Hormone Therapy for Men
As men age, hormonal changes can significantly impact their quality of life. Hormone therapy, especially testosterone replacement, offers a pathway to improved energy, vitality, and long-term health. At Nourish House Calls, our approach goes beyond just restoring hormone levels—we provide holistic, personalized care that addresses the root causes of hormonal imbalances and supports overall wellness.
What Causes Low Testosterone in Men?
Low testosterone, or “low T,” is a common concern that can stem from various factors, including:
- Medical conditions or medications.
- Aging, as testosterone levels naturally decline over time.
- Environmental toxins and poor nutrition, which disrupt hormone production.
Studies suggest that average testosterone levels in men today are nearly 50% lower than they were 30 years ago. This decline is linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, exposure to endocrine disruptors, and lack of exercise.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Low Testosterone
While many associate low testosterone with decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, these are often not the first signs. Early symptoms may include:
- Reduced motivation or difficulty concentrating.
- Fat gain and loss of muscle mass or strength.
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue.
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression.
These issues can affect men in high-stress roles, such as executives or entrepreneurs, who suddenly find themselves struggling to perform at their usual level.
Types of Hormone Therapy for Men
Hormone therapy for men typically involves testosterone replacement, sometimes combined with DHEA, a precursor hormone. At Nourish House Calls, we often recommend:
- Topical creams (strongly preferred): These provide steady hormone levels over time and are generally well-tolerated.
- Injections: While effective, injections can sometimes lead to fluctuating hormone levels, depending on the frequency.
- Avoiding pellets: Based on our experience, testosterone pellets often lead to inconsistent results and may pose additional risks.
Our goal is to optimize hormone levels—not just reach “normal” levels—while avoiding side effects.
Benefits of Hormone Optimization
Optimizing testosterone levels can bring both immediate and long-term benefits, including:
- Increased energy levels and improved cognition.
- Better muscle mass, leading to enhanced metabolism and reduced risk of diabetes.
- Improved bone density, essential for longevity.
- Enhanced libido and sexual performance.
Patients often report that they didn’t realize how poorly they felt until they started therapy and experienced the difference.
Risks and Considerations
As with any medical treatment, hormone therapy carries potential risks. At Nourish House Calls, we carefully evaluate each patient’s health before starting therapy, considering factors such as:
- Sleep apnea: Severe, untreated sleep apnea may need to be addressed first.
- Smoking: Patients are encouraged to quit before beginning therapy.
- Weight management: For overweight patients, testosterone may support weight loss by improving energy and motivation.
We closely monitor each patient’s progress to ensure therapy remains safe and effective.
Our Holistic, Individualized Approach
At Nourish House Calls, we emphasize treating the whole person, not just hormone levels. Our care includes:
- Comprehensive nutritional testing to optimize overall health.
- GI and stool testing when appropriate, to ensure proper hormone metabolism.
- Monitoring for side effects, such as acne, which can indicate improper hormone processing.
This personalized approach ensures that patients feel their best while minimizing risks.
Recommended Reading
For those seeking a deeper understanding of testosterone therapy, we recommend the book Testosterone for Life by Dr. Abraham Morgentaler. This resource provides in-depth insights into the risks and benefits of testosterone optimization.
Take the First Step
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone or are curious about how hormone therapy might help you, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute discovery call. During this consultation, you can share your concerns and learn more about our tailored approach to hormone health.
Book your discovery call today:
Visit our website at NourishHouseCalls.com
Schedule your free consultation here.
FAQs
Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment designed to restore testosterone levels to an optimal range. This can improve energy, mood, libido, and physical health. At Nourish House Calls, we use personalized approaches like topical creams or (very occasionally) injections to achieve steady hormone levels.
Symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, fat gain, and reduced libido may indicate low testosterone. A simple blood test can confirm your hormone levels.
While hormone therapy is generally safe, certain conditions like untreated sleep apnea or smoking may increase risks. We carefully evaluate and monitor all patients to minimize potential complications.
In addition to immediate benefits like improved energy and mood, hormone therapy supports muscle and bone health, reducing risks of conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis as you age.
We offer holistic, individualized care that goes beyond hormones to address nutrition, lifestyle, and overall wellness. Our goal is to optimize your health for the long term.