Bioidentical Hormones For Men

Bioidentical hormone therapy programs aren't only for women. Like women, men also experience a decline in hormone levels, as they grow older. The decline, however, is gradual. The result of which, is andropause or more commonly known as the "male menopause."

Andropause is usually identified with symptoms such as muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, sleep problems, Gynecomastia, hot flashes, night sweats, lower sex drive, irritability, depression, hair loss, erectile dysfunctions, urinary problems and memory loss. It can make daily life feel like an uphill battle, as everything can easily be disrupted by the discomforts these symptoms produce.

Bioidentical hormones are a natural alternative treatment for men who are suffering from andropause. Unlike synthetic hormones manufactured by pharmaceuticals, bioidentical hormones come from yams and soy that replicate each molecular structure of the hormones naturally produced by the body. They can also be prescribed to younger men who are suffering from hormonal imbalance due to very low testosterone levels.

Bioidentical Testosterones Vs. Synthetic Testosterones

Synthetic anabolic steroids come in the form of patches, creams, pellets, and tablets. They are chemically different from the testosterone made by the body and do not accomplish the same effect as natural testosterone. These drugs are aimed primarily at the muscular and skeletal system and have been abused many times by athletes and body builders. Although, some doctors still insist on prescribing these medications, patients should be made aware that synthetic testosterones are known to produce countless side effects that can cause serious injury to the heart and the prostate. Some synthetic testosterone drugs that should be avoided are methyltestosterone, danazol, oxandrolone, testosterone propionate, cyclopentanepropionate, and enanthate.

Bioidentical testosterones, on the other hand, are very effective and safe to use. Research shows that aside from building muscles mass, optimizing bioidentical hormones in men decreases the risk of heart disease, including angina, and helps reverse heart disease when present by lowering cholesterol levels. It also improves insulin sensitivity as well as blood sugar control in diabetics, thus decreasing a major cause of heart disease and diabetes called "metabolic syndrome." Bioidentical hormones can also decrease depression and improve libido and sexual functions.

For many years, scientists have been studying bioidentical hormones and how to make these hormones identical to those produced by the male body. Apparently, however, these hormones cannot be patented. Consequently, instead of producing bioidentical hormones, drug companies prefer to manufacture synthetic testosterone analogues, which cannot be duplicated by their competitors in the industry. Regardless if synthetic testosterones are known to be harmful to the body, drug companies are still producing them because they are more feasible to sell.

Both synthetic testosterone and natural testosterone require a prescription. A physician should prescribe testosterone only after a man's blood tests have verified that he has a testosterone deficiency.

Alternative patients can prescribe testosterone creams. Natural testosterone creams do not require a prescription. It is strongly recommended, however, that whether or not a medication requires a doctor's prescription, it should always be used in conjunction with medical supervision.