Bio-Identical Hormones for Men

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Men

Andropause is the result of a gradual drop in testosterone in men.  Symptoms manifest themselves in a number of ways including physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral changes.  Frequently men notice a gradual loss of energy, loss of muscle, loss of mental focus, increased fat, decreased stamina, loss of libido, and sexual dysfunction.  Although a decline in hormone levels will occur in virtually all men with age, there is no way of predicting who will experience andropause symptoms of sufficient severity to seek medical help.  According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 4-5 million men have low testosterone levels but only 5-10% of these men will seek treatment.

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report stated “male androgens progressively decline with age.”  In this study it was found that the testosterone level of the men 70 years old was only 10% of that of the men 25 years of age.  By the time men are between the ages of 40 and 55, they can experience signs similar to female menopause.  Known as andropause, its symptoms include changes in body mass, resulting in less muscle and more fat, changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, a loss of energy, sex drive and physical agility.

Symptoms of andropause include:

• Loss of energy
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increase in body fat
• Loss of libido
• Loss of mental focus
• Anxiety and depression
• Erectile Dysfunction

The symptoms of andropause are also driven by your level of stress, quality of nutrition, amount of exercise and the environmental toxins you are exposed to on a daily basis.

Dr. Svendsen uses only bio-identical hormones, hormones which are identical to the body’s own chemistry, integrated with nutrition and fitness. This treatment helps men suffering the symptoms of andropause to live the best life possible.

Exams and Tests for Men

To determine your hormonal needs, Dr. Svendsen will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and order saliva testing and/or blood labs to determine what your unique hormonal needs are.  You will also receive a comprehensive physical exam.  After starting therapy she will reevaluate your hormone levels to ensure that they are maintained within optimum balance.

Dr. Svendsen may order the following tests, depending on your needs:

• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• DHEAS
• Cortisol

Believe it or not, understanding a man’s level of  “female” hormones is important in understanding his health.  That is why all hormone levels are checked.  DHEAS and cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands and are the hormones of stress.  The stress hormones influence the actions of the sex hormones.