BHT for Men

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by the endocrine glands into the bloodstream. They travel to distant tissues and organs where they play an essential role in regulating various bodily processes, from growth and metabolism to mood and sexual function. When you have too much or too little of certain hormones, you are said to have a hormonal imbalance. Many men with hormonal imbalances develop a host of uncomfortable symptoms.

BHT helps balance out hormones your body is no longer producing at optimal levels. For men, the most commonly replaced hormone is testosterone. This hormone is essential in regulating sexual function, fertility, muscle mass and strength, bone density, fat distribution and the production of red blood cells.

Imbalances in thyroid hormones can also develop in men. Thyroid hormones are important for metabolic function and influence nearly every aspect of health. BHT can restore both testosterone and thyroid hormones to their normal levels for better health and well-being.

Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Men

Because hormones play different roles throughout the body, hormone imbalances can lead to a wide range of signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms are not specific to hormonal imbalances, but they do often occur in those experiencing this health problem. Some signs of a hormonal imbalance in men include:

• Loss of muscle mass
• Reduced strength
• Chronic fatigue
• Weight gain
• Gynecomastia (man boobs)
• Thinning hair or baldness
• Dry skin
• Night sweats
• Sensitivity to cold or heat
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Depression
• Poor sleep
• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Brain fog
• Difficulty urinating
• Weak and brittle bones

When Should I Consider BHT?

Most men experience a sharp decline in testosterone and other hormones as they age, usually after age 45. However, that doesn’t mean every male needs to replace these lost hormones. Low testosterone levels, by themselves, are not a health problem that requires treatment. But when they lead to uncomfortable symptoms and reduced well-being, it may be worth considering BHT. Younger men can also experience a hormonal imbalance that affects their health and well-being. Here’s when you should consider BHT:

Andropause

If you are over 40 years of age and are noticing symptoms of declining testosterone levels, such as low libido, lack of energy and mood changes, you may be a candidate for BHT. Many men going through these changes — popularly termed andropause — brush off their symptoms as a normal part of aging. But normal aging in men does not involve these symptoms. That’s why we recommend getting BHT before your hormonal imbalance further impacts your health and well-being.

Hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. The condition can begin at any time during a man’s life — from birth to old age — often due to an illness or infection. Luckily, most forms of hypogonadism can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. If you were diagnosed with hypogonadism, speak to your doctor about trying BHT.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid problems are usually diagnosed in women, but they can occur in men as well. Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms include tiredness, feeling cold, constipation, weight gain and mood swings. Your practitioner can evaluate your thyroid hormones to see which bio-identical ones can help improve your symptoms.

Unexplained Symptoms

Sometimes, you may have unexplained symptoms with no known underlying cause. Chronic fatigue, low libido, mood changes, poor sleep and similar symptoms can often signal a hard-to-detect hormonal imbalance. In such cases, BHT may be helpful when other treatments fail to provide relief. Because bio-identical hormones are structurally identical to the ones produced by your body, there is minimal risk of side effects.

During your first consultation with us, we will carefully evaluate your symptoms and check your hormone levels to see if BHT is right for you. No matter if you are going through andropause, have been diagnosed with hypogonadism or hypothyroidism, or have unexplained symptoms that could indicate a hormonal imbalance, we can tailor BHT to meet your specific needs.

What to Expect During Treatment

Once you come for your scheduled appointment in our San Jose office, we will start by applying a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Your provider will then make a small incision in your gluteal or flank area to insert the pellet. The area is then covered with a small bandage.

After your appointment, you can resume your normal routine with no activity restrictions or downtime. There is no need for stitches or special post-procedure care. However, we do recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, bathing, hot tubs and swimming for the first 24 hours. You will need to have your pellet replaced two to three times a year, during which time we will monitor your hormone levels and adjust your dose as needed.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Results

Many of our patients receiving BHT for low testosterone or thyroid hormones say the experience is life-changing. They experience fewer symptoms associated with low hormone levels and improvements in their energy levels, mood and sleep, body composition and sexual functioning. These changes can be noticeable within weeks after receiving BHT and include:

• Increased energy
• Enhanced mental clarity
• Balanced mood
• Better sleep
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Reduced body fat
• Enhanced libido
• Better sexual functioning
• Healthier hair and skin

And because hormones play important roles for health, there may be a reduced risk of certain conditions with this treatment. Having balanced hormones may help protect you against heart disease, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome and even certain types of cancer. How long you should receive treatment depends on your personal preferences or on the problem being treated. Some patients cease treatment once their symptoms improve, while others benefit from continuing with therapy indefinitely (e.g. those with hypogonadism).

The Luminance Difference

At Luminance Regenerative Beauty & Wellness, we want to help you look and feel your absolute best. We hope to achieve this through a holistic approach using advanced technology rooted in the power of regenerative medicine. Dr. Anjali Dhar takes her compassionate care and extensive medical experience to create treatment plans that are cutting-edge and tailored to meet your unique needs.

With BHT for men specifically, we hope to restore your health and well-being by addressing common hormonal imbalances. Dr. Dhar and her team work closely with you to craft a personalized treatment plan and guide you on a transformative journey toward renewed health and wellness. Schedule an appointment with us and experience the Luminance difference for yourself.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health and balance your hormones, our experienced team is here to help. We treat all causes of hormonal imbalance and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals to help you feel your best. To get started, click here to book your appointment or call our office at 669-214-2967.