HORMONES & MEN: THE FACTS

You may be reading this because you're wondering what's left of the "good life" that feeling of intense energy, vitality and the winning edge. Where did it go? Are you going through a mid-life crisis or is there something happening with your body? The truth is that something is going on with your body. You have less and less of the vital substance know as testosterone in your body, and you may have other hormonal imbalances.

You are at risk

Most men suffer from a significant drop in their testosterone levels sometime between the ages of 40 and 55. As your hormone levels decline, you are likely to lose muscle and gain fat. Studies show that testosterone decline can put you at risk for heart disease, weaken your bones and trigger prostate problems. You may start to experience decreasing muscle mass, fatigue, a higher occurence of back pain, sore joints and overall stiffness.

The loss of hormones occurs slowly and gradually, which makes it much less noticeable than in women. The gradual loss of hormones comes with changes in attitudes and mood, fatigue, loss of energy, sex drive and physical agility.

Top 12 benefits of male bio-identical hormone therapy

The benefits of bio-identical hormone replacement are substantial and often include:
  1. More strength and energy.
  2. Improved well being.
  3. Greater libido.
  4. Reduced aches and pains.
  5. Better quality of sleep.
  6. Improved sexual performance.
  7. Improved muscle mass.
  8. Improved lipid and cholesterol levels.
  9. Improved prostate health.
10. Improved blood sugar balance.
11. Improved mood and outlook.
12. Increased focus and concentration.

FAQ: BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT

What are the causes of lowered testosterone levels?
In healthy males, testosterone starts declining around age 35 and declines at a rate of 1% per year on average. However, this decline has accelerated in the last few decades and the average testosterone in our society is on the decline. This is likely due to environmental toxins, xeno-estrogens, increased mental and physical stress, and as a side effect of common medications.The most common medications that may lower testosterone include anti-depressants and "statin" drugs. In addition, men with chronic disease, including diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases commonly have lowered testosterone. Levels of testosterone in these men decline much more rapidly than in healthy males and Dr. Camp has seen declines in some patients by up to 20% per year.

What if my doctor says all of my labs are "normal" yet I have all of the symptoms of low testosterone or andropause?
Unfortunately this is a common complaint that we hear at our clinic. There are many reasons for this including:

• Not having the correct test done.
• The doctor's over-reliance on the "normal range" of labs. Dr. Camp prefers to use optimal ranges that are based on a healthy population. Few people know that the "normal range" of labs is generated statistically based on the average of all those who are getting labs drawn. This has nothing to do with ideal or optimal or even healthy.
• Most doctors do not take into account personal variation based on genetics, body type, personality, etc. Men who have been more athletic in their lives typically feel better with a higher testosterone level.
• Inadequate physical exam, history, and general decline in the doctor patient relationship.
• Inadequate education of the average doctor on hormonal imbalances at least in part explained by an over-reliance on prescription medications used to treat symptoms only.

What types of testing will I need to have done to determine if I have a testosterone deficiency?
TInitial testing includes serum (blood) measurements of Total Testosterone, Free and Bio-Available Testosterone, Albumin, SHBG, Estradiol and a PSA. In addition, some patients will need 24 hour urine hormone analysis, salivary stress hormone analysis, and potentially other tests.

What types of medications does Dr. Camp use to replace testosterone?
Dr. Camp uses treatments such as Clomiphene and HCG to stimulate testosterone in younger and healthier patients, or in those who desire to maintain fertility. To replace testosterone, Dr. Camp uses topical formulations, injectable formulations, and at times sublingual testosterone. Some patients will receive a combination of testosterone replacement and testosterone stimulation.

How much does testosterone replacement cost?
It is very affordable, often in the $50-100 range per month. At the beginning of course there are additional costs such as doctor's visits and lab costs. However, as the testosterone levels normalize, the number of lab tests and doctors visits will decrease in frequency and only yearly exams and testing will be needed.

How long will it take me to notice the benefits of testosterone therapy?
As each patient is a unique individual, this is a difficult one to predict. We have seen some patients respond within days while some patients take months to feel better. On average, patients start feeling noticeable changes within one to two months of therapy.

I have heard that testosterone replacement will increase my risk of prostate cancer. Is this true? Is testosterone replacement safe?
If testosterone is replaced by a knowledgeable doctor in the correct form and dose, then the risks of side effects are very small. A knowledgeable doctor will monitor your estrogen levels, Di-hydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, PSA, and your blood count. Some men have increased blood counts with higher testosterone levels. Some men, especially those who have more fat, will have higher estrogen levels. Estrogen is implicated in many men as a cause of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Therefore, Dr. Camp will minimize conversion of testosterone into estrogen using herbal formulas and prescriptions.

Why should I consider testosterone replacement? Doesn't it decline as a part of the natural aging process?
Yes, declining testosterone is a common age related decline. However, this does not mean that you cannot feel better, live longer, and most importantly, live healthier and happier with a more youthful hormonally balanced state.

What other hormonal declines does Dr. Camp treat?
Dr. Camp specializes in the bio-identical hormone replacement of all adrenal, sex, and thyroid hormones. In men, this means balancing appropriate levels of the adrenal hormones, including DHEA and Pregnenalone, balancing the sex hormones including Testosterone, Di-Hydrotestosterone, Estradiol, and Progesterone, and replacing thyroid hormones as needed.

My doctor treated me with Androgel and I didn't feel any change? Can Dr. Camp help me?
There are many reasons why Androgel might not work including the following:

• Many men need to dose topical testosterone like Androgel twice per day.
• Many men get inadequate follow-up testing to monitor Estradiol levels, Free and Bio-Available testosterone levels.
• Many men get testing done at the wrong time of day.
• There may be other underlying adrenal or thyroid disorders that have not been adequately diagnosed and/or treated.
• Many men do not absorb topical testosterone and feel much better with injectable testosterone.

What are the types of testosterone for treatment?
Dr. Camp uses topical formulations and injectable testosterone as the basic treatments. In addition, some patients use sublingual "booster" drops before sex or work-outs.

I have Erectile Dysfunction. Will testosterone replacement help me?
Erectile dysfunction has many causes. Hormonally it may be caused by lowered testosterone, lowered DHT, Estradiol too low or too high, or elevated Prolactin.

In other patients, ED is caused by peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, Diabetes, or psychogenic causes. The only way to know for sure is to have your testosterone evaluated properly by an expert in this field and to have your levels raised to optimal levels as needed for at least 6 months. Some men, will need 6 months or longer to notice an improvement especially if they are older and have suffered from ED for a long period of time.

Call 866-931-2267 today to improve your quality of life!