responsible for the development of masculine physical features.
As men age, their levels of testosterone decrease – there can be a loss of 2% every year after the age of 40, meaning by 50, a fifth of your testosterone is gone. When levels of testosterone drop below 300ng, it can be known as ‘andropause’ or the ‘male menopause’. While physiologically different to the female menopause due to its slow and progressive nature, andropause can still be life altering for men and difficult to live with.
Loss of testosterone can therefore lead to symptoms that can significantly impact the quality of a man’s life, affecting the body, the mind, and the sex life. By targeting this hormone imbalance with hormone replacement therapy, men can reverse the symptoms of low testosterone.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
HRT is a form of treatment that involves replacing the hormones that are missing and throwing your body off balance. HRT can be administered with creams, gels, patches, or injections. If your HRT is bio-identical, also known as BHRT, then following a blood test and analysis the type of HRT that you will receive will depend on your individual results and symptoms.
The main HRT treatments for men are testosterone and DHEA.
What are the Benefits of HRT for Men?
The main benefit of male hormonal replacement therapy is alleviating the life altering symptoms that low testosterone levels can cause in men. The long list of symptoms include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Muscle loss/Muscle definition loss
- Depressive moods
- Weight gain
- Irritability
- Night sweats
Using HRT is even shown to help to improve bone density, muscle mass, and red blood cell count.
But a great advantage of HRT is it’s benefits for heart health. Andropause is connected to cardiac problems, as testosterone plays a role in maintaining organs such as the heart. Testosterone regulates the androgen cells, hence the name andropause, and the androgen cells are what support your heart in its vital functions. Therefore, HRT can be a great way to support your heart. Also, there is evidence to suggest that HRT in men can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
What are the Benefits for a Man going Private for HRT?
If you are suffering from symptoms of low testosterone and considering seeking professional advice from a specialist with in-depth knowledge and experience in the field, then private treatment could be an option for you.
Furthermore, their one-size-fits-all approach may not be the most beneficial for you while you struggle with low testosterone levels.
While the NHS is a great service for our country, there are advantages of deciding to go private for HRT treatment for men
- Fast access to treatment with no long wait times for an appointment.
- A choice of when you want to be treated with options of in person appointments or the service via remote video consultations.
- Fully supported patient journey.
- Personalised treatment plan.
- Medications tailored to your specific needs.
- Flexibility to prescribe based on a combination of symptoms and blood tests.
- Continuity of care with the same specialist clinical team
- Access to medications not available on the NHS
Bodyline, for instance, will use your blood analysis results and symptoms to curate a completely bespoke hormone treatment programme, biologically identical to those you already have in your body. Bodyline’s services offer personalised care that is completely supported through every step of the programme.
When Should I Start HRT?
The decision to start HRT is a personal one. But if you’re experiencing any of the previously listed symptoms, then why wait? You can get in touch to enquire about our services today!
We specialise in HRT for both men and women. If you would like to find out more about HRT, please contact us today on 0800 995 3036, or by filling out our online contact form.