Men's Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
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Men's Bioidentical Hormone Replacement -
Bioidentical Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men
Common Signs and Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency
INCREASE IN:
Body Fat, Abdominal Girth
Mood Swings, Irritability
Anxiety, Depression
Fatigue, Sleepiness
Risk for bone fractures
Memory Loss
Insomnia, Interrupted Sleep
DECREASE IN:
Sexual Desire
Ability to Maintain Erections
Spontaneous Morning Erections
Muscle Mass, Strength
Bone Density
Exercise Endurance, Overall Energy
Mental Clarity, Ability to Concentrate
Injectable Testosterone Replacement:
Testosterone Administration:
Various testosterone formulations are available, including single-ester options like testosterone cypionate or enanthate, as well as multi-ester blends. These options allow for tailoring dosing frequency and effectiveness to each patient’s needs, ensuring steady hormone levels.
Anastrozole (if needed):
Some men may experience elevated estrogen levels as testosterone converts to estrogen (aromatization). Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, can be used to manage this, reducing the risk of estrogen-related side effects such as water retention or gynecomastia.
Gonadorelin for Testicular Function:
Gonadorelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It helps preserve natural testicular function and fertility during TRT by promoting endogenous testosterone and sperm production.
Pellet Testosterone Replacement:
Pellets are small, bio-identical implants made from testosterone. The pellets mimic the body’s natural release of testosterone, avoiding the peaks and troughs that can occur with injections. This ensues optimal stability of energy, mood, and libido. This also decreases the risks for increased estrogen levels and increased red blood cell production (when compared to injectable Testosterone replacement therapy).
Timeline
1. Virtual Consultation: Provider and patient meet on video visit and perform the consultation. A lab order will be given to the patient to ensure this treatment regimen is appropriate and safe for the patient. A follow up visit for lab review will be performed. This is the visit at which patient will or will not be cleared for the treatment.
2. Initial Pellet Insertion: The medical provider will go to the patient’s home and perform the minimally-invasive pellet insertion. This is a simple outpatient procedure and local anesthesia is applied to the insertion site prior to the procedure.
3. Booster Visit: This only occurs after the first insertion. The patient will be required to obtain blood work at 5 weeks post insertion. An order will be provided. Based on the patient’s most recent testosterone level, an insertion of a booster dose of pellets may be required to reach optimal levels.
4. Follow Up Insertions: The pellets will last an average of 3-6 months. This time period will depend on your metabolism rate, activity level, hormone needs, sensitivity to treatment, body composition, and lifestyle factors.
Average Cost Expectations:
Initial Consultation (Online): $99
Follow Up Visits (Online): $69
Injectable TRT Medications: Varies $200-$500 Every 10 Weeks
Initial Pellet Insertion Visit: $700
Booster Pellet Insertion: $350
Follow Up Pellet Insertion Visits: $700
Testosterone Replacement FAQ’s
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Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is considered safe for men when administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider and used appropriately. TRT aims to restore testosterone levels to within a normal range, addressing symptoms associated with low testosterone levels such as decreased libido, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. When prescribed correctly and monitored regularly, TRT can improve quality of life and overall well-being in men. Additionally, advancements in TRT formulations and delivery methods, along with individualized treatment plans, help minimize potential side effects.
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Injectable testosterone is often considered the preferred form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men due to its efficacy, convenience, and reliability. Injectable testosterone delivers a consistent and sustained release of hormone into the bloodstream, ensuring stable levels over time. This stability helps minimize fluctuations in testosterone levels, reducing the risk of side effects and providing more predictable symptom relief. Additionally, injectable testosterone requires less frequent dosing compared to other forms such as gels or patches, making it a convenient option for many men. Furthermore, injectable testosterone is typically cost-effective and may offer better absorption compared to oral formulations, which can be affected by factors like gastrointestinal absorption and liver metabolism.
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Blood Testing: Hormone levels are tested in blood samples through a process where a healthcare professional draws a small amount of blood from a vein, typically in the arm. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes analysis to measure the concentrations of specific hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.
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The duration of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men varies depending on individual factors such as the underlying cause of testosterone deficiency, treatment goals, response to therapy, and overall health status. Some men may require TRT for a short period to address transient testosterone imbalances caused by factors like stress or medication use. In contrast, others may need long-term or lifelong treatment due to conditions such as hypogonadism, where the body is unable to produce adequate testosterone. Additionally, factors like age, lifestyle, and the presence of comorbidities may influence the duration of TRT. Ultimately, the decision to continue or discontinue TRT should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can assess the individual's response to treatment, monitor hormone levels, and adjust the treatment plan accordingly to optimize long-term health and well-being. Regular medical follow-ups are essential to ensure the ongoing safety and effectiveness of TRT.
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Several large-scale studies and meta-analyses have found no significant association between TRT and prostate cancer incidence or progression. In fact, some research suggests that low testosterone levels may be associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Additionally, studies have shown that men with prostate cancer who undergo TRT do not have worse cancer outcomes compared to those who do not receive TRT.
However, it's important to note that TRT should be used cautiously in men with a history of prostate cancer or those with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, as there is still some uncertainty regarding its safety in these populations. Healthcare providers typically assess individual risk factors and monitor prostate health closely in men receiving TRT.
Overall, while the evidence suggests that TRT does not significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer, men considering TRT should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision based on their individual health status and preferences. Regular monitoring of prostate health through PSA testing and digital rectal exams is recommended for men undergoing TRT.