Men

Standardized pharmaceuticals transform and save lives every day. Their role is so central in our lives that it is easy to forget just how powerful these medications can be, whether they’re treating a headache, regulating mood, or destroying cancer cells. But despite the tremendous promise of standardized medications, they aren’t right for everyone, particularly when it comes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has long been recognized as the best treatment for low testosterone. Proven to improve energy levels and mood, raise libido, and increase muscle mass, TRT is now the first line of defense for men who struggle with hypogonadism and is instrumental in helping patients recapture their sense of vitality. But if you’re struggling with the symptoms of low testosterone, it is natural to want to consider all available treatment options to ensure that you get the best possible care.

Hormone replacement medications have been prescribed for over 80 years. Since Edward A. Doisy discovered the estrogen hormone in 1929, scientists have developed an array of drugs that supply the body with sex hormones derived from animal and plant sources. These medications can be life-changing for men and women with hormone imbalances as well as those who experience uncomfortable symptoms due to the natural aging process.

If you struggle with the symptoms of low testosterone, hormone replacement therapy is a powerful treatment option that could change the way you experience daily life. Today, countless men can attest to the improvements in energy level, sex drive, and overall mood made possible by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, even if you may be aware of the potential benefits of testosterone therapy, some popular administration methods may give you pause. More specifically, many men find testosterone shots to be an uninviting prospect.

“You should get your hormones tested!”

How many times have you heard that comment? We’re often encouraged to look closely at our hormones when we experience symptoms that hint at conditions like hypothyroidism, menopause, or low testosterone. Indeed, fatigue, depression, hair loss, weight gain, weight loss, temperature sensitivity, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and anxiety are all common symptoms of hormonal changes or imbalances. But even if you know that a hormone test might be a good idea, you may not know what it entails—or where to get one.

Over the past several decades, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has become commonplace. The growing popularity of this innovative treatment is driven by a host of factors—the increase in mass media advertising, the discussion of HRT on social media platforms, growing accessibility—but the end result is that ever-increasing numbers of individuals are relying on HRT to mitigate the effects of hormonal change. Among men alone, testosterone replacement therapy prescriptions quadrupled between 2003 and 2013.

Your body has a mechanism we know as “the fight or flight” instinct. You’ve felt it. When a situation becomes alarming, your body readies for action and your focus turns solely to coping with the threat, shutting out everything else. You react quickly; run or fight, take action or get to safety. Time seems to slow down, your brain quiets, and instinct takes over.

Most people know that testosterone is a critical part of physical wellbeing. However, a growing body of research suggests that this multifaceted hormone can also play a role in mental health in men. For example, a 2016 study on older men found that “low serum testosterone was associated with an 86% increased hazard of depression.”

This Men’s Health Month, it’s in your best interests to take some time to learn all about testosterone—including the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and the potential remedies that can support healthy hormone levels.