Depleting hormone levels are a fact of the aging process. Depleted levels can occur at any point in your life but are most commonly noted around middle age. Men can experience symptoms of multiple hormone deficiencies; however, low testosterone is the most common and, luckily, quite easy to treat. What many people don’t understand, though, is our sex hormones are responsible for far more things other than sexual health. These hormones are the ultimate multitaskers, operating on numerous organ systems. Low hormone levels in men are referred to as andropause, more informally “male menopause.” Testosterone levels are, on average, about one-third of their functional levels by the time men reach 70 years old. At our office in Vero Beach Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can effectively address these hormonal imbalances associated with andropause, helping restore optimal levels and improve overall well-being for men as they age.
Symptoms of andropause span across many organ systems, not just reproductive symptoms. Hormones are essentially messengers that tell your cells the different ways in which they should function. Brain fog, irritability, depression, fatigue and low energy, sleep disturbances, muscle loss, and weight gain issues, lack of sexual desire and pleasure, urinary issues, changes in your skin and hair, hot flashes (yes, men get hot flashes too!), are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing. Low hormone levels can cause more than symptoms, they can be related to medical issues and be a danger to your health. By balancing your hormone levels, you can experience a more enriching and energetic life with a lower incidence of health issues. Research has shown that testosterone replacement therapy can lower the incidence of prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, cholesterol, and inflammation.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been out for many years and has proven to provide a safe and effective treatment for your symptoms and may prevent many age-related health issues. These hormones are engineered to be identical to the hormones in your body, making them more readily available for use. Synthetic hormones need to be converted into usable hormones and still carry increased risks associated with them that have made the use of hormones controversial for so many years. Conventional hormone replacement therapy has been associated with increased risks of blood clots, certain types of cancer, gallbladder disease, and cardiovascular disease; however, bioidentical hormone therapy does not increase your risk of these events.
During your initial consultation, we will deep dive into the symptoms you may be experiencing and if bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for you. We will draw your blood work in-office, so there is no need to go to another appointment at an offsite lab. A few days later, at your next consultation, we will go over your lab results and discuss the different treatment options available for you since bioidentical hormones are available in many forms. Testosterone replacement is available in pellets, injections, and compounded creams. DHEA and aromatase inhibitors may also be prescribed and come in various forms as well. During your consultation, we will discuss the pros and cons of each method of administration and which option is best for you and your lifestyle. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is safe with a low incidence of side effects which are dependent on the delivery method.
Hormone replacement therapy has been around for decades for the relief of menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms. Many women suffer unnecessarily throughout their lives with bothersome hot flashes, mood changes, decreased concentration and mental clarity, changes in their skin and hair, and changes to sexual health including vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. As we age, our hormones all decline, but most notably are the sex hormones. What many people don’t understand, though, is our sex hormones are responsible for far more things other than sexual health. These hormones are the ultimate multitaskers, operating on numerous organ systems.
Estrogens, testosterone, progesterone, and DHEA all act on multiple organ systems, such as musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. Hormones are essentially messengers that tell your cells the different ways in which they should function. These hormones work in synchronicity and are often all needed replacements for optimization. Your symptoms of low hormones will span beyond what most people attribute them to, which is just in the reproductive organs. Brain fog, sleep disturbances, depression, low energy, weight management issues, lack of sexual desire and pleasure, constipation, changes in your skin and hair, hot flashes, heat or cold intolerance, and urinary issues are just some of the more common symptoms you may be experiencing. Low hormone levels can cause more than symptoms, they can be related to medical issues. Low estrogen levels have been linked to an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and some cancers. Menopause can also cause life-changing impacts with musculoskeletal issues such as arthralgias and arthritis, osteoporosis, and loss of muscle mass. Hormonal imbalance also affects your skin and gastrointestinal health.
Hormone replacement therapy has been taboo for many years because of the increased risk of stroke, blood clots, and other types of cancers. Thankfully, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been out for many years and has proven to provide a safe and effective treatment for your symptoms and may prevent them. These hormones are engineered to be identical to the hormones in your body, making them more readily available for use. Synthetic hormones need to be converted into usable hormones and still carry increased risks associated with them that have made the use of hormones controversial for so many years, risks like blood clots, breast cancer, gallbladder disease, and cardiovascular disease.
