Discover the benefits and risks of male hormone replacement therapy in Frisco

Aging comes with physical changes you can see and some you cannot. The aging process can also cause changes in hormone levels. Male health specialist Dr. Jeffrey Buch of Low T Guru in Frisco offers male hormone replacement therapy for patients experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy is a popular way to safely and effectively address the symptoms of low testosterone levels.

Purpose of testosterone

Testosterone is the male hormone that regulates and maintains bone density, body fat, muscle mass, and red blood cell production. It also maintains the male sex drive. Levels begin to decline after peaking between 18 and 25. After the age of 30-40, testosterone levels decline at one percent per year. Although there is no exact age limit on low testosterone levels, men may have lower levels due to aging or to hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a disease in which the body is unable to produce typical amounts of testosterone at any age.

Low testosterone, or low T, can impact a man’s everyday life. It may affect the following:

• Sexual function – Low levels of testosterone lead to lower sex drive and fewer or weaker erections.
• Sleep – Changes in an individual’s hormones can affect or cause problems with sleep. Some patients experience insomnia.
• Physical – Hormonal imbalances bring physical changes. This may include an increase in body fat, less muscle, and reduced bone density. Gynecomastia, or increased male breast size, is possible. Lower energy levels may occur too.
• Emotional – Lower testosterone levels may bring about decreased motivation, confidence, or memory. Patients may experience depression or have trouble concentrating.

Unfortunately, symptoms of low T are like those caused by certain medications and medical problems including diabetes and depression. Hormonal changes can also be the cause. A discussion of the patient’s health history, blood work, and a physical exam are necessary to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. Doing a complete workup allows the physician to create an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s needs. For optimal results, seek medical attention from a physician who specializes in low testosterone levels and male health. Dr. Jeffrey Buch’s expertise helps to ensure the proper treatment and the best outcome for patients.

Male hormone replacement therapy

Patients with low T may request hormone replacement therapy. These treatments seek to restore the hormone levels to normal while improving the patient’s quality of life. The symptoms patients may experience as a result of having low testosterone levels can be reversed with proper treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy promotes youth and vitality. Treatments for low T may include oral medications, injections, patches, or gels, or slowly dissolving pellets under the skin. The exact therapy used depends on the patient’s health history and fertility needs.

Testosterone injection therapy is available as a solution or as a pellet. As a solution, the medication is injected into a muscle. In pellet form, the medication is injected under the skin. Depending on the exact treatment used, injections may be performed in the office by a medical professional or patients may inject themselves in the comfort of their homes.

Benefits and risks

Since men generally have less body fat than women due to testosterone regulating fat distribution and muscle maintenance, low T can cause an increase in fat. Testosterone injections can help regulate fat distribution again. It can also help improve muscle mass, not strength. Additional benefits of testosterone injection therapy include the following:

• Improved sex drive
• Increased energy
• Better mood

As with any treatment, there are risks and benefits. Men with certain conditions may not be recommended for testosterone injection therapy. This includes the following:

• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Above normal red blood cell counts

It is important to remember that testosterone injections help control the symptoms of low T. Dosages of the therapy may be adjusted depending on the patient’s symptoms and reaction to the medication. Men who would like to have children may not be candidates for this therapy. Certain treatments, especially at high doses, can lower the number of sperm produced. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks with your specialist before undergoing treatment.

To learn more about male hormone replacement therapy, contact the team at Low T Guru in Frisco, TX. Call (972) 430-4554.

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