HRT OVERVIEW

Preventing Testicular Shrinkage with HCG

One of the most embarrassing and frustrating issues associated with Testosterone Restoration for Men is Testicular Atrophy. The testes produce less Testosterone as a result of the body receiving a flush of Testosterone from an outside source, and this causes the testes to reduce their function significantly, and this also causes the testicles to shrink significantly.

Many men choose to live with this symptoms, but you would likely be happy to know that there is a way to preserve the appearance of the testicles and prevent Testicular Atrophy via Human Chorionic Gonadotropin supplementation. HCG is a potent fertility medication that can help both men and women conceive more readily, but is also highly effective preventing the shrinkage of the testicles.

How Does HCG Work?

HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Be careful not to confuse HCG and HGH, because they are totally different hormones. HGH is a hormone which controls cellular metabolism, whereas HCG is a hormone which is normally produced by women during pregnancy that also has the ability to promote the physiological changes normally associated with Luteinizing Hormone, an important Testosterone Precursor which also has other functions with regard to fertility.

There are two times in human development and the human lifespan when HCG is produced. First, HCG is produced just after conception by the embryo as it divides and develops. Later in the process, the mother will produce HCG via the placenta. In women, the role of HCG during pregnancy is to sustain the production of Progesterone at a constant rate, and to prevent the Corpus Luteum from breaking down, which keeps the fertilized Embryo properly implanted..

This all allows the embryo to form and develop uninterrupted. When used as a fertility treatment for women, it encourages the ovaries to release their eggs, allowing women to conceive more readily.

If I'm a Man, Why Should I Care About HCG?

We understand that it may seem strange that a hormone that is only produced by women can be so beneficial to men. We agree. At first glance, it does seem a bit counter-intuitive, but HCG has a number of uses for boys and men, and does not have any significant adverse consequences of use, outside of rare side-effects.

For one, HCG is used very commonly as a means to spur puberty in boys that are not experiencing the adolescent change at the same time as their peers. Subcutaneous HCG Injections provide the hormonal burst necessary to cause the testicles to drop and start producing their own Testosterone. Also, HCG is used after Testosterone Therapy in order to restore normal testicular form and function after a patient has suspended treatment.

Why Does Testosterone Therapy Cause Testicular Shrinkage and How Does HCG Therapy Maintain Testicular Size and Fullness?

When a patient undergoes Testosterone Treatment via Patches, Creams, Injections, or other forms of viable Bio-Identical Therapy, the hypothalamus senses the increased Testosterone Concentrations and responds by vastly slowing down the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, also known as GnRH. GnRH is responsible for stimulating the pituitary to produce Luteinizing Hormone.

If the testes do not get stimulated by Luteinizing Hormone, they will not produce Testosterone, because the Leydig Cells which are responsible for the synthesis of Testosterone do not receive the signal. If the Leydig Cells remain dormant due to a lack of Luteinizing Hormone, the testes will atrophy, and the testicles will shrink in size as the testes enter a state of dormancy.

The cool thing about HCG for Men is that Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Luteinizing Hormone are biologically very similar, and both have the same, exact impact upon the testicles. If a patient has been taking Testosterone, and his testes have been inactive for a long period of time, HCG can kick start the function and form of the testicles just as it does among young boys.

Why Can't Patients Use HCG as a Sole Form of Testosterone Treatment?

It would be theoretically possible for men to boost Testosterone with HCG, but there are a few important reasons why HCG is not used explicitly as a Testosterone-Boosting Treatment by itself. First, Injectable HCG, when used as a primary treatment, is more likely to increase Dihydrotestosterone Levels and Estradiol Levels than Bio-Identical Testosterone Therapy.

Second, HCG would only be effective as a Testosterone Treatment if administered every day, whereas there are a variety of Testosterone Therapy Options that are either less invasive (Testosterone Creams, Testosterone Patches, Testosterone Gels) or require less frequent administration (Testosterone Injections, Testosterone Pellet Implants).

Finally, Testosterone is simply more potent, meaning that it takes less Testosterone to provide the same Testosterone Enhancement as it does HCG, and the treatment is much cheaper for that reason. For these three reasons, Injectable HGH is used as a supplement during or after Testosterone Therapy in order to preserve Testicular size and function during treatment.

