Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Men: Benefits & Risks
As men age, it’s natural for testosterone levels to decline, leading to various symptoms that can affect quality of life. This decline often begins as early as the mid-30s but becomes more pronounced after 40, leading many men to seek solutions. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has emerged as a viable option to address these hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels. Understanding the benefits and considerations of HRT is crucial for men contemplating this treatment.
The Role of Testosterone in Men’s Health
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for regulating libido, bone density, muscle mass, and mood. A decline in testosterone can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, reduced sexual desire, and decreased muscle strength. . Additionally, lower testosterone levels have been linked to increased body fat, particularly around the abdomen, which can further impact metabolic health. These changes can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT aims to restore testosterone levels to a normal range, offering several potential benefits:
- Improved Energy Levels: Many men report increased vitality and reduced fatigue after undergoing HRT, allowing for a more active lifestyle. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with chronic lethargy, making daily activities and exercise feel less exhausting.
- Mood Stabilization: Balanced testosterone levels can alleviate mood swings, depression, and irritability, contributing to better mental health. Some studies suggest that HRT can even help reduce anxiety symptoms in men with clinically low testosterone.
- Enhanced Libido and Sexual Function: HRT has been shown to improve sexual desire and performance, addressing issues like erectile dysfunction. For men experiencing a noticeable drop in their sex drive, this can be a major factor in improving relationships and self-confidence.
- Increased Muscle Mass and Bone Density: Restoring testosterone can help rebuild muscle mass and strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. This is crucial, as weaker bones and muscle loss can increase the likelihood of injuries as men age.
- Improved Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that HRT may enhance cognitive abilities, including memory and concentration. Men who struggle with mental fog or forgetfulness may see an improvement in clarity and focus.
Considerations and Potential Side Effects
While HRT offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and side effects:
- Cardiovascular Health: Some research indicates a possible link between HRT and cardiovascular issues; however, findings are mixed, and more studies are needed.
- Prostate Health: There is concern that testosterone therapy might stimulate the growth of existing prostate cancer, though evidence is not conclusive.
- Sleep Apnea: HRT may exacerbate sleep apnea in some individuals.
- Blood Clotting: Increased red blood cell production can lead to a higher risk of blood clots.
Given these considerations, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before starting HRT. A thorough evaluation, including blood tests and medical history, will help determine if HRT is appropriate and safe.
Renewed Vitality’s Approach to HRT
At Renewed Vitality, we specialize in providing personalized HRT solutions tailored to each individual’s need, including:
- Detailed Assessments: We conduct thorough evaluations to understand your hormonal profile and health status.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Based on assessment results, we develop treatment plans that align with your health goals and lifestyle.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups ensure the therapy’s effectiveness and allow for adjustments as needed.
- Holistic Support: Beyond HRT, we offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to support overall well-being.
If low testosterone is slowing you down, the right hormone treatment can make a real difference. Our expert team provides personalized, comprehensive HRT solutions designed to fit your unique needs and get you back to feeling your best. Ready to take the next step? Feel free to contact us today! We’re here to support you on your health journey
As January of 2023 comes to a close, it’s a great time to prioritize your mental health by celebrating the end of World Health Esteem Month. Around the globe, this month was dedicated to emphasizing the importance of having high self esteem in your everyday life. Which is not to say that self esteem is always easy to maintain or improve – quite the opposite is true for millions of people.
The great news is that everyone can boost their self esteem and mental wellbeing by practicing a few techniques that can help boost one’s sense of self respect and positivity about who you are. To honor the end of World Health Esteem month, let’s take a closer look at a few reliable ways to bolster your self esteem that you can use throughout the year.
Commit to Physical Activity
According to board-certified neurologist and psychiatrist Julia Samton, exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on self-esteem and life satisfaction. More specifically, NIH research strongly suggests that adults between the ages of 18 to 65 should strive to get either 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of challenging physical activity per week. For people who don’t have easy access to a gym, it’s still possible to achieve this by walking for 30 minutes daily, Monday through Friday. Essentially, adopting and maintaining a regular exercise routine into your daily life can help you to feel strong physically and mentally, providing you with lasting feelings of accomplishment and self-worth.
Appreciate Your Strengths
Having confidence in yourself and your abilities also supports your self esteem. When you know you’re good at something and have the ability to succeed, valuing yourself and supporting your sense of self worth becomes easier. Recognizing the strengths you have and your own passions is an essential part of building and maintaining your self esteem.
While many of us may lack the confidence to begin something new, it’s still necessary to get started to prove to yourself that you have what it takes to do it. Below are just a few ways to help identify your strengths and how to work towards them:
- Commit time to identifying what you know your strengths are, even if you don’t feel like they’re developed enough. Write a list to visualize them to help motivate yourself toward making them even better.
- You can also take an assessment from trusted others and ask them to list down the things they think your strengths are.
- After making your list of strengths, make a list of the things you most-want to do or achieve, or even that simply interest you about work or life.
- Go back to that list of your strengths that others think you have and consider how to match them with your interests. If there are some additional traits you need to develop to become more of a successful part of the things you’re interested in, this matching will help you know what you can work on to get closer to reaching your goals.
Understand & Accept Your “Flaws”
Every person on our planet has flaws, which is to say things we wish could change or want to improve on. But to prevent these “flaws” from taking over our self-esteem, it is essential to separate the “flaws” that can be improved from those that are unchangeable. With unchangeable “flaws,” there are really just two options: you dwell on them or you can find acceptance. By accepting unchangeable parts of yourself you can start moving beyond the confines of the negativity you associate with them, whether it be clinical depression or even low-self-esteem.
It’s important to note that accepting your flaws isn’t that same as convincing yourself to like them. It just means choosing to no longer let that which is unchangeable have control over you. For example, instead of resisting or feeling completely overwhelmed by negative thoughts or feelings, accept them. They may not be likable. But you should allow yourself to feel them. This sort of thought process will help you accept your greater value as a person. As your self-esteem increases, your confidence and sense of well-being will also continue to grow.
Prioritize Self Care
Incorporating self-care techniques into your life is another reliable and comforting way to boost your self-esteem. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care prioritizes committing time to do things that help improve your quality of life, both for your physical health and mental health. In terms of mental health, self-care is a great way to help you manage stress, decrease your risk of illness, and improve your energy levels.
Self-care techniques include everything from maintaining a healthy and diverse diet, sticking to a regular sleeping schedule, including a relaxing activity in your daily routine, setting goals and priorities for yourself, and practicing gratitude by writing down the things you’re grateful for. Even small acts of self-care, like challenging your negative thought patterns with positive outlooks can have a substantial impact.
At Renewed Vitality, we strive to help every person in the Berks County community lead healthier lives with improved self esteem. We’re also the center for the area’s best facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We proudly serve both men and women with innovative and practiced care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms, improving and restoring quality of life for patients at any age. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality today!
While everyone’s body produces the natural hormone testosterone, it’s often associated and more highly concentrated in men. Essentially, testosterone is a hormone created predominately in the testicles and helps maintain your body’s healthy bone density, fat distribution, muscular strength and mass, facial and body hair, red blood cell production, sex drive, and sperm production.
As men age, testosterone levels naturally and slowly decline, which can worsen physiological conditions, general health levels, and quality of life. To help reduce the effects of decreased testosterone levels and negatively-correlated symptoms, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can be a promising option. However, it’s important to note that there are a lot of misconceptions about what the treatment can and can’t do for individuals.
Let’s take a closer look at what TRT is, its potential benefits, financial costs, and the types of TRT treatments that are commonly available.
What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
TRT is a treatment that medical professionals often prescribe to men who have testosterone deficiency and are showing symptoms of hypogonadism. Getting prescription testosterone has been proven to help restore the levels of this hormone in the blood, reversing the symptoms of low testosterone. Many men who take it can notice improvements in alertness, sexual function, energy levels, mood, and more.
Medical professionals typically prescribe TRT to males who have hypogonadism. To get a definitive evaluation, blood tests must show that an individual has low testosterone levels, which the American Urological Association defines as being below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Individuals usually have to also be experiencing other symptoms, including fatigue, breast growth, and sexual dysfunction.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you likely don’t feel as good as you should. Beyond day-to-day symptoms, low levels of testosterone can also impact your body’s ability to carry out critical functions, which can increase your risk for other serious health concerns, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms do vary for each person, but if you experience several or all of the symptoms below, it’s worth getting your T levels checked:
- Decreased muscular strength and stamina
- Low sex drive
- Erectile difficulties
- Diminished sperm volume
- Unusual weight gain or body fat redistribution
- Changes in Mood
How Much Does TRT Cost?
For most patients, TRT doesn’t have to be very costly. Additionally, the majority of health insurance companies cover a wide range of testosterone replacement therapy forms, which means you’ll. Co-pays can range anywhere from $30-$100 per month, depending on your location, treatment schedule, and insurance plan. Generic options also help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for TRT.
Without insurance, TRT injections are usually the least costly type and can range from $50 to $100 per month. Solutions in the form of gels, creams, and patches usually range between $200 and $500 per month.
TRT is a great option for restoring and bolstering your overall health, wellness, and sense of well being. But remember that costs and types of treatment may vary depending on your needs. Be sure to consult with your primary doctor to figure out the best methods for TRT for you.
Is TRT Right for You?
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, be sure to consult with your primary care physician. A healthcare professional can detail the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, any potential risks, and work with you to formulate a treatment plan.
The official U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does warn about the potential risk of heart attacks and strokes for some individuals receiving TRT (FDA, 2018). Testosterone treatment can also have side effects like infertility. Additionally, it may not be a good solution for you if you have certain medical conditions, such as prostate cancer.
At Renewed Vitality, we always strive to give patients the most natural results possible with the least amount of side effects. That’s why every hormone replacement treatment option we offer, including those for testosterone replacement therapy, uses bioidentical hormones. To better consider your potential TRT treatment options, contact us today to get started!
Being diagnosed with and experiencing breast cancer is extraordinarily difficult for both patients and loved ones. For breast cancer survivors, there are thankfully a few reliable options that can improve and restore quality of life to similar levels, pre-diagnosis. Hormone therapy is one such option for breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones.
Hormone therapy to treat breast cancer can be a great option after undergoing surgery to decrease the chance that the cancer will return. Such hormone therapy may also be used to reduce the size of a tumor before surgery, increasing the probability that the cancer will be removed in its entirety. Even if a patient’s cancer has spread to other parts of the body, hormone therapy for breast cancer may help control it.
Let’s take a closer look at how proper hormonal therapy works and can benefit breast cancer survivors.
Hormones and Hormone Therapy
Starting with the basics, hormones are essentially chemical messengers that regulate specific functions in the body, including reproduction. Hormones are created and released by many glands in the body and eventually enter the bloodstream, where they circulate to other tissues across the body.
In terms of hormone therapy, the most common forms of breast cancer are either designed to block hormones from binding to receptors on cancer cells or to decrease the body’s creation of hormones. More specifically, hormone therapy is typically used for breast cancers that are found to have receptors for the naturally-occurring hormones estrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy can prevent these hormones from attaching to cancer cells, which stops the cells from growing, and as a result, prevents or delays breast cancer recurrence. Hormone therapy can also reduce or prevent the occurrence of a second, independent breast cancer.
Hormone Therapy Myths
While still a controversial issue, bioidentical hormones are increasingly believed to not cause cancer. The belief that they did began with a false impression back in 1991 when the very controversial Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was stopped because of the increased occurrence of chronic disease among subjects. This study incorporated the synthetic hormone, Prempro, and study subjects were 63 years old on average.
Meta-analyses following this study have shown both that most of the subjects came with pre-existing conditions that led to the development of disease during the study, and that hormones have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases in women.
Importantly, over 15 major medical organizations now encourage hormone therapy as part of a safe and effective treatment plan for many adverse health conditions (2013). And, according to a 2015 survey conducted by the North American Menopause Society, over 60 percent of clinicians prescribe or support the application of bioidentical hormones.
When is Hormone Therapy Used for Breast Cancer?
As mentioned above, hormone therapy is typically prescribed after surgery (as adjuvant therapy) to reduce the probability of the cancer returning. It is also, sometimes, started before surgery as neoadjuvant therapy.
Hormone therapy for breast cancer is usually taken for approximately 5 years. Treatment that goes beyond 5 years is usually made available to women who have cancers that carry a more substantial risk of coming back. In essence, hormone therapy can still be an effective solution to treat cancer that has come back after treatment or that has spread to other parts of the body.
Hormone therapy for breast cancer can be an incredible treatment solution for women who have survived breast cancer and want to improve their health and quality of life while reducing their risk for future cancers. If you and your healthcare provider think hormone therapy for breast cancer could be a good option for you, contact Renewed Vitality today! We are the Reading area’s hormone therapy resource and can help you start feeling healthy and like yourself again.
It’s well known that experiencing menopause symptoms can be physically uncomfortable and even painful, but the important mental changes that come with it are less discussed.
For instance, it’s common for people to assume that menopause refers to a sudden stopping point, specifically when a woman has not had a menstrual period for twelve months or even longer. But there are phyical and mental symptoms as menopause approaches that can last for many years.
Not only that, but a lot of women continue to experience those same or different symptoms post-menopausally, making it essential to recognize that menopause isn’t just s single physical or mental event in a woman’s life. Essentially, women don’t just go through a steady, incremental hormonal decline. Rather, there’s usually a period of fluctuating hormone levels that can make it hard to tell how you’re going to feel day-to-day.
Officially called perimenopause, this is the lead-up to menopause and usually begins for women around their early to mid-forties. In this age range, levels of the hormones that are strongly tied to reproductive capability, like estrogen and progesterone, start to reduce. This decrease in can lead to physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes
- Sweating in your sleep
- Mood swings
- Body and joint aches
- Exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mental fogginess
CBT To Help Menopause Symptoms
The great news is that there’s ongoing research on the benefits of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) when applied to patients with menopause symptoms. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. This type of therapy helps patients become aware of and resistant to their negative thinking, helping them to respond to challenging situations in better ways.
Specifically, researchers have been looking for reliable therapies to mitigate the severity of experiencing menopause. For example, scientists used CBT to treat menopause symptoms, and it proved effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats. More generally, CBT showed positive outcomes in the treatment of a variety of mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. Additionally, a new study published in the journal Menopause concluded that 71 women participants found that cognitive therapy may be effective in managing other symptoms of menopause, including sleep disorders and sexual difficulties.
If you or a loved one are experiencing menopause symptoms, CBT may be a great choice for treating them and the negative thoughts surrounding them. In addition to looking for and exploring therapeutic support, you can help yourself with menopause symptoms by practicing the tips below:
Challenge Your Negative Thinking
Trying to better understand how your thinking patterns impact your experience with menopause doesn’t mean your negative symptoms aren’t valid, but it thankfully does give you more control. Consider what are you thinking during a hot flash, a moment of exhaustion, or a sexual experience—and how might negative thinking be worsening things? For instance, are you angry with yourself at having a flash in the first place or worried that people will notice? This could be creating more anxiety than you should have to deal with.
If you’ve found a thought process that you think is negatively impacting your menopause symptoms, you have the power to change it! For example, are you actually noticing that people are judging you negatively for having a hot flash—or is it more likely that people aren’t aware in the first place?
Find Support In Others
Beyond effective therapy, if needed, it could be helpful to connect with other women experiencing similar difficulties. Although symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats are well documented and researched, many people are not as aware of the chronic fatigue, overall feeling of unwellness, and other changes in your mood that can result from menopausal challenges. Connecting with women who are experiencing similar symptoms can help you cope in a more positive way that leaves you feeling more available to be productive and like yourself.
Embrace The Potential For Change
It can seem almost impossible to view menopause as a time for positive development. But even among all of the menopausal challenges a lot of women face, it’s possible to think of menopause as a positive phase in life. Consider that many women see the experience as an opportunity to embark on new professions or practice new creative endeavors. Embracing that life is a temporary thing can be a useful tool toward making the most of it. As our bodies, emotions, and minds change, considering yourself and your well-being as the main focus could open up possibilities for all kinds of positive change.
Are you or a loved one struggling with menopausal symptoms? Hormone replacement therapy at Renewed Vitality could be a great option! At Renewed Vitality, our bioidentical hormones are more efficient and carry fewer adverse health risks than synthetic hormone options. For example, giving yourself a boost of testosterone or estrogen as needed can help you feel healthier and more like yourself. If you’re interested in this treatment, please contact us here to learn more!
We’re excited to announce that Debra Hampton joined Renewed Vitality in early 2020 and has been doing great work ever since. She’s the newest member of our team and a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with the National Certification Corporation.
Debra completed her undergraduate degree at Eastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She continued to pursue her love of education by graduating with a Master’s Degree from Drexel University in 2012. She received BioIdentical Hormone Replacement training under the supervision of Rebecca McClure CRNP.
While working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, she decided to expand her passion by specializing in women’s health so she could provide care for women throughout their lifespans, from adolescence through menopause. Now with more than 27 years years of experience both in the hospital and office setting, she’s committed to providing excellent patient care and satisfying the medical needs of each patient.
Debra’s professional emphasis has been focused on preventative medicine and maintaining wellness. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with her patients and working together to provide them with education for greater empowerment regarding their health care decisions.
Obstetrics was Debra’s passion for many years, until she started training under Rebecca McClure, Renewed Vitality’s practitioner. Debra saw how McClure was changing the lives of others with BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Therapy and how she treated issues associated with aging. Men and women are able to regain their life back by improving their quality of life.
Since the beginning of her career, Debra has enjoyed caring for women in all stages of their lives and strives to make a positive difference in their health journeys. Renewed Vitality helps make that difference happen, and is the main reason why she decided to join the team. Everyone at Renewed Vitality works as a family, doing their best to positively impact patient lives.
Debra’s favorite thing about working at Renewed Vitality is being able to engage with wonderful patients and staff. Renewed Vitality offers a welcoming atmosphere not just with the staff, but with each and every person who comes to the office. According to Debra, working at Renewed Vitality makes it possible to build meaningful relationships with patients and share in the excitement of their lives.
Debra’s work helps Renewed Vitality impact patient well beings by taking the time to listen and help them regain important parts of their lives. She shared that she is married to a wonderful man, and they have 4 children: 2 sons and 2 daughters. When she’s not hard at work helping patients, Debra likes to spend time with her family and explore the outdoors.
Please welcome Debra Hampton to our wonderful team!
Renewed Vitality is the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering trusted, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, feel free to contact Renewed Vitality today!
Infertility is a common condition and impacts about 20 percent of all couples. An official medical diagnosis of infertility is usually given when a couple has been unsuccessful after trying to conceive over a full year’s time. When the cause of infertility appears to result from the female partner, it is called female infertility. Female infertility factors contribute to about 50% of all infertility cases, and infertility in women makes up about one-third of all infertility cases.
Becoming pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to term are physically and emotionally taxing processes with a lot of complicated aspects. Quite a few things can go wrong during the pregnancy process and ultimately lead to infertility.
The list below includes only some of the common causes of infertility, and any woman experiencing difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term should contact her healthcare provider about potential treatments.
What will a doctor evaluate to diagnose female infertility?
Your trusted healthcare provider will need details about your menstrual periods, any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or vaginal discharge. You may also be asked for information about previous pelvic infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some of the medical questions professionals may ask include:
- Have you previously been pregnant or had any miscarriages?
- Does your menstrual cycle feel normal and seem on-time or is it painful and irregular?
- Are you experiencing heavy bleeding or abnormal discharge?
- Have you previously undergone any abdominal surgeries?
What causes female infertility to occur?
There are a wide range of potential causes for female infertility, but it can be challenging to specify the precise one. There are plenty of couples who even experience “undetermined” infertility or “multi-factor” infertility (meaning multiple causes, often from both male and female factors). Some potential causes include:
Uterus Issues: Problems with the uterus may include polyps, fibroids, septum, or adhesions within the uterine cavity. Polyps and fibroids in particular could form at any time while other issues (like a septum) can be with you since birth or come as a result of surgery, like for dilations and curettage.
Ovulation Complications: There are a large variety of reasons why a woman might not be ovulating normally. Ovulation difficulty usually results from things like hormonal imbalances, a history with eating disorders, substance abuse, abnormal thyroid conditions, severe stress, and even pituitary tumors.
Fallopian Tube Problems: Infertility that results from “tubal factors” typically include pelvic inflammatory disease that results from having chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Egg Number And Quality: At birth, women come into the world with all the eggs their body will ever produce, and these carry the potential to leave the body early and entirely, all before menopause. Some eggs will even have the wrong number of chromosomes and won’t be able to grow into a healthy fetus. Some of these chromosomal problems (including “balanced translocation”) may affect every egg, while others occur more chaotically but become increasingly common as a woman ages.
At Renewed Vitality, our dedicated teams are focused on helping people stay informed and passionate about their lives and health, including for infertility problems and associated conditions like low estrogen levels and hormone complications.
We are also the Berks County area’s premier facility for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. We serve both men and women, offering safe, effective care that relieves hormone imbalance symptoms and restores quality of life for patients at all stages of life. To learn more, don’t hesitate to contact Renewed Vitality today!
