At Hawaii Natural Medicine, we consider testosterone replacement therapy to be one component of a comprehensive wellness plan. As we age testosterone levels start to gradually decrease, by about 1% a year, beginning in the 40s, and sometimes as early as their 30s. Other hormones and proteins such as DHEA, Estrogen, LH, and SHBG also affect how the body utilizes testosterone.
When testosterone replacement therapy is performed correctly, testosterone treatment can have profound effects on mental, physical, and emotional health. If performed incorrectly, side effects are more pronounced and are likely to occur more frequently.
Cutting edge practices in male hormone replacement therapy involve a comprehensive approach. If your physician is only prescribing testosterone as a mono-therapy your experience with TRT may be less than ideal.
Testosterone may be converted to estrogen through an enzyme called aromatase. This may result in many of the side effects commonly associated with testosterone only therapy such as; breast tenderness, gynomastia, Fatigue, impotence, water retention (bloat), depression, and brain fog.
The solution to estrogen spillover is to add medications and natural supplements that modify estrogen conversion. Arimidex is from a class of medications called aromatase inhibitors, which essentially block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
External supplementation of testosterone will stop internal production of testosterone often resulting in testicular shrinkage and may also adversely affect fertility by lowering sperm counts.
HCG stimulates cells in the testicles to produce testosterone. This action also causes the testes to return to normal size and function if they were suppressed due to outside testosterone replacement. HCG also increases adrenal function which has positive effects on mood, stress, libido, and energy.
To achieve optimal results, the Hawaii Natural Medicine recommends the addition of herbs and nutritional supplements to complement your TRT. We believe that supporting the body’s natural biochemical pathways is an essential component to any hormone replacement therapy.
At your initial appointment, we will order testing to evaluate your hormone levels. These tests are usually covered by most insurance PPOs. Once you’ve begun your men’s wellness program we recommend additional testing after 8 weeks and every 3-6 months thereafter to ensure peak hormone function.
