It’s natural for testosterone production to decline in men as they age, and for many, the resulting changes to their body are mild and easy to take in stride. For others, similar changes can be substantial. Just as estrogen therapy can benefit women who suffer from the effects of declining estrogen production after menopause, some men could benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to counteract low levels of testosterone.

The functions of testosterone

While testosterone is found in both women and men, it’s the defining hormone for masculine traits, so it exists in much higher quantities in men. Levels of testosterone increase by around 30 times during adolescence for men and then, after the age of 30, they decline about 1% per year.

As the hormone messenger that triggers male physiology and function, testosterone plays a significant role at adolescence, contributing to your:

• Deepening voice
• Body, facial, and pubic hair
• Bone and muscle mass
• Sexual development and libido
• Memory development and reasoning ability

After the body’s conversion during the teen years, testosterone continues its work, regulating sexual function and maintaining your physical condition. Testosterone promotes heart health by assisting the production of red blood cells.

Like estrogen in women, testosterone also promotes bone health, preventing loss of bone density. It’s also a contributor to mental acuity and improved mood, and higher testosterone ratios often mean greater positive effects.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency

If your testosterone production falls off enough that it starts to affect your health, you may begin to exhibit symptoms. However, these symptoms can also be the result of other conditions, and for most men, testosterone usually isn’t the culprit.

However, once other conditions are ruled out, it may be time to examine testosterone levels. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Declining sex drive
• Increases in body fat that may coincide with losses of muscle tissue
• Decreased bone density
• Cholesterol composition changes
• Increased inability to concentrate
• Depression and other mood changes
• Loss of energy and motivation

Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy

Once a testosterone deficiency is confirmed, hormone replacement therapy may prove beneficial. Five key improvements you may experience include:

Energy boost

You may feel listless and easily fatigued before HRT, with a younger and more vital energy level re-emerging after, along with improved endurance.

Stronger libido

If your sex drive has been lagging, you may find renewed desire as supplementary testosterone boosts your hormone ratios.

Lean muscle mass

Weight and resistance exercises should produce better results once you start HRT, leading to muscle building and a healthier metabolism.

Weight loss

Energy and muscle building lead to conditions that make it easier to lose weight, particularly fat around your midsection that can be difficult to shed.

Improved mental acuity

Your ability to concentrate returns while your mood improves, and you lose irritability and lack of motivation

Dr. Eugene Rajaratnam at the California Wellness Institute chooses bioidentical hormone supplements for his patients who choose HRT. When you feel your general malaise may have its origins in your hormone levels, call the institute at 760-636-4171 to learn if testosterone HRT is right for you.