As we grow older, our hormone production decreases naturally, which can lead to various signs of aging such as poor memory, decreased energy levels, and low quality of sleep. Hormones are responsible for controlling a wide range of bodily functions, from appetite to sexual drive, and can also affect mood, heart health, bone density, skin health, and internal organ health. Therefore, it is important to maintain hormonal balance for overall health and well-being.
Although hormones play such a critical role in our health and longevity, there is a lot of misinformation and myths surrounding hormones and the role of hormone replacement therapy. In this article, we will focus on debunking some of these myths and providing accurate information about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy, specifically bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for men:
Myth: Your Testosterone Levels Stay Relatively The Same After Puberty
Fact: Testosterone levels have been on a steady decline in the past several decades.
Recent research has shown that over the past 20 years, the average amount of testosterone among men has significantly decreased. More specifically, the average 22-year-old today has the same testosterone levels a 67-year-old had in 2000. In the last two decades, testosterone levels have fallen over 50%. The decline of testosterone levels is caused by poor nutrition and increased exposure to toxins, pollutants, and pesticides. Moreover, studies suggest that these trends are continuing and that by the age of 80, hormone levels in most men will fall to pre-puberty levels.
Myth: Testosterone Is Just A Sex Hormone That Does Not Impact Overall Health
Fact: Testosterone is incredibly influential in men’s wellness
Maintaining testosterone levels is crucial for male health, as even a minor decline or imbalance in hormone values can have a significant impact. Testosterone deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including brain fog, depression, difficulty building muscle, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, increased belly fat, lack of motivation, loss of libido, low energy, poor physical performance, reduced muscle mass, sleep apnea, or unexpected weight gain.
Myth: Bio-Identical & Synthetic Hormone Therapies Are The Same
Fact: Bio-identical hormones are typically a safer, more effective hormone therapy
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
The natural bioidentical hormones are very different from their synthetic versions, often having completely opposite physical and cellular effects. Natural hormones are replicated from plant materials with the exact same chemical structure as what your body produces. They are the same, they are (bio) identical, the body should not know the difference.
What Are Synthetic Hormones?
The most prescribed drug combination hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women is Premarin (conjugated equine estrogens) and Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate). Premarin, the most popular estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), is derived from pregnant horses and contains mostly estrone and a number of equine (horse) estrogens that are not natural to humans. Many of these foreign estrogens bind very tightly to the human estrogen receptors, making them highly stimulating and carcinogenic.
Myth: There Is Little Research Or Evidence On The Benefits Of BHRT
Fact: The potential benefits of BHRT are well documented
Men’s health is plagued by many conditions, some of which are triggered or stimulated by hormone imbalances. For example, mental health issues, heart disease, and prostate function are all influenced by hormone activity. Men who are at risk of developing or are already suffering from such conditions can benefit from BHRT:
Mental Health
As men age, declining hormone levels can affect their mood, memory, and liveliness. Recent research has shown that testosterone levels have a significant impact on neurological function. Studies have found that those with higher levels of free testosterone presented better scores on a variety of neurological tests that assessed, among other factors, memory and visuospatial function. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can improve testosterone and other hormone values, which in turn helps limit neurological degradation and protect mental function.
Heart Disease
Maintaining appropriate hormone balance may play a critical role in keeping the heart functioning at its best. Studies show that nonsmoking participants with the highest testosterone levels had a 60% lower risk of atherosclerosis, an arterial disease that contributes to heart failure, when compared to those with poor testosterone levels. BHRT can optimize hormone levels, specifically testosterone, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by promoting lower LDL or bad cholesterol, higher HDL or good cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improved heart rhythm, reduced body fat, lower triglyceride count, and better oxygen uptake.
Prostate Function
Studies suggest that the greater prevalence of prostate problems may be associated with the decline of hormone values among men. Prostate enlargement or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a common male health issue. It is estimated that over 40 percent of American men over the age of 50 will suffer from a benign prostate illness like BPH. Prostate cancer is also a major concern, with most men who live past the age of 65 developing it. BHRT can significantly reduce the risk of prostate issues such as BPH and prostate cancer by maintaining appropriate values of hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, which the prostate relies on.
Starting Your BHRT Journey
Remember, bio-identical hormones are structurally identical to hormones that are produced by the human body. Holtorf Medical Group’s bio-identical hormones are derived from plants and are received from a highly trusted compounding pharmacy. Knowledgeable doctors will encourage bio-identical hormone replacement therapy as it can boost energy levels, support weight loss, decrease recovery time, improve mood and mental clarity, and so much more. It is also important to note that hormone therapy can reduce incidences of breast and uterine cancers and lower the risk of heart disease, strokes, and dementia.
Start your journey today by calling us at: (310) 375-2705
