Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for Male Andropause

What are bioidentical hormones?

The Endocrine Society defines bioidentical hormones as “compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the human body.”

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) treats the symptoms of male andropause and female perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.

The following is an overview of basic differences between conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT):

HRT BHRT
Hormones are identical to human hormones No Yes
Dosage customized for individual patient No Yes
Hormone balance goal of therapy No Yes
Primary goal is improved quality of life Possibly Yes
Primary goal is to prevent disease Yes No

Male Andropause

Until recently, age-related male hormone changes had not been considered problematic because changes can be more subtle than in women, and fertility persists in men through advanced age. However, careful evaluation of male hormone changes reveals age-related variations in metabolism, nervous system, and endocrine functions. These changes, which generally begin when a man is in his 40s to 50s, are signs of andropause, the male equivalent to menopause.

What can you do about male hormone imbalance?

Optimal hormone health is dependent on a balance of hormones. Men with imbalances in androgen, estrogen, and progesterone can benefit from hormone replacement. Dr. Kevin Davison uses the following treatment regimen to balance hormones:

  • Hormones are measured using blood, saliva, and/or urine testing to determine insufficiencies or deficiencies.
  • Hormone balance is accomplished through accurate interpretation of labs, clinical findings and symptoms.
  • To establish a balance, a combination of nutraceuticals and/ or bioidentical hormone extracts/implants will be used.

Why should I test my hormones?

Saliva, blood, or urine tests are used to monitor hormone balance of male sex hormones (DHEA, adrostenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol, and progesterone) and activating hormones (FSH and LH). . Collectively, these hormones provide an accurate metabolic profile that Dr. Davison uses to determine correct dosage. . Testing hormone levels minimizes side effects and maximizes benefits by ensuring the ideal balance of hormones in the body. Since hormones can vary greatly between each patient, an accurate profile can assure an effective, specific treatment plan.

For more information on the saliva test (most commonly used) visit male hormone panel.

 

Hormone Implants

Delivery of hormones via subcutaneous implant has proven highly effective because:

  • Pellet implants deliver consistent, physiologic levels of hormones.
  • Consistent physiologic levels maintain and improve bone density.
  • Pellet implants bypass the liver and do not negatively impact clotting factors, blood pressure, lipid levels, or liver function.

Pellet implants have consistently been shown to improve:

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Sex drive and libido
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood and depression
  • Joint aches and pains

For more information on hormone implants, please review the FAQ Pellet Implant document.

BHRT implants are for you:

If you are a middle-aged man with any of the following conditions:

  • Impaired libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Baldness and/or extremity hair thinning
  • Fat accumulation around the waist
  • Urinary problems such as pain, frequency or urgency, or interrupted stream
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Lack of enthusiasm for life
  • Increase in bad cholesterol, and decrease in good cholesterol
  • Osteoporosis

If you are a young man with any of the following conditions:

  • Impaired libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Early baldness
  • Inability to lose weight

If you are still unsure whether you are suffering from male andropause, take the following survey provided by All Saints Clinic. Your score will help you understand if testosterone treatment might be an option.