Treating Andropause: Hormone Replacement Therapy Training
Many of the most common chronic problems faced by men as they get older are related to the natural hormone decline known as Andropause. Whether you are a urologist, endocrinologist, internist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner you have no doubt encountered hormone related issues – such as ED, weight gain, and more – in your male patients countless times.
One highly effective, efficient, safe, minimally-invasive, long-lasting, and natural method of treating many chronic men’s health issues is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) pellets. Utilizing BHRT pellets for testosterone replacement can provide an effectual and convenient approach to improve sexual function, alleviate symptoms, and support your patients’ overall health.
SottoPelle® Method Hormone Therapy Training equips physicians with the tools to deliver tailored hormone therapy to their male clients – optimizing patient outcomes while also fostering practice growth. In this article the Hormone Therapy Training experts at SottoPelle® Method delve into the ways physician hormone replacement therapy training can empower men’s healthcare providers to optimize their patients’ health.
The Symptoms of Andropause
Andropause, often referred to as “male menopause,” is a natural but complex age-related phenomenon characterized by a gradual decline in testosterone levels in aging men. Unlike the abrupt hormonal changes seen in menopause, andropause is a more subtle and protracted process. Andropause typically begins in a man’s late 30s to early 40s, although variations in onset age exist. Unfortunately, this testosterone decline then continues throughout the rest of a man’s lifetime.
Andropause manifests through a myriad of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms, which can vary among individuals. Common symptoms include fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, depression, cognitive changes, muscle loss, increased body fat, and decreased bone density. These symptoms can significantly impact a man’s quality of life.
Additionally, hormone deficiency in men poses an increased risk of serious long-term, debilitating, and even fatal diseases. Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of high-risk factors such as elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure that increase the risk of several diseases, including: heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and others.
According to two recent clinical studies, presented by Bayer Schering Pharma in Berlin, low testosterone levels in men are clearly associated with metabolic syndrome. And, in research presented by the Institute for Community Medicine (Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University; Greifswald, Germany), low testosterone levels were also associated with an increased risk of death in men.
But in these studies, it was also found that testosterone replacement substantially reduced metabolic syndrome risk factors in men.
Statistics on Andropause
Statistics regarding andropause provide valuable insights into its prevalence and impact on the male population. Andropause affects millions of men in the United States, with a substantial portion experiencing symptoms to varying degrees.
Testosterone levels typically decline by about 1 to 2% per year after the age of 30, contributing to the onset of andropause-related symptoms. But because the decline is gradual, many men are not aware that their chronic health complaints are related to hormone insufficiencies.
The average age at which noticeable andropause symptoms begin is approximately 50 years, although they may appear earlier in many men. It is estimated that up to 30% of men or more in their 50s and 60s may experience symptoms related to andropause to some degree.
Why OTC and Online “Low T” Treatments Do NOT Work
The Internet and late-night TV commercials are rife with adds for ‘miracle’ “Low T” treatments that your patients may have already “fallen for”. But these over-the-counter and online “Low T” treatments, pills, patches and supplements simply do not effectively address andropause symptoms due to several reasons.
As a physician or healthcare provider, you are already aware that OTC supplements and dietary products are not subject to the same rigorous testing and regulation as pharmaceutical medications. These products may promise quick fixes and improved vitality, but they do not address or replace genuine hormonal imbalances associated with conditions like andropause.
Some OTC supplements may contain very small trace amounts of ingredients purported to boost testosterone, but they are unable to produce significant hormonal changes in the body. Testosterone needs to be created by the body itself, or in a pharmaceutical laboratory under the watchful eye and approval of the FDA.
Some individuals may experience a temporary improvement in symptoms from OTC treatments due to the placebo effect, believing that the OTC product is helping when, in reality, no substantial hormonal changes are occurring. And by relying on OTC treatments, many patients may delay or overlook the need for proper medical evaluation and diagnosis of underlying hormonal imbalances or health conditions.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Training to Treat Andropause
For men experiencing symptoms of andropause or low testosterone, seeking guidance from a qualified physician or healthcare provider is crucial. Unfortunately, andropause is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, partly because the symptoms can overlap with other health conditions and aging itself. And, many men may not seek medical help for the symptoms of “Low T”, simply assuming they are a natural or normal part of aging that cannot be treated.
However, SottoPelle® Method physician hormone therapy training enables providers to not only accurately diagnose testosterone deficiency, but to offer the most appropriate, convenient, safe and effective treatment: evidence-based bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). SottoPelle® Method physician hormone therapy training provides men’s healthcare providers with the tools to offer treatments that are tailored to address each patients’ specific hormonal imbalances and provide effective relief for individuals affected by andropause.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy Training to Treat Andropause
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), specifically aimed at restoring testosterone levels, is the gold standard for treating andropause. HRT offers several benefits:
Precision diagnosing and dosing: The SottoPelle® Method allows for precise customization of hormone levels to address individual needs. SottoPelle Method physician BHRT pellet training offers comprehensive instruction on the blood testing and dosing methods that ensure patients receive only what they need – at the most accurate and conservative doses – for the best possible outcomes with the fewest possible side-effects.
Additionally, SottoPelle® Method BHRT physicians have exclusive access to our online, 24/7 Dosaggio™ proprietary BHRT dosing application. The Dosaggio™ system of hormone therapy pellet dosing has been voted “Easiest HRT Dosing Platform.” It offers physicians a convenient calculator that provides instant access to dosage calculation with fewer clicks, and without the need for inconvenient dosing appointments.
Effective Symptom Relief: Because the SottoPelle® Method utilizes bioidentical replacement hormones, derived from plant sources. By using hormones that are molecularly identical to the body’s own hormones, BHRT ensures seamless integration with the body’s natural processes. This significantly minimizes the potential for adverse effects while maximizing the therapeutic benefits of hormone therapy.
Safety: Because Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy utilizes hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by the body, it is not only more effective than synthetics, but also safer. The fundamental match between the body’s hormones and BHRT hormones is pivotal in reducing risks and side effects while maximizing results and therapeutic benefits.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets: the Best Delivery Method for Men
BHRT pellets are inserted subcutaneously, providing a consistent, sustained release of hormones over several months. This continuous release of medication eliminates the need for daily pills. Since men do not have to remember daily medication doses like they do with pills, treatment adherence is increased and the common problem of skipped or missed doses is eliminated.
Steady hormone levels resulting from around-the-clock hormone release also typically leads to fewer side effects compared to peaks and valleys seen with other delivery methods – such as pills that spike hormone levels when taken in the morning, and then wear off throughout the day.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets also offer the advantage of providing therapeutic effects for several months. In male patients, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pellets using the SottoPelle® Method can last up to an astounding six months with a single insertion!
A minute incision is made, typically in the patient’s upper buttock, and the pellet is inserted beneath the skin with the trocar. The incision is typically closed with a single suture, and the patient can resume normal activities shortly thereafter. And, unlike most other Hormone Therapy training CMEs and certifications, SottoPelle® Method physician BHRT pellet training includes live onsite and video insertion procedure training.
Additionally, SottoPelle® Method trained BHRT physician members, also have access to deep discounts and bulk pricing on both disposable and reusable trocars and insertion sets through our partner manufacturers.
Physicians trained in SottoPelle® Method hormone replacement therapy can play a pivotal role in improving the well-being of their male patients who are experiencing symptoms of andropause. SottoPelle® Method hormone replacement therapy ensures that men’s healthcare providers can safely and effectively offer Testosterone treatment options, enabling patients to regain hormonal balance and enjoy an improved quality of life at any and every age.
Physician Hormone Replacement Therapy Training
At SottoPelle® we are passionate about training physicians on the problems linked to testosterone deficiency. Hormonal well-being affects more than just a man’s libido, energy levels, and weight. Adequate testosterone levels also support the body’s primary cardiovascular and metabolic function – in addition to reducing the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Restoring the balance and improving sex hormone deficiency helps get your male patients back on track to live longer, healthier lives.
The SottoPelle® Method Physician Hormone Therapy Training program helps physicians nationwide treat their patients. With hormone replacement therapy training, physicians can grow their list of clinical offerings, while their patients can experience optimal wellness. Call us today to sign up!
Physician Hormone Replacement Therapy Training: 323.986.5100 (press 1)
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.
Resources:
Medscape Medical News; International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2011
Testosterone Replacement Improves Male Metabolic Syndrome; Kate Johnson; December 19, 2011
Low serum testosterone levels are associated with increased risk of mortality in a population-based cohort of men aged 20–79
Robin Haring, Henry Völzke, Antje Steveling, Alexander Krebs, Stephan B. Felix, Christof Schöfl, Marcus Dörr, Matthias Nauck, Henri Wallaschofski
European Heart Journal, Volume 31, Issue 12, June 2010, Pages 1494–1501, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehq009
