Whenever people talk about hormonal health for men, the first thing that comes to mind is the regulation of testosterone levels. Testosterone has a huge role in the male body as it helps the reproductive organs function normally. It helps in maintaining the sexual functioning. It is also required for muscle building and the production of strength throughout the body. 

Low testosterone can also lead to less facial hair and body hair growth compared to other males. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) has turned out to be an excellent remedy to treat hormonal imbalances in men. But what is HRT, and what are its uses and benefits for men? Let’s find out here.

What is HRT for Males?

Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate bodily functions while inducing growth, reproduction, and metabolism. When hormone secretion does not follow the right patterns, it potentially leads to several problems throughout the human body. Men experience low levels of testosterone with age, but in some cases, it can sometimes happen before you reach a certain age.

Hypogonadism is the name of such medical condition where testicular disorder results in diseases like the hypothalamus and pituitary gland concentration in the brain. Some of the symptoms that people with low testosterone levels could go through are erectile dysfunction, anaemia, fatigue, loss of body hair, depression, and a decrease in libido.

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is a popular treatment for hormonal imbalances. It involves injecting hormones directly into the body to reduce the imbalances. Depending on whether you are being injected with short-acting hormones or long-acting hormones, the site of the injection changes from just under your skin to your gluteal muscles. However, there are different methods of administering HRT in men, so let’s review the different methods for administering HRT in men.

List Of Different Methods For HRT Treatment

Suppose you have decided to go with HRT treatment for treating your testosterone imbalances. There are a few administration methods that you can opt for depending on your preference and the recommendation of a doctor. All of those methods have been briefly discussed in the points below. 

Testosterone Injections

As mentioned earlier, this is one of the more standard methods of providing HRT treatment through testosterone injections into the muscles. Compared to other methods, this is the most effective, with positive results experienced by patients within a few months.

Transdermal Gels & Patches

If you are afraid of injections or not comfortable with taking one, transdermal gels and patches could be the right choice. These gels and patches can be applied over the shoulder, upper arms, and abdomen region for a controlled, slow release of testosterone over time.

Testosterone Implants

Lastly, there are testosterone implants, which involve making a small incision in your body and inserting a medical device called a trocar. It consistently releases testosterone, helping your body maintain the optimum testosterone levels required to stay healthy.

Benefits of HRT Treatment

Hormonal replacement therapy offers several benefits for the male body and its hormone regulations. Each of those benefits has been included in the points below: 

Mood Enlightenment

When men experience low testosterone secretion, it results in a dampening of mood while causing issues like depression, anxiety and irritation. All of those can be treated with the help of HRT treatment by boosting the production of testosterone levels.

Improving Muscle Mass and Bone Density

Testosterone is known for promoting muscle growth while maintaining bone health. As people age, they are at a higher risk of conditions like osteoporosis. With HRT, those issues could be significantly reduced.

Enhancement of Libido and Sexual Performance

Males who are going through hormonal imbalances commonly suffer from sexual health conditions. HRT treatment is an excellent option for improving libido levels and helping men improve symptoms of sexual wellness problems. The treatment is expected to improve the performance of libido while enhancing sexual desire.

Removal of fatigue

Fatigue is a common problem for males with low testosterone, as it disturbs strength-building capability and muscle mass. However, with HRT treatment, fatigue can be easily reduced. 

Reducing heart conditions

With age, people are known for going through several cardiovascular issues that increase the chances of heart attack. However, with ongoing HRT treatment, you might experience a significant reduction in the risk of heart conditions.

Improving metabolism

People with low testosterone go through metabolism issues like diabetes. With the help of HRT treatment, blood sugar levels can be managed thanks to improved metabolism levels, allowing you to keep diabetes in check better.

Side effects of HRT treatment

Although HRT treatment is renowned primarily for its benefits among people, it also has its fair share of side effects. If you are aware of the side effects, it can help you stay cautious while availing of HRT treatment.

Increase of Acne

The most common problem for people who use HRT treatment is an increase in acne. Other related skin conditions could increase with time or disappear automatically after the HRT treatment. If you are having acne outbreaks, it is important to discuss the problems with your doctor.

Frequent Mood Changes

Mood changes are yet another side effect that people could face while having HRT treatment. Moreover, you could start feeling irritated, which can affect your mood and overall productivity during the day.

Increased Fluid Retention

People who are availing of HRT treatment for the first time might experience fluid retention problems, popularly known as oedema. You must discuss how to manage this side effect with your doctor before going through HRT treatments.

Breast Enlargement

Males could experience breast enlargement problems with sudden growth of breast tissue. This condition is referred to as gynecomastia. If you are concerned about this problem, there are cosmetic surgical treatments available to help you reduce the enlarged breast tissues.

Conclusion

Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment that primarily focuses on improving the hormonal imbalances a man’s body is going through. With hormonal imbalances, men can experience a variety of problems before and during HRT treatment. However, there are plenty of benefits of HRT, which make it a popular choice among men going through hormonal imbalances.

If you want to learn more about men’s hormonal imbalances and their treatment options, check out MASSH. We offer various treatment options for hormonal imbalances, from lifestyle and dietary changes to HRT. We also take special care to ensure the side effects of HRT can be kept in check when you are undergoing treatment. To learn more about Erectile dysfunction treatment at MASSH, check out our website or visit us today to consult with our specialists.