Hormone Therapy

Hormones of natural origin and identical bio-composition to those of the body are utilized to help patients maintain optimum hormonal levels. The body’s hormones are crucial in maintaining health and wellness. However, as the years go by and as age takes its toll, the body’s capacity to create hormones may diminish and their levels may become imbalanced. This leads to a variety of unpleasant symptoms including mood changes, weight gain and other health complications. To ensure patients stay healthy and happy as they age, Dr. Levinstein provides hormone replacement therapy to allow patients to reach their natural levels.

Hormone Therapy

For men, these imbalances can also cause erectile dysfunction and complications like diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol. For women, hormonal imbalances can cause symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats and so on.

Before commencing hormone replacement therapy, patients must undergo examination including blood work to determine initial hormone levels and the necessary dosage. After treatment commences, the progress must be regularly monitored with routine blood work to see if the hormone levels are as they should be or if adjustments are necessary.

Side effects can occur as the body adjusts in the early phases of treatment. These side effects can include fluid retention or bloating, swelling hands, mood swings or irritability, acne, hair loss on the scalp and hair growth on the body. Spotting may occur for female patients. Side effects and reactions should be disclosed to the doctor in order for the dosage to be adjusted as needed, or so the doctor can give recommendations on tending to the symptoms.

Testosterone males:

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males. Traditionally, testosterone is understood in its responsibility for the development of male tissues, including the prostate and testes, while secondarily, it plays a significant role in bone and muscle mass, body hair growth, and causes a deepened voice due to increased tension on the vocal cords. As you may or may not know, testosterone is responsible for much, much more.

How Does Low Testosterone Affect Men?

Testosterone deficiency increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, cognitive dysfunction, sarcopenia (muscle wasting), obesity, anemia, fatigue, depression, inflammation, cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, irritability, and sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced orgasm intensity). Many men suffering from low testosterone will report a loss of competitive edge, musculoskeletal stiffness and pain, diminished ability to participate in athletics/sports, and poor work performance. Men see a decline in testosterone at 30 years old, but it is not uncommon for some men to have symptoms of low testosterone as early as their 20’s!

What Else Should You Know About Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

TRT is both safe and effective. To further increase its efficacy, prescribers often recommend human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as an adjuvant to TRT. HCG functions to maintain male testicular function. In some cases, HCG is a more conservative option to improve testosterone levels before trying TRT. It is also important to note the role of estrogen in men. Males produce estrogens from testosterone via the enzyme aromatase. Estrogen is vital for cognitive functioning, the cardiovascular system, maintenance of bone, fat control, and sexual function. As you may expect, too much or too little estrogen can be detrimental to a man’s health. Because of this, some men will occasionally benefit from the use of an aromatase inhibitor (AI). Your doctor can further discuss the role of HCG and AIs with you.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of TRT?

The majority of side effects and risks associated with TRT are typically due to poorly managed protocols. Contrary to popular belief, TRT does not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolus, or blood clots.

TESTOSTERONE FEMALE:

What Is Testosterone?

Traditionally, we understand testosterone as being responsible for the development of male tissues. While testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males, it also plays numerous vital roles in females. In women, testosterone has been shown to increase libido, emotional wellbeing, muscle mass, pain tolerance, and neurotransmitter production. Additionally, it aids in memory retention, keeps skin from sagging, reduces body fat, and maintains bone density.

What Causes Low Testosterone In Women?

There are several causes of low testosterone in women, often related to menopause and perimenopause. That said, women may also experience low testosterone secondary to estrogen dominance, childbirth, cancer treatment, adrenal fatigue, use of birth control pills, depression, endometriosis, and statin drugs.

Women With Low Testosterone May Experience:

Poor libido
Decreased quality and quantity of orgasms
Diminished nipple and clitoral sensitivity
Sarcopenia (muscle wasting & weight gain)
Reduced collagen elasticity (sagging cheeks and eyelids and thin lips)

What You Need To Know About Testosterone:

Poor libido
Decreased quality and quantity of orgasms
Diminished nipple and clitoral sensitivity
Sarcopenia (muscle wasting & weight gain)
Reduced collagen elasticity (sagging cheeks and eyelids and thin lips)

Women, Testosterone, & Libido:

As alluded to above, testosterone is crucial for female libido. The female body is remarkably sensitive to testosterone; therefore, only small amounts are required to elicit substantial results. Testosterone has been shown to increase female (and male) libido, as well as clitoral and nipple sensitivity and lust. Women with what would be considered regular hormonal activity demonstrate an even more substantial increase in libido.

Ideal candidates for hormone replacement therapy include men and women who are experiencing hormonal imbalances, which is common as people age. These imbalances can cause symptoms such as:

Depression
Low sex drive
Weight gain
Mood fluctuations
Anxiety
Fatigue
Brain fog

Hormone Therapy

Treatment will result in benefits such as regaining energy and attaining optimal health and function by correcting the abnormal hormone levels in your body.

NEED HELP?

If you have any questions or are simply looking for more information please contact us and our friendly team will be happy to answer your questions and help in any way we can.