HRT for Men: Types, Benefits, Side Effects & Efficacy

What Is HRT for Men? Comprehensive 2023 Review

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for men encompasses different treatments based on individual needs. Suffering from a hormonal imbalance can influence your daily life, health, appearance, vitality, sex drive, memory, and more. It is natural for some hormone levels to decline as you age. How change impacts your life dictates whether you can benefit from HRT for men.

In this comprehensive review, we look at the most common types of hormonal imbalance facing men as they age, their treatments, benefits, risks, and efficacy to help you determine if HRT is suitable for you. These life-transforming treatments can help you enjoy a better quality of life – now and for years to come. 

What Is HRT?

Understanding the importance of hormones, beginning with their function in the body, is crucial before explaining the various types of HRT. Hormones are the body’s way of sending signals between glands, organs, and cells. These chemical messengers are crucial in keeping everything running smoothly in your body. Without hormones, the body would shut down and stop functioning. 

Hormone levels respond to many things, including stimuli from other hormones, nutrition, exercise, stress, illness, medications, vitamins, supplements, environmental toxins, and aging. Natural aging is one of the biggest causes of declining hormone levels. 

By the time most men enter their thirties, they already have less testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) in their bodies than in their twenties. In a recent study, testosterone deficiency was prevalent in 20% of men aged 15 – 39. Once testosterone levels begin to decline, the reduction is approximately 1 to 2% each year. 

Human growth hormone production reportedly declines as much as 14% each decade, with up to a 50% decrease in adult men every 7 years. 

If those numbers seem staggering, it may worry you even more when you learn why you need those hormones. 

• Hormone Function Chart

The chart below highlights some of the leading functions of testosterone and HGH in males:

As you can see, low HGH and testosterone levels can create significant problems in the body. With appropriately prescribed HRT treatment for men, hormonal balance is restored, and crucial functions improve. 

Who Needs HRT?

Any man over thirty who suffers from hormone deficiency or imbalance symptoms can benefit from HRT. 

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this – hormone levels do not typically improve on their own without some form of action.

Types of HRT for Males

Multiple types of hormone replacement therapy are available to males. The best HRT for men is what your body needs, which can only be determined by blood analysis. We look at the two most common forms of HRT below:

• HGH therapy: Human growth hormone is one of the most crucial hormones as it influences cellular reproduction, metabolism, immunity, brain functions, heart health, hormone production, insulin sensitivity, and sexual functions.
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): Testosterone is almost as influential as HGH, supporting red blood cell production, heart health, metabolism, sexual functions, hair growth, and more. 

What Are the Risks of HRT?

The risks of HRT for men differ depending on the type of hormone replacement prescribed. In either case, using HGH or TRT when you do not need it will put you at risk for adverse reactions that could be dangerous for your body. If your hormone levels get too high, your body will register this and stop natural hormone production. That could cause further problems.

HGH therapy has successfully helped many people rebound from human growth hormone deficiency symptoms. However, the following side effects can occur if you take too much HGH or use it when not needed:

• Acromegaly
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Edema
• Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)
• Increased cancer risk
• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• Muscle or joint pain 

If you experience side effects from HGH therapy, your doctor will lower the dosage until the side effects cease.

Testosterone replacement has been around for many decades and is considered a safe treatment when prescribed and monitored by a hormone specialist. Adverse reactions are most likely in men who use more testosterone than their bodies need. Raising testosterone levels too high can result in side effects such as:

• Worsening of sleep apnea
• Acne or oily skin
• Testicular atrophy (supplemental testosterone does not enter the testes)
• Liver toxicity if taking TRT orally
• Worsening of benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Infertility 
• Gynecomastia

What Results to Expect After HRT for Men?

Males dealing with symptoms of low hormone levels can expect many positive changes. The benefits of HRT for men are relatively similar between HGH and testosterone, and you can expect to see results in all the areas mentioned in the chart shown early in this report. 

During the first month of HRT, men often report better sleep, mood, sense of humor, energy, and overall well-being. Some speak about improvements in sexual desire. These positive changes come from both HGH and testosterone replacement.

The second month often brings sexual improvements, enhancements on the changes noticed during the first month, increases in exercise capacity, and better focus and motivation. 

As we further examine before and after HRT for men benefits, we find that month three begins to highlight significant changes in appearance.

How Much Does HRT Cost for Men?

HRT cost depends on many factors, including the type of hormone therapy prescribed, dosage, frequency of treatment, brand, injector style (HGH), and length of time using hormone replacement. The prices can differ significantly between testosterone, HGH, and even among HGH brands and injector types. 

There is no clear-cut answer to how much does HRT cost for men. Our hormone therapy clinic believes in making HRT affordable to everyone. We work with you to find an appropriate treatment that meets your budget, lifestyle, and prescription requirements. 

HGH Therapy vs. TRT: What to Choose?

The only way to know which hormone treatment is best for you is to undergo a comprehensive blood analysis to see what your body needs. While HGH and testosterone are mutually beneficial, as they help stimulate the other’s production, the best results come from using the hormones most suited to your requirements. 

Both testosterone and human growth hormone will help lower cortisol levels, making it easier to fall asleep at night. Since sleep is when the maximum amount of hormone production occurs, these hormone treatments significantly benefit overall well-being. 

How to Get HRT Prescribed?

Contacting our hormone therapy clinic for a free consultation and comprehensive blood analysis is the easiest, quickest, and most affordable way to get HRT injections for men. Our doctors prescribe hormone replacement in the lowest required dosage using high-quality bioidentical hormones.

Conclusion

HRT has many benefits for men with low hormone levels. Treatment is safe when used as prescribed by a hormone specialist. Contact our hormone therapy clinic for a free consultation to learn if HGH, TRT, or another form of HRT is right for you. 

FAQ 

At what age should men take HRT?

Men can receive HRT any time after age thirty, depending on their bodies’ requirements. Comprehensive blood analysis provides that answer. 

Is HRT and TRT the same?

No, HRT is a general term for hormone replacement therapy. TRT is specifically testosterone replacement therapy – a treatment for low testosterone.

Do bodybuilders take HRT?

Bodybuilders should not take HRT unless they are diagnosed with low hormone levels. Increasing any hormone too high can lead to problems.

Can I buy HRT over the counter?

No, hormone replacement therapy requires a doctor’s prescription as it is a controlled medication. Unauthorized use can lead to unwanted side effects.