Testosterone is a hormone made in the testes of males and is largely responsible for the formation and maintenance of male sex characteristics, including bone and muscle development, sense of well-being and sexual function. The testosterone levels are regulated by hormones released from the brain; the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain increase testosterone during puberty and male characteristics develop (for example, penile enlargement, facial hair and interest in sex).
As men grow older, levels of free testosterone decrease and estrogen levels increase. The average 60-year-old male has more circulating estrogen in his blood stream than the average 60-year-old female. Hypogonadism is a clinical condition in which low levels of serum testosterone are tied to specific symptoms. When hypogonadism occurs in older men it is often referred to as “Andropause.”
Symptoms:
Common symptoms are irritability, depression, low libido, erectile dysfunction, memory loss, insomnia, increased fatigue and low energy.
Possible Causes:
The causes of andropause can be the result of the natural aging process, medications (for example, chemotherapy and long-term use of opioids), the use of anabolic steroids, malformation, inflammation, or decreased blood flow to the glands. Another cause of low testosterone levels can be obesity, in which fat cells enhance conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Diseases such as diabetes, renal disease, COPD, high blood pressure and lifestyles that include smoking and drug abuse also contribute to andropause.
Another cause of andropause is the long-term use of opioids, referred to as opioid associated androgen deficiency (OPIAD). This syndrome is characterized by the presence of inappropriately low levels of gonadotropins (follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) leading to inadequate production of sex hormones, particularly testosterone.
Treatment:
New research has shown that decreases in testosterone and even small increases in estrogen may have detrimental effects on men’s cardiovascular health. Advances in understanding the function of hormones and the role of hormone replacement in men has made it possible to manage many of the negative side-effects associated with age-related hormone decline.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in men has been shown to enhance libido, decrease heart disease risk, increase lean body mass and prevent osteoporosis. Maintaining testosterone levels may also lower total cholesterol and LDL, and decrease insulin resistance. Additional research has shown a beneficial impact on cellular energy production, brain function and oxygenation.
BHRT (bio-identical hormone replacement therapy) is the use of supplemental doses of hormones whose chemical structure is identical to the hormones that your body naturally produces.
We can compound testosterone into a cream or a gel at the dosage the doctors specifies. With compounded testosterone the patient and the doctor have a choice and control over the concentration. They can increase or decrease the dose as necessary. A doctor can order any strength necessary (most commonly we see orders from 3% to 10% testosterone).
Compounded testosterone is free of any gluten, casein, dyes, sulfates and parabens. We can also eliminate the use of any ingredient the patient is allergic to. Compounded testosterone is the answer to those with low testosterone who want a customized solution just right for them.
At BioMed, our testosterone therapy for men is based on personal hormone test results to determine the physiologic testosterone dosage that fits the needs of the person. We then work with your healthcare professional in formulating a topical cream or gel with the right dose of bio-identical testosterone for your needs.
