Male Bio-Identical Hormones

The fact is, in most families, women make the health care decisions. So, we want you to know that I provide health services for men too.   Each man is unique. His healthcare needs may be simple. They could be complex. We’ll work together to identify those specific needs and design a plan to treat his health concerns and prevent others.

You’ve lost that drive—the drive that makes you feel uniquely like a man. You feel it in your mental focus, your muscle tone, your energy level and possibly in the bedroom. If all the commercials are an indication, you are not alone. But hormone replacement therapy is not just a trend. It is a natural health strategy designed uniquely for you based on supplementation rather than medication. We measure your specific needs, your hormone levels, metabolic parameters and genetic makeup to design therapy that matches your symptoms.

You’ve likely heard the issue framed in the overly simple term “Low T.” Low testosterone levels can occur as a key medical event for men but is often just one of several events that may occur as one grows older. Several other issues may occur at the same time. It may be lack of rest. It may be a shortfall of Vitamin D. Your goal—and mine—is to identify all of these events and to decide where hormone replacement therapy (testosterone) fits into the mix. Together, we’ll identify the cause of your symptoms and design a plan that works best for you.

Symptoms we’ll discuss include:
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Weight Gain
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Poor Exercise Tolerance
  • Loss of Sexual Desire
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Mood Changes and Irritability
  • Changes in Clarity of Thought/ Complex and Critical Thinking/Memory
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Appearance in Aging

Most men experience change in their Testosterone levels sometimes in their early 40s, but almost always by their 50s. When your hormones are off, the scale of other issues is exaggerated. Still, your testosterone levels may not be the only health issue playing a part in how you feel. Low T may be associated with other chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, bone loss, stroke and diabetes. It is my job to recognize that these issues exist and provide complex, coordinated and comprehensive care for each of them.

Frequently asked questions involving hormone replacement therapy for men:

  1. Why give hormones to men?

Despite what we hear on TV, Testosterone is not primarily a sex hormone. The primary advantage of testosterone is its anti-aging properties. Testosterone helps maintain and build muscle mass, keeps bones from weakening, helps to keep the mind sharp and has a positive effect of lowering body fat and preventing or reversing obesity. This, in turn, may prevent or improve Type II diabetes. All of these benefits not only help people live longer, but live better.

  1. Is Testosterone safe?

There has been publicity about the increase of heart attacks in men on testosterone replacement therapy. Clinical trials are limited in size and scope and have been contradictory. At my office, I conduct an extensive examination to avoid any unforeseen issues. I order an expanded lipid profile, inflammatory markets, thyroid evaluation, diabetic risk assessment, genetic information, renal or kidney function and nutritional markets. I may also ask about healthy (or not so healthy) habits and try to educate you on how you can make changes to positively impact your future.

There are, however, hormone replacement therapy (Testosterone) side effects that must be monitored closely to reduce risks. Among them, Testosterone may cause an increase of hemoglobin in the blood, which can make it thicker and more prone to clotting. It also can increase Estrogen secondary to metabolizing testosterone, again increasing the chance of blood clots similar to what women face when using birth control pills.

  1. As a man, why would I visit Dr. Sandler?

You would visit me to work alongside a doctor to develop a plan of care to improve your health. If your objective is to obtain a testosterone prescription alone, then my practice is not for you. If your objective is feeling better, getting into better shape and living a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle, then I can help.