Hormone Replacement Therapy
As men age, they often experience a decline in testosterone levels. This can lead to symptoms like decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, reduced bone density, and mood changes.
For men with diabetes, low testosterone can be particularly problematic because it can make blood sugar control more difficult. However, there are benefits of testosterone in men with diabetes.
Testosterone is responsible for stimulating the development of male characteristics, and it must be present to produce sperm.
It is needed to help maintain and develop male sex organs, muscle mass, red blood cells, and bone density.
Let’s not forget the importance it gives a sense of well-being to a man, knowing that his sexual and reproductive function is in order.
The Link Between Low Testosterone and Diabetes
Studies have shown that low testosterone levels are typical in diabetic men.
According to the American Diabetes Association, if you are a man with diabetes, you are also twice as likely to have low testosterone levels.
The two main factors that impact testosterone deficiency in diabetic men are glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, which can be improved with lifestyle changes like eating healthy foods or taking medications as prescribed.
Low levels of testosterone are directly linked to insulin resistance.
Testosterone therapy may also help some people who suffer from diabetes-related hormone deficiencies feel more confident about themselves—and maybe even boost their sex drive!
Low Testosterone in Men
Testosterone is the hormone that makes men complete and drives them to be active.
If you have low testosterone, your testicles are not producing enough of this natural substance. That can lead to many problems such as low sperm production, obesity, or lack of energy for daily activities like cooking at home on weekdays because you’re so tired from work all day. This can happen for many different reasons.
As men age, the amount of testosterone that their bodies produce naturally declines.
Alcohol and drug abuse can cause low testosterone, as can certain drugs such as opiates. Pituitary gland disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, prostate cancer, chemotherapy, or radiation can also cause low testosterone.
Thankfully, low testosterone is treatable with BHRT. We will touch upon this later in more detail.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone can cause one or a variety of undesirable symptoms. Males who are experiencing any of the following disorders may have low testosterone:
- Male infertility due to low or zero sperm count
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lowered sex drive
- Losing pubic and armpit hair
- Shrinking testicles
- Depression
- Poor concentration and memory
- An increase in body fat
- Gynecomastia
Recent Research Related to Diabetes
The Endocrine Society has just released the latest information about the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on men with Type 2 diabetes.
The study was presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting and found that those who used testosterone replacement therapy improved sexual symptoms and showed improvement in both blood sugar levels and fat metabolism, leading to weight loss.
“Testosterone replacement therapy may offer a new therapeutic option for men with type 2 diabetes who have low testosterone levels,” said lead researcher Dr. Nathan Kim of the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.
The study included 80 men with type 2 diabetes who had low testosterone levels. They were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or testosterone replacement therapy for 20 weeks.
At the end of the study, those in the testosterone group had lower fasting blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. They also had better fat metabolism, measured by the increased fat breakdown and reduced fat production levels.
The study proved that testosterone replacement therapy could have a variety of marked improvements for those who receive it.
The findings of the study were quite promising. Testosterone replacement therapy boosted the libido, improved sexual symptoms and their severity, and the diabetic participants’ overall quality of life.
Defining BHRT and How It Can Help You
When your hormone levels have dropped, you feel unbalanced or out of equilibrium. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is an ideal way to replenish depleted testosterone and feel like yourself again.
BHRT consists of hormones derived from plants. This is important to note since other prescription options you might get from your doctor are not natural and plant-derived.
One great thing about BHRT is how naturally and efficiently it works within your system. This is because your body does not know any difference between the testosterone it produces and the high-quality, plant-derived hormones you give it with BHRT.
What to Expect with BHRT at Renew Health and Wellness
Replenishing your natural supply of testosterone is a relatively straightforward procedure with our BHRT Program. At Renew Health & Wellness, your comfort and well-being are our primary concerns.
BHRT involves taking hormones that are identical on a molecular level to the hormones your body naturally produces. This differs from traditional hormone therapy, which uses synthetic hormones similar, but not the same, as those produced by your body.
Because bioidentical hormones match your hormones, they can function in your body just like your natural hormones would.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Bone loss
- Night sweats
- Low libido
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, BHRT may be right for you. Contact us today! Our team of experts is here to answer any questions about testosterone replacement that you might have.