Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Why testosterone replacement?

Testosterone deficiency, aka "andropause" is becoming more and more common than ever before, and has been occurring more frequently in younger men as well. With the barrage of environmental toxins and other extraneous factors affecting hormone balance,  men are suffering from less than optimal levels of this vital hormone which in turn can increase risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and overall inflammation. In addition, it can significantly decrease a man's quality of life. Testosterone replacement has been around since ancient times, and when done correctly, can bring back a sense of normalcy and overall well-being in those that need it. Many traditional health care providers are hesitant to prescribe testosterone replacement whether due to a lack of experience or due to being misinformed regarding risks and benefit of such therapy. Using an experienced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and testosterone clinic such as Hummingbird will improve your quality of life.

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What is BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy)?

When we talk about bioidentical hormones, we are referring to those that are are molecularly identical to the structure of the hormones generated by the human body. These bioidentical methods of hormone replacement therapy are often derived from plant-based sources such as soy and yams. These compounded hormone replacement therapy preparations differ significantly from the typical synthetic modalities which are approved by the FDA and prescribed by most traditional health care providers.  Some of these synthetic preparations can, in fact, cause negative side effects and are not the ideal form of replacement. Properly prescribed bioidentical hormone preparations by an experienced provider can provide the necessary balance and optimization that promotes optimal health and well-being and can significantly increase quality of life.

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Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?

Testosterone replacement therapy  has traditionally been correlated with increased risk of heart disease in men, however, this theory was primarily based on the observation that athletes who abused anabolic steroids developed unfavorable cholesterol profiles and in turn suffered an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Research, however, demonstrates the contrary, and in appropriate doses and prescribed at an experienced testosterone clinic, testosterone neither impairs cholesterol levels nor damages the heart. In fact, small studies suggest that testosterone treatment may even help to prevent heart disease and can also provide neuroprotective benefits, in addition to reducing insulin resistance. It is important to note that testosterone replacement should be done by a qualified practitioner to ensure safety and efficacy.

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What methods of testosterone replacement are available?

We prescribe the following methods of testosterone replacement at our BHRT and testosterone clinic:

 

Pellets: Tiny cylindrical pellets  are inserted into a numbed area of subcutaneous fat in the hip/buttocks during a short in-office procedure. This method mimics how hormones are naturally released into the body and allows a patient’s hormones to remain at optimized levels more consistently than other options.

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Our plant-based hormone pellets are sourced from a local 503B Outsourcing Facility, Belmar Pharmacy, which is regulated by the FDA and DEA and follows current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The pellets provide a sustained release of what you need over several months, eliminating the “roller-coaster effect” that other hormone replacement options can produce. Pellets last for 5-6 months for men.

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Injections: We use compounded testosterone preparations that are short acting and therefore require biweekly intramuscular injection to ensure consistent levels of the hormone. There are also subcutaneous preparations available which reduce the discomfort associated with muscular injections.

 

Other hormones that may be prescribed as part of an individual treatment plan:

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• Pregnenolone

• DHEA

 

Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy for men include, but are not limited to:

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• Increased energy and motivation

• Boosted sex drive

• Help with erectile dysfunction

• Reduced fat and increased muscle

• Improved sleep

• Reduced irritability

• Stabilization of mood, improved depression and anxiety

• Enhanced memory and concentration

• Strengthening of bones to prevent fractures in later years

• Lowered risk of heart disease

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Treatment plans will be individualized based on your specific history, symptoms, and lab results. Come see us at our BHRT and testosterone clinic for more information!

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