One of the hallmarks of aging is a natural decline in the production of hormones that help us maintain our health and lifestyles. For men, testosterone levels begin to taper near age 50, which can mean a sudden change in many of your normal habits and practices. Fortunately, the advantage of modern science means no man has to live with the symptoms of rapidly decreasing hormones. At Medical Transformation Center in Louisville, KY we believe your wellness can be protected and improved with hormone replacement therapy for men.
How Much Does It Cost for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
One of the top questions patients ask about this treatment concerns the overall cost of hormone replacement therapy. While this is a sensible inquiry given that most insurance plans do not cover the cost of this type of treatment, the fact of the matter is that hormone replacement therapy is one of the most affordable treatments you could consider.
On average, the typical cost of hormone replacement therapy is somewhere in the range of $30 to $90 per month. The cost of your treatment will depend on a few factors, such as the treatment method you are using and the level of hormones you require in each dose.
Top Reasons Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Save You Money
The cost of this treatment is significantly lower than surgeries or other treatments – but there are other ways this treatment can save you money in the long run, such as:
1. Stop Spending on Other Medications
The symptoms of declining testosterone might mean you are on several medications to treat various other issues, such as using a sexual enhancement treatment for erectile dysfunction or psychotropic medications for low moods. Hormone replacement therapy allows you to take fewer overall medications, as the correction of hormones in your body may make other medications unnecessary or redundant.
2. Lower the Cost of Other Therapies or Treatments You Need
By the same token, using hormone replacement therapy might mean you no longer need other treatments and therapies to address the symptoms of low testosterone. This ultimately lowers any co-pays or out-of-pocket costs required for other treatments.
3. Spend Less on Lifestyle Costs
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, then it’s likely that you’ve tried to invest in lifestyle products to manage the symptoms on your own. This can include anything from dietary supplements and protein powder to appearance-related costs, such as Rogaine. Hormone replacement therapy is typically powerful enough to reduce the need for other non-medical treatments.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men?
For men, hormone replacement therapy generally refers to medications that raise the level of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is the primary male hormone, which dictates many aspects of health, including sexual interest and performance, as well as brain and bone health. When testosterone lowers as a result of the natural aging process, men become more vulnerable to health issues. Hormone replacement therapy can act as relief for these issues and a preventative measure at the same time.
How Do Bioidentical Hormones Work?
By far the most popular and effective hormone therapy is treatment with bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are essentially natural hormones, usually derived from yams and soy, that can mimic the structure and function of human hormones. By reintroducing bioidentical testosterone to the male body, the majority of symptoms associated with low testosterone can be alleviated.
Why Are Bioidentical Hormones Better Than Other Hormone Therapies?
Bioidentical hormones are often considered a safer and better alternative than traditional hormone replacement. Several years ago, the most common hormone replacement therapy was done with synthetic hormones, which were not structurally compatible with the human body and had high risks of unintended side effects.
Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, have such a similar structure to human hormones that the body cannot tell the difference. Additionally, bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources, which significantly decreases the risk of adverse side effects and are more easily absorbed by the body.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
When it comes to the treatment methods used for hormone replacement therapy for men, you have several treatment options. These treatment options include:
Intramuscular Injections
Testosterone is injected into the buttocks every few weeks, usually about once or twice a month. Intramuscular injections are ideal for patients who prefer a quicker absorption, or who have more severe symptoms that benefit from a quicker treatment.
Pellets
Pellets are generally a long-term treatment with a slow, consistent release of testosterone into the body. Testosterone pellets, which are about the same size as a grain of rice, are injected into the buttocks once about every three or four months. Pellets are a good option for patients who are searching for a steady treatment of multiple symptoms.
Topical Gels or Creams
Topical gels or creams are loaded with a certain percentage of testosterone and are applied daily to various parts of the body, such as the arms or the abdomen. Topical treatments might be good choices for men who have minor symptoms or who are using testosterone to target a specific issue.
Patches
Patches are another topical treatment in which a small patch of testosterone is applied to the body each day, typically in a rotating pattern to get the best results. Patches are ideal for patients who seek consistent levels of testosterone but who do not want injections.
How Do You Know Which Treatment Option Is Right for You?
Determining the type of treatment option right for you depends on a few factors. For example, what is the dosage ideal to treat your symptoms? If you have more symptoms or require greater levels of testosterone, then topical treatments might not work for you. Your age and physical ability might also be factors, as well as the symptoms you are seeking treatment for. We will help you determine which treatment option is the best fit for your particular needs.
What Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Treat?
Not all men experience the effects of low testosterone in the same way. Some men have many minor symptoms, while others have a few main symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy used to treat low testosterone can address many issues, including:
- Overactive bladder
- Muscle loss and loss of strength
- General sense of fatigue
- Underactive immune system
- Lower sex drive
- Decrease in spontaneous erections
- Decrease in testicle size
- Reduction in body and facial hair
- Osteoporosis
- Hot flashes
- Decrease in sperm count
- Increase in body fat
- Mood swings and depression
- Dry skin and rapid skin aging
- Increase in body cholesterol
- Problems in memory formation
- Poor concentration
- Anemia and a decrease in hemoglobin
- Muscle and joint ache
- Decreased sense of well-being
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance in Men?
About 40% of men aged 45 and older experience symptoms of low testosterone, a number which increases as men grow older. Hormonal imbalance can be caused by many health conditions, such as:
- Obesity
- High body mass index (BMI)
- High-fat diet
- Frequent alcohol consumption or alcohol abuse
- Cigarette smoking
- Malnutrition
What Are the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men?
There are many benefits to hormone replacement therapy that men find advantageous. Aside from a sense of life returning to normal, the benefits of this treatment also include:
Correct Libido and Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction associated with low testosterone is one of the most frequently seen symptoms and also the symptom that can be the most demoralizing. Low libido or sexual interest compounded with an inability to perform can take a toll on a man’s self-confidence.
Hormone replacement therapy corrects the cause of low libido and erectile dysfunction so that men can maintain a normal sex drive and level of sexual activity.
Boost Metabolism and Maintain Healthy Body Weight
Another common sign that testosterone in lowering in the body is sudden unexplained weight gain. Weight gain associated with low testosterone is typically caused by a sluggish metabolism, which is sensitive to the hormones in the body and decreases along with testosterone.
When metabolism is slow, it becomes very easy for the body to store fat and for men to gain weight. Hormone replacement therapy can boost metabolism and help men lose weight or maintain ideal body weight.
Protect Overall Body Health
The level of testosterone in your body dictates many aspects of your health, including hair, skin, nails, bones, muscles, and blood. When testosterone is low, other hormones and functions in your body will decrease.
For example, low testosterone is associated with the development of osteoporosis, dry skin, and thinning hair. Low testosterone is also associated with anemia and other cardiovascular health concerns.
Better Brain Function, Mood, and Behavior
Because testosterone is involved in every function of the body, it should come as no surprise that your neurological and psychological health are also susceptible to low testosterone.
In men, low levels of testosterone are associated with confusion, memory problems, fatigue, sleep disturbance, irritability, mood swings, and depression. When testosterone levels are restored, men are able to maintain control over their mood and feel that they can think more clearly.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men Like?
There are a few steps you can expect when you have hormone replacement therapy at our clinic. We strive to give every patient the personalized care they need, which will include:
Consultation
You will need to attend a consultation appointment, which will allow us to discuss your symptoms and your general health. We will talk about reasonable expectations for treatment and determine if your physical health is adequate for treatment. All patients will be required to complete a physical exam and a serum test, which assesses the level of testosterone present in your blood. The serum test is generally completed in the morning for more accurate results.
Treatment Appointments
Your treatment appointments will be determined by the treatment method you are using, the optimal testosterone dosage you require for desired results, and the severity of your symptoms. The frequency of your treatments will be determined by how well you feel and by follow-up serum tests to assess the amount of testosterone in your body.
Recovery and Results
There is no recovery time associated with this treatment, as most patients immediately return to normal daily activities following treatment appointments. Results, on the other hand, are subject to some variation.
The speed at which you will notice the results of your treatment will depend on your body chemistry, the level of hormones in your dosage, and the treatment method. Overall, you can expect the results of this treatment to be gradual, usually becoming noticeable after two to three weeks. The majority of patients can enjoy the full results of treatment within six to eight weeks after the first appointment.
Who Are Good Candidates for Treatment?
Good candidates for this treatment include those who are suffering one or more symptoms of low testosterone, those who would like to simplify their treatment plan, and those who pass the physical examination. Most patients of this treatment are at least 45 and are in relatively good health.
Use a Money-Wise Approach to Your Health
Hormone replacement therapy for men is a cost-effective treatment that can alleviate many symptoms associated with low testosterone. If you’re ready to take a money-wise approach to your health, please contact Medical Transformation Center in Louisville, KY to schedule your consultation appointment today.
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