During your initial consultation, we will deep dive into the symptoms you may be experiencing and if bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for you. We will draw your blood work in-office, so there is no need to go to another appointment at an offsite lab. A few days later, at your next consultation, we will go over your lab results and discuss the different treatment options available for you since bioidentical hormones are available in many forms. During your consultation, we will discuss the pros and cons of each method of administration and which option is best for you and your lifestyle. Testosterone replacement is available in pellets, injections, and compounded creams. Estradiol is available, and patches, pills, creams, and pellet form as well. Progesterone is mostly available in creams or oral form. The bottom line is we have many choices for safe and effective hormone replacement tailored to your unique needs.
A common question is, what are peptides, and why do I need them?
Peptides are short-chain amino acids, the building blocks for your cells. There are 20 amino acids in the human body, which regulate an enormous amount of our functions through genetic coding, determining the performance of cells. Peptides are smaller than proteins and are, therefore, more quickly absorbed so they can get right to work. Peptides work in many bodily functions, including neurological, digestive, hormone function, cardiovascular, renal, immune, and respiratory functions, by telling our cells how to function properly. This is an exciting and emerging area of medicine that gives our bodies the necessary tools to optimize health and minimize the effects of aging. By the time we are in our 40s, it is estimated that our hormones are less than 50% of functional capacity.
Loss of cellular function as part of the aging process. When cells lose functionality, that’s when problems develop. Peptide therapy redirects our cells to function properly. Peptide therapy benefits include promoting weight loss, reducing inflammation and pain, improving hair and skin quality, and regulating hormones. The list goes on, but the bottom line is peptides provide direct regenerative and anti-aging relief.
Extraordinarily powerful, the popular peptide Semaglutide for weight loss has recently swept the nation with its well-known effectiveness. Other well-known peptides used regularly in our daily lives are creatine for muscle performance and collagen peptides for skin and joint health. Peptide management is most effective when delivered daily in most cases, so we will equip you with everything you need for success. Many peptides work on multiple areas at the same time, so your consultation is key to determining which peptides will work best for you. Peptides are extremely safe for most people, with any side effects being relatively rare.
Hormone optimization through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is crucial for sexual health rejuvenation. However, we can offer so much more than that at Ocean Drive. Additional modalities for sexual health Rejuvenation include peptide management, as well as biostimulatory injections.
Testosterone deficiency in men is clinically proven to affect libido, sexual arousal, and sexual performance, on top of all of the other effects of low testosterone ranging from fatigue to issues that affect body habitus. Through the identification of your hormone composition, we can customize your bio and identical hormone regimen to adequately target your testosterone deficiency, boosting back your sex life.
The female hormone system has many moving parts and is quite complex. With the littlest alteration, you can also have dramatic impacts on sexual pleasure and motivation. Female hormone deficiency can cause vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, vaginal atrophy, decreased libido, and decreased pleasure. The symptoms and more are easily remedied through bioidentical hormones.
Used in conjunction with or by itself, sexual rejuvenation can be achieved through biostimulatory injections during an in-office appointment revitalizing your sexual health using your own growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma, a.k.a. PRP, has been studied to be effective at regenerating sexual function. PRP injections delivered during a brief office visit under local anesthesia can provide relief of the above symptoms. Clinical studies have proven, in both men and women, that the treatment results in increased sexual pleasure. Clinical studies have also proven decreased urinary incontinence symptoms in women with these injections.
Energy-based therapies are another modality that is utilized to regenerate tissue through collagen stimulation and nerve regeneration for the female body.
For more information about Hormone Replacement Therapy in Vero Beach, contact the experts at Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery at (772) 234-3700. Let’s start your wellness journey and help you get back to a more youthful you!
At Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery in Vero Beach, Dr. Alan Durkin and their team of providers deliver incredible results tailored to your needs in a relaxing and uplifting atmosphere. Learn more about the Ocean Drive difference by scheduling your one-on-one diagnostic consultation with Dr. Durkin or Dr. Chim today.
5070 Florida A1A Ste A,
Vero Beach FL 32963
50 NE 26th Ave.
Pompano Beach FL 33062
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