How Much Does HCG Cost?

Brand Name Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is much more expensive than Generic HCG. If you go brand name, you can expect to pay more than $150 for ten thousand IUs of the hormone. If you acquire your Bio-Identical Medication via Hormone Compounding Pharmacy, however, the cost for the same amount of Bio-Available Product is $80.

Most people that choose to supplement their Testosterone Optimization Therapy with HCG go the generic route, because HCG Supplementation is considered Off-Label, so most insurance policies don't cover the treatment, even though it is highly effective.

How is HCG Sold?

You will generally see Human Chorionic Gonadotropin sold in vials between 3,500-10,000 IUs. In order to preserve the stability of the hormone over time, HCG is delivered as a lyophilized powder, and must be combined with Bacteriostatic Water before injection.

How is HCG Injected?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin can be delivered both Subcutaneously or Intramuscularly. Intramuscular Injections are delivered directly into the larger muscles of the body, and Subcutaneous Injections are delivered into the fatty layer just underneath the skin. Subcutaneous Injections are generally less painful than Intramuscular Injections, but neither form of injection is more than very mildly painful.

What is the Proper HCG Dose?

As of today, there are no real set guidelines with regard to exactly how much HCG should be administered in order to promote its various benefits. For example, the range of dosage for men that are looking to conceive can be anything from three times per week 1250 IU to two times per week at 3000 IU, and neither of these studies discussed the use of HCG as a supplement to Testosterone Restoration.

Similarly, there are no Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Guidelines for men that wish to maintain normal testicular form and function while taking supplemental Testosterone. One particular clinical study involving Injectable Testosterone Enanthate revealed that a 250 IU Dose of HCG was capable of maintain the normal function of the testes, whereas 125 IU was not sufficient, and 500 IU was also sufficient. A second study just measured the effectiveness of the 500 IU dose, and corroborated that this concentration was capable of protecting sperm count, as well as testicular size and function.

When taking HCG with Testosterone, it is important to keep in touch with a Licensed and Board Certified Hormone Doctor, because HCG can sometimes increase Dihydrotestosterone and estradiol levels. The optimal HCG dose is able to restore testicular form and function while minimizing changes in the concentration of these two hormones. Of course, the exact dose needed to achieve this will depend on the specific biological and genetic make up of the patient.

Most physicians that utilize Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Injections with Low-T Treatment prescribe based off of these and similar studies, providing 250-500 IU of HCG two times per week for patients that want to maintain fertility and/or the normal appearance of the testicles. A minority of Hormone Specialists prescribe between 1,000-5,000 IU two times per week, but this is not generally recommended, because this could unnecessarily raise levels of Dihydrotestosterone and Estrogen to levels which could cause the appearance of Side-Effects. There is also the potential that such a flush amount of HCG could cause the testicles to become sensitized to the high concentrations.

HCG with Testosterone Sometimes Combined with Estrogen Blockers

It may be beneficial to make an appointment with your physician thirty days after initiating therapy in order to test your Hormone Levels to see if your Hormone Balance would benefit from an Estrogen Blocker such as Anastrozole or Tamoxifin, which can counteract the increase in Estrogen Levels that may occur. It is vital to keep Estrogen at ideal levels because excess estrogen can lead to edema and gynecomastia, but too little can affect neurological health and Bone Mineral Density.

Why Not Just Us HCG Injections Instead of Testosterone Therapy?

Many men are curious about why Testosterone Treatment are necessary if HCG is also capable of increasing Testosterone Levels. There are some good reasons why this is the case. For example, Injectable HCG is not as effective at restoring Libido and sexual function as Bio-Identical Testosterone, eve if HCG restores Testosterone to normal levels. Also, too much HCG can lead to issues such as gynecomastia, moodiness, water retention and acne, which are normally only apparent in the case of Testosterone Overdose.

By combining Bio-Identical Testosterone with Restorative HCG, it is possible to enhance the benefits of treatment, maintaining a healthier hormone spectrum, enhancing sexual desire, maintaining the healthy function of the testes, and normalizing the normal balance of the bloodstream.

Anastrozole Research Study

Anastrozole is what is known as an Estrogen-Blocker. Estrogen-Blockers are used to inhibit the production of Estrogen by the body and to prevent the conversion of Testosterone into Estrogen via biological mechanisms inside the body. For post-menopausal women, Anastrozole is commonly prescribed as part of breast cancer treatments, because the presence of Estrogen exacerbates breast cancer. The brand name form of Anastrozole, Arimadex, is produced and distributed by the pharmaceutical giant, AstraZenaca.

Among men, Anastrozole Therapy is commonly prescribed along with Testosterone Therapy in order to inhibit the body's natural propensity to convert excess Testosterone into Estrogen, especially among obese patients and patients taking forms of Testosterone Therapy prone to inducing spikes in Testosterone Production.

Also, bodybuilders, athletes, and weight-lifters commonly take Anastrozole in combination with high levels of Testosterone in order to abuse the Anabolic effects of Testosterone while mitigating the side-effects related to excess Estrogen and Testosterone, including Gynecomastia.

Anastrozole Clinical Study

In one particular study, published in 2009, researchers studied the impact of Anastrozole Treatment upon the production of Testosterone and other sex hormones among men. They also measured a number of other co-varying factors, including cholesterol levels, PSA Counts, Strength, and Body Composition. All patients in the study were individuals suffering from Low-T, and all patients were treated with Anastrozole Estrogen-Blocker for twelve months.

After a year of treatment, researchers found that the men experienced an increase in Testosterone of around fifty percent, and this increase was sufficient to put men right in the middle of a healthy, adult Testosterone Range. This was coupled with an average twenty percent decrease in Estradiol levels, although the average Estradiol levels were normal on average.

Anastrozole had a number of beneficial effects. The Estrogen-Blocking Treatment increased concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone, Dihydrotestosterone and Free Testosterone (also known as Bioavailable Testosterone). These effects were significant when compared to the placebo group.

Unfortunately, the increase in Androgen Production and decrease in Estradiol production did not lead to significantly enhanced strength or body composition, but it also did not have a negative impact on cholesterol balance, prostate health, and PSA Levels.

Andropause and Male Health - Testosterone and Estrogen

It has long been known that the male aging process is strongly correlated with a steady and constant drop in the production of male androgens such as Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone. It is also known that Estrogen Production also drops at the same time as these male Androgens decline, albeit at a slower rate.

This transformation eventually leads to a condition known as Testosterone Deficiency, Andropause, or simply Low-T. At the same time, Estradiol ratios increase in relation to Testosterone Concentration as a result of their differing rates of decline. This is because, although there is less Testosterone, the body converts that Testosterone into Estradiol at a faster rate with age.

Researchers are still attempting to discover the full implications of this biological change, and how it effects male health. Hormone Scientists are also attempting to figure out exactly how this biological change occurs, as the mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

Why Do Testosterone Levels Drop Faster than Estrogen Levels in Men?

Endocrinologists do have some hypotheses however. Here are some of them:

• Reduced production of Testosterone as a result of increased Estrogen synthesis.

• Decrease in the mass of Leydig Cells, which are responsible for the production of Testosterone.

• Leydig Cells may become increasingly insensitive to stimulation from the Pituitary, which could inhibit Testosterone Production.

• As men grow older, they could be producing less Testosterone as a result of increased activity of Gonadostatin Hormones or other hormones which suppress the production of Testosterone as a factor of age.

How Does Anastrozole Increase Testosterone Levels?

Aromatase Inhibitors such as Anastrozole and Arimadex are able to enhance Testosterone production because they reduce the production of Estradiol. The presence of excess Estradiol produces a negative feedback mechanism which encourages the enhanced release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone by the Hypothalamus (GRH) and the Pituitary (LH and FSH). All of this acts together in a way which stimulates the testes and adrenal glands to produce more Testosterone.

Why is Anastrozole Useful for Testosterone Replacement?

There are a number of reasons why it would be highly beneficial to use Anastrozole as a means to improve Testosterone Production, if it were effective:

• Anastrozole is effective in pill form, making it very easy to take with minimal inconvenience.

• It can mitigate the side-effect of Gynecomastia related to Testosterone Therapy

• Protects the cