Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
At Ontario Regenerative Medicine, we help you rediscover a life of strength, balance, and vitality.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) right for me?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be an effective solution for men experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels. By restoring hormone levels to their optimal state, HRT aims to improve overall well-being and vitality.
Are you experiencing…
✔ …reduced sex drive?
✔ …erectile dysfunction?
✔ …loss of muscle mass or strength?
✔ …persistent fatigue or decreased energy levels?
At ORM, we can help with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
What is HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the assessment and optimization of a patients’ hormonal health, and the prescribing / administration of bioidentical hormones to correct any detected imbalances.
About Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are structurally similar to the hormones naturally produced in the body, and while they are not made by the body, the body responds to them as it would to a person’s naturally occurring hormones. With advancing age there is a depletion of the usual hormone levels which results in undesirable symptoms and health issues. Our bodies recognize bioidentical hormones and respond to them in the same manner they would to their own hormones due to their identical molecular structure.
While both testosterone and estrogen need to be balanced, testosterone is the key male hormone that is responsible for keeping you feeling and looking young and vibrant. When men experience a decline in testosterone, associated symptoms can be extremely difficult to live with and make life feel less fulfilling.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) at Ontario Regenerative Medicine can help men reclaim the virility, mental health, bone and muscle mass and vibrancy of their youth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the assessment and optimization of a patients’ hormonal health, and the prescribing / administration of bioidentical hormones to correct any detected imbalances.
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are structurally similar to the hormones naturally produced in the body, and while they are not made by the body, the body responds to them as it would to a person’s naturally occurring hormones. With advancing age there is a depletion of the usual hormone levels which results in undesirable symptoms and health issues. Our bodies recognize bioidentical hormones and respond to them in the same manner they would to their own hormones due to their identical molecular structure.
How Soon Will I See Results from Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Some patients begin to notice improvement within 24-48 hours, while others may take several weeks or more to first notice changes. These benefits will increase over the next few months as your body adjusts. Diet and lifestyle, along with hormone balance are critical for optimal health.
How Are Hormone Levels Monitored Throughout Treatment?
Hormone levels will be evaluated before therapy is started. This may include an FSH, estradiol, and testosterone level testing for women. Men require a PSA (prostate specific antigen), estradiol and testosterone levels testing. Additional testing is completed to assess your liver function, kidney function, total blood count, blood glucose level, thyroid function and vitamin levels. Using this blood work, assessing your questionnaires and completing the consultation, a individualized bio-identical hormone treatment plan is devised.
For all patients, follow up blood work is obtained to further optimize your hormone levels and well being approximately 6 to 8 weeks after each dosing during the first year.
Men must notify their primary care physician they are on HRT and see them for routine medical examinations and assessment of their prostate health (PSA test and physical examination).
Female patients are advised to continue their monthly self-breast examinations and obtain a mammogram and/or pap smear as advised by their gynecologist or primary care physician.
What are Hormone Pellets?
Pellets consist of bio-identical hormones that have been pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are approximately the size of an uncooked grain of rice. The majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and are delivered in sterile glass vials. They undergo rigourous testing for sterility and potency at independent facilities. Learn more about hormone pellets here.
Are Hormone Pellets safe?
The hormone pellets available at Ontario Regenerative Medicine are sterilized by a third party company using eBeam sterilization technology. Once they are sterilized, they are routed to another company for potency testing, and lastly they are sent to another third party company for sterility testing. Learn more about hormone pellets here.
Why choose Hormone Pellets?
Pellets have the ability to deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for approximately 3 months in women, and 4 months in men. Pellet implants provide the ideal constant levels of hormones levels. Pellets avoid the fluctuations of hormone levels associated with other methods of delivery, an important aspect in maintaining optimal health and disease prevention. Additionally, bio-identical pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Learn more about hormone pellets here.
What are testosterone pellets?
Testosterone pellets consist of testosterone that has been pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are approximately the size of an uncooked grain of rice. The majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and are delivered in sterile glass vials.
The hormone pellets available at Ontario Regenerative Medicine undergo multiple rigorous sterilization protocols and potency testing procedures.
Why choose testosterone pellets?
Pellets have the ability to deliver consistent, steady optimized levels of hormones for approximately 3 months in women, and 4 months in men. Pellet implants avoid the fluctuations of hormone levels associated with every other method of delivery, an important aspect in maintaining optimal health and disease prevention. Additionally, pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.
Studies have shown that when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets are superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance.
Testosterone pellet implants have been used to treat the following in women:
- Migraines and menstrual headaches
- PMS
- Vaginal dryness
- Incontinence
- Urinary urgency and frequency
In both men and women, testosterone has been shown to:
- Increase energy
- Relieve depression
- Increase sense of well being
- Relieve anxiety
- Improve memory and concentration
- Increase lean body mass
- Decrease fat mass
Both men and women require adequate levels of testosterone to maintain optimal physical and mental health and for the prevention of chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which are associated with low testosterone levels.
Pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930’s and there is more data to support the use of pellets than any other method of hormone delivery. Even those patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have presented a very high success rate with pellets.
How and where are pellets inserted?
The insertion of pellets is a relatively simple, painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the upper buttocks through a tiny incision, which only requires a couple of steri-strips (medical tape). The small dressing is removed in two days. There is no “downtime” associated with the insertion of pellets.
Are there any side effects or complications from the insertion of the pellets?
Complications related to the insertion of pellets are extremely rare and may include minor bleeding or bruising, discolouration of the skin or a minor infection. These are all rare and are easily addressed. In rare circumstances there may be the extrusion of one of the pellets.
After the insertion of the implants, men and women can return to regular activities immediately. Vigorous physical activity, hot tubs and swimming should be avoided for 5 to 7 days. Early significant physical activity may cause ‘extrusion’, which is the process by which a pellet works its way out of the site of placement. In cases where a patient is diabetic or has had a joint replaced, antibiotics may be prescribed as a precautionary measure.
Do men need hormone therapy?
Testosterone levels in men generally begin to decline in their early 30’s. While most men maintain adequate levels of testosterone into their mid 40’s and 50’s, most men should be tested before the age of 50. Men should be tested when they begin to show signs of testosterone deficiency, which may include; a decrease in energy levels, loss of muscle mass and tone, an increase in intra-abdominal fat, fatigue, depression, a decrease in sexual arousal or performance, erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping and mental decline.
What if my primary care physician or my gynecologist says that there is ‘no data’ to support the use of pellet implants?
Unfortunately, it is often easier for busy practitioners to dismiss the patient, than it is to question their beliefs and do the research. Patient’s need to make an informed choice. There is data to support the ‘long term’ safety of bioidentical hormones delivered by pellet implants. You can view a multitude of studies supporting the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy in the “Case Studies” section of our website.
Do pellets have the same danger of breast cancer as other forms of hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical testosterone pellets do not carry with them the increased risk of breast cancer associated with oral estrogens. There is research that supports bioidentical testosterone pellets decrease the incidence the rate of breast cancer and indicates testosterone is breast protective. Testosterone, delivered by pellet implantation, has been shown to decrease breast proliferation and lower the risk of breast cancer, even compared to patients on conventional hormone replacement therapy. Studies have shown that bioidentical testosterone balances estrogen and is breast protective. The same cannot be said for oral, synthetic methyl-testosterone found in Estratest®. The body converts this to a potent synthetic estrogen, which stimulates breast tissue. In the past, testosterone implants have been used to treat patients with advanced breast cancer. In 1940, it was theorized that treating patients with testosterone implants earlier, at the time of diagnosis, would have an even greater benefit, preventing recurrence. Androgens have also been shown to enhance the effect of Tamoxifen® therapy in breast cancer patients. To review studies that support these statements, please refer to the articles listed as references below.
References
1. Glaser R, Wurtzbacher, D, Dimitrakakis C. Efficacy of Testosterone Therapy Delivered by Pellet Implant. Maturitas 2009, 63(Suppl 1);283. To read this study, please click HERE
2. Dimitrakakis C, Bondy C. Androgens and the breast. Breast Cancer Research 2009;11(5):212. To read this study, please click HERE
3. Traish AM, Fetten K, Minor M, Hansen ML, Guay A. Testosterone and risk of breast cancer: appraisal of existing evidence. Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation. 2010; 2 (1): 177 To read this study, please click HERE
Will hormone therapy with pellets help with hair loss?
Hormone deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, and treatment with testosterone implants can help to re-grow hair in many women. Hair often becomes thicker and less dry with pellet therapy.
How long until a patient feels better after pellets are inserted?
Some patients begin to notice improvement within 24-48 hours, while others may take several weeks or more to first notice changes. Diet and lifestyle, along with hormone balance are critical for optimal health.
EMBRACE YOUR BEST SELF
From hormone optimization to cartilage regeneration, we create personalized treatment plans based on thorough testing and monitoring.
We treat our patients for their unique needs and symptoms, rather than simply viewing lab results. We go beyond the numbers to alleviate our patient’s symptoms and get them back to living the lives they want to live.
