You’ve read all the articles about hormones for women on The Change Is Personal blog. But ladies, your man may need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) too. It’s not just for women in perimenopause and menopause. Many men see an improvement in overall vitality from testosterone replacement, as well.  

You may be thinking, “Wait a minute, my guy isn’t a bodybuilder, so he doesn’t need steroid hormones.” That’s actually a common misconception for two reasons.  

First, testosterone therapy is not just for guys who lift massive weights. It may even benefit men who never set foot in a gym. Second, prescribed, compounded BHRT is not the same thing as the anabolic steroids some athletes use in high doses without medical supervision.  

Compounded BHRT prescribed by a knowledgeable provider may benefit men whose hormones are out of balance.

Hormone imbalance in men

We talk about balancing our hormones during perimenopause and menopause, which is a gal thing. But there’s a recognized symptomatic hormonal shift that typically occurs in men after around age 50. It’s sometimes called andropause or diagnosed as hypogonadism.

To break down the word, “hypo” means low or less than normal, and “gonad” refers to the testicles, which produce testosterone. So, hypogonadism is a big word for low testosterone, also known as low T.

While men’s bodies have many different hormones, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that’s involved in sexual organ development and masculine traits like a deeper voice and beard growth. (4) A normal testosterone level in men is 300 to 1000 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). But in men with hypogonadism, testosterone levels have dropped to less than 300.

How many men have hypogonadism? A lot. Research shows that about 40% of men over 45 and half of men over 80 have low testosterone. And testosterone levels can drop by as much as 100 points per decade. So, if your guy’s testosterone level is less than 500 at age 30, by age 50, it could fall to under 300, which is considered below the clinical threshold.  

Why is low testosterone a problem?

You already know how low estrogen can derail your life, both physically and emotionally. In a similar fashion, low testosterone often makes a man feel “less than” his old self.  

Brain fog or moodiness may creep in. He may be more tired than he used to be. (Taking more naps?) He may lose muscle mass or strength and gain a paunch around his middle. (The dreaded dad bod.)  

Intimately speaking, his interest in sex may dwindle, and he may have erectile dysfunction or testicular shrinkage. You may already be familiar with some of these sexual symptoms of low testosterone, but these may also be connected to broader health considerations.  

Low testosterone may lead to health issues that your man’s doctor may not be looking for, like weaker muscles, lower bone density, and even heart disease. In fact, studies show that low testosterone levels are linked to clogged coronary arteries (atherosclerosis) and cardiovascular events. These are serious health issues, and a man with low testosterone may not even realize his health may be in jeopardy.  

That’s where compounded BHRT might help. If you’re on hormone therapy for your menopause symptoms, you know how much better you feel when your hormones are replenished. Balanced hormones may support male wellness too.

What is BHRT?

Hormones are chemical messengers that flow through your blood to your organs and cells, telling them what to do. When hormones are bioidentical, it means they have the exact chemical makeup of the hormones your body produces naturally.  

While many testosterone products on the market are bioidentical, using a compounded bioidentical product has advantages in dosage and formulation. A doctor can prescribe the exact dose your man needs, instead of having to choose from the commercially available standard doses.  

The ingredients can be customized as well. So, if your guy has an allergy or sensitivity to certain substances, compounding pharmacists can formulate a therapy according to your prescriber’s direction—but without those problematic additives.  

At Belmar Pharmacy, we offer testosterone therapy in a variety of forms, including pellets, oral pills or troches, injections, and topical creams or gels.

Potential benefits of compounded BHRT for men

Studies show that testosterone replacement therapy has the potential to improve quality of life.

Research suggests (and men on hormone replacement report) that testosterone therapy may support a man’s overall wellness, such as:

• Improved mood

• Restored interest in sex

• Boosted energy

• Better bone density

• Increased muscle mass

As a smart, health-savvy woman, you want your man to feel good and live life as his most vital, amazing self. Take a proactive approach to his health. Share what you know about low testosterone and encourage him to explore the possibility of BHRT for optimizing his hormones.

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