Male Hormone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone density, sense of well-being, and sexual and reproductive function. As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life.

What causes testosterone deficiency

  • injury or infection to the testicles
  • chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
  • genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s Syndrome (extra x chromosome)
  • hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body)
  • dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones)
  • medications, including hormone analogues used to treat prostate cancer and steroids
  • chronic illness
  • chronic renal (kidney) failure
  • AIDS
  • inflammatory disease such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs and other organs)
  • stress
  • alcoholism
  • congenital conditions, Kallman’s Syndrome (low hormones, inability to smell and other abnormalities)

    • Symptoms of testosterone deficiency

  • decreased sex drive
  • decreased sense of well-being
  • depressed mood
  • difficulties with concentration and memory
  • erectile dysfunction More details

    • HCG

    When problems with the pituitary gland cause secondary hypogonadism that results in infertility, doctors can prescribe luteinizing hormone--or LH--replacement therapy. That therapy involves regular doses of human chorionic gonadotropin--or hCG--a hormone that functions like LH to stimulate testosterone production in the testes. The Merck Manuals explains that men receive hCG doses two or three times a week, and doctors may adjust the dose after three months to ensure production of normal amounts of testosterone.

    Sermorelin

    Sermorelin is a biological active analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) that is produced by the human brain to stimulate production and release of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Sermorelin stimulates production of the body's own HGH. It is a truncated analog of growth hormone releasing factor (GRF 1-44) that is naturally produced by the brain to stimulate pituitary production and secretion of HGH. During youth, ample amounts of GHRH are produced so that the pituitary is able to provide the body with sufficient growth hormone to sustain health, vitality and otherwise normal aspects of form and function. GHRH declines with age causing reduced production and secretion of pituitary HGH. Sermorelin benefits include, Increases natural production of growth hormone, improves immune function, increases IGF-1, improves sleep quality, decrease of body fat, increase lean muscle mass.