As you age, you’ll see more changes than just wrinkles and gray hairs. Your hormones, especially testosterone, start to shift, which can affect everything from your energy to muscle mass and even your sex drive.
It’s natural for testosterone to decrease by about 1%-2% per year after the age of 30. For some men, this drop can feel more extreme, causing noticeable changes in how they feel, perform, and live. If this sounds familiar, it might be time for you to explore bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) as a potential solution.
At Totality Men, we specialize in men’s health, including hormonal therapy solutions. Let’s explore BHRT, including its benefits, how it works, and what you can expect from the treatment.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to those your body produces naturally. It is commonly used to treat symptoms of hormone imbalances and deficiencies. For men, the most common use of BHRT is to address low testosterone levels, also known as Low T.
The goal of BHRT is to restore optimal hormone levels, which can lead to improvements in energy, mood, muscle mass, and sexual health. Unlike traditional synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and are customized to match your body’s needs.
Testosterone Is at The Heart of Male Health
Testosterone is often called the “master hormone” for men, as it plays a critical role in regulating several key functions, including:
- Muscle Mass and Fitness: Testosterone promotes muscle growth and strength. Low levels can result in muscle loss and difficulty building muscle, even with regular exercise.
- Sexual Health: Testosterone directly influences libido, erectile function, and sexual performance. A drop in testosterone levels can cause reduced sex drive and even erectile dysfunction.
- Mood and Energy: Testosterone affects mood, motivation, and overall energy levels. Men with low T often experience fatigue, irritability, and depression.
- Cognitive Function: Testosterone supports mental clarity, memory, and focus. A decrease can contribute to brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
Signs of Low Testosterone
You might be experiencing the effects of low testosterone if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
- Decreased Libido: A noticeable drop in sexual desire or performance.
- Mood Swings: Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed more frequently.
- Reduced Muscle Mass: Difficulty gaining or maintaining muscle, even with regular workouts.
- Increased Body Fat: Especially around the abdomen, which is common with lower testosterone levels.
- Brain Fog: Struggling with concentration or memory issues.
How Bioidentical Hormones Can Help
BHRT can effectively address the issues caused by low testosterone and help you return to feeling like yourself again. Here’s how it can improve your health and quality of life:
1. Restores Energy and Reduces Fatigue
One of the first improvements many men experience with BHRT is a noticeable increase in energy. Low testosterone is often linked with chronic fatigue, leaving you feeling drained even after rest. By restoring healthy testosterone levels, BHRT can help you feel more energized throughout the day, making it easier to stay active and engaged.
2. Enhances Libido and Sexual Function
Testosterone plays a pivotal role in sexual desire and function. If you’re struggling with a low libido, erectile dysfunction, or other sexual health issues, BHRT can help bring things back into balance. Many men report improved sexual performance, enhanced desire, and better overall satisfaction after undergoing BHRT.
3. Improves Mood and Mental Clarity
Low testosterone can cause irritability, mood swings, and even depression. BHRT can help stabilize your mood and restore a more positive outlook. Additionally, it can alleviate brain fog, improving mental clarity and focus, which enhances productivity and overall well-being.
4. Promotes Muscle Mass and Strength
Testosterone is essential for muscle growth and strength. With BHRT, many men experience a faster recovery time from workouts, increased muscle mass, and reduced body fat. It’s particularly beneficial for those looking to improve fitness and performance, as testosterone supports muscle-building processes and fat-burning metabolism.
5. Supports Long-Term Health
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, restoring testosterone levels through BHRT can help prevent long-term health issues. Low testosterone has been linked to conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. By maintaining optimal testosterone levels, BHRT can help reduce the risk of these conditions, and even reverse them, improving your overall health in the long run.
How Bioidentical Hormones Are Administered
There are several ways to administer bioidentical hormones, and your healthcare provider will work with you to choose the best method based on your needs. Common methods include:
- Injections: Testosterone injections are one of the most popular methods for BHRT. These are typically administered into the muscle once or twice per week. . Injections are highly effective and the “gold standard” for treatment.
- Topical Creams and Gels: These are applied directly to the skin, typically on the shoulders or inner thighs. They provide a steady release of testosterone throughout the day but levels are less consistent and so are the benefits
- Patches: Hormone patches are worn on the skin and replaced regularly. They offer consistent hormone levels over time.
- Pellets: Small testosterone pellets are inserted under the skin, typically around the hip or buttocks. These pellets release testosterone steadily over three to six months, providing a long-lasting solution.
Is BHRT Right for You?
Deciding whether BHRT is right for you requires careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone and are looking for a personalized approach to hormone therapy, BHRT could be a good option. Let our healthcare professionals assess your symptoms, perform hormone testing, and discuss your goals to create a customized treatment plan that works for you.
Final Thoughts
BHRT is a powerful tool for men looking to restore hormonal balance and regain their vitality. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of low testosterone or feel like you’re not functioning at your best, it can help you improve your quality of life. Totality Men can help you explore BHRT with a personalized treatment plan. Our team of experts is here to help you reclaim your health, energy, and confidence.
Want to feel your best again? Contact us to get started or book your appointment online now!
Dr. Silbiger, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He has been practicing as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist in the Charleston area since completing his Residency at the University of South Carolina in 2009. He has led physicians as a Medical Director and Chief of staff and advocates for healthy lifestyle modification and prevention throughout his many roles.
Stanley moved to Charleston from New York City with his wife, Dr. Nadel and their two kids. Prior to opening Totality Medispa with his wife, he worked in various financial roles at JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, and Sequence Financial Specialists.
Dr. Nicole Nadel, DO, is a distinguished and board-certified FACEP (Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians). She holds the position of co-founder and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Totality Medispa, an esteemed medical spa with two locations in Charleston, SC. Dr. Nadel’s expertise lies in non-surgical aesthetic medicine, and she is renowned for her exceptional skills as a master injector and educator, excelling in achieving remarkably natural results without resorting to surgery.