Many of us know about menopause in women, but did you know that men experience their own version? Older men experience a change when some of their hormones decline as they age. However, younger men can experience this decline as well.
Low testosterone is something that can be easily tested no matter your age. Treatment is also available for men in the form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
With the growth of HRT men, here are some details to help you understand if HRT is right for you.
What Is Men's Hormone Replacement Therapy?
HRT focuses on bringing a man's hormone levels into a balanced state. This will help men stop experiencing the symptoms of hormone decline.
Testosterone hormones are given to men in two different ways. There are synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones.
Both are lab-created, but bioidentical hormones are different because they are created from naturally occurring sources. The bioidentical hormones offer a greater ability to match a man's natural hormones. This natural hormone replacement therapy also helps to reduce side effects and increase the duration of the treatment.
The doctor prescribes the exact hormone doses they need to obtain the testosterone level they are targeting for the patient, based on lab test results. In order to maintain the targeted hormone levels and minimize side effects, lab tests are performed monthly, and the prescription is adjusted based on the lab results.
Many options are available to deliver hormone replacement therapy to men. These include injections, time-release pellets, patches, or creams, and they are tailored to each patient.
HRT Symptoms in Men
As men age, they often show signs of testosterone deficiency. Some of the most common symptoms of hormone deficiency include:
- Lower sex drive
- Thinning hair
- Increased weight
- Decreasing muscle mass
- Low energy
- Erectile problems
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Urinary problems
- Sleep sweats
Many men see these symptoms subside with HRT. In fact, more doctors and clinics are focusing on men and their health with available HRT options.
HRT Men Lab Tests
The power of lab tests to monitor HRT is that they give you actual insight into your overall health. You don't have to guess how you are doing; these tests can give you regular feedback on many different aspects of your health.
With hormone replacement therapy, you don't just track testosterone levels. The therapy has an impact on your entire endocrine system.
It is important to test for a number of key biomarkers that include total testosterone, free testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Estradiol, and DHEA.
These tests, along with the following tests, are important to monitor and track the changes while undergoing HRT.
Testing your cortisol levels will let you know how you are doing with stress and possible adrenal fatigue. It is important to monitor your insulin and Hemoglobin A1c levels, which help you to see the average blood sugar levels in your body over time.
Your Vitamin D levels should be tested and monitored because they influence your natural immunity. The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin, which are found in the fluid portion of your blood.
You should also test and monitor your thyroid hormones regularly while undergoing HRT. This is important because many people who have thyroid issues don't know it for a while and waste a lot of time treating other symptoms.
These lab tests will provide you with the information you need to supplement or adjust your therapy, diet, lifestyle, and medications to optimize your overall health.
HRT men lab tests from Ulta Lab Tests include the important tests for individuals undergoing HRT.
Ulta Lab Tests offers these tests and hundreds of others at very affordable prices. This enables you to test frequently while on HRT and to track your results online in your secure patient dashboard.
HRT Risks and Side Effects
As with any type of treatment, hormone replacement therapy side effects can occur. All treatments should be done under the guidance of a physician.
The bioidentical treatments seem to have fewer side effects than the synthetic hormones, so many men choose to go with a more natural treatment for hormone replacement therapy.
Some men on HRT have seen side effects such as elevated red blood cells or decreased testicle size. Other men have had some fluid retention, an increase in acne, or their sperm count goes down during treatment.
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or have a history of prostate cancer in their family should discuss that with their doctor before starting any hormone therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men's HRT
Many men aren't sure if HRT is for them. Here are some of the most common questions men have about Hormone Replacement Therapy.
How Do I Know if I Need HRT?
You may exhibit mild or severe symptoms of decreased testosterone. The best way to know is to get lab tests for your hormone levels.
Who Can Help Me With Treatment?
Your primary care physician should be the first person you consult. You could also look for a men's clinic that specializes in HRT in your area.
Can't I Just Take a Pill From the Store?
Many of the over-the-counter options for men do not work. Without actual lab-tested levels, most men are wasting money on unneeded solutions.
Take Charge of Your Health
Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests, so you can make informed decisions about your health.
- Secure and confidential results
- No insurance referral is needed
- Affordable pricing
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
You can take charge of your health by understanding your own body's needs.
Men undergoing hormone replacement therapy can see many benefits, but they must first know what is needed. Getting accurate lab results and frequent testing, and tracking your biomarkers are key steps in successful HRT.
Order your male HRT lab tests today, and you will get your results securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.
Take control of your health today with Ulta Lab Tests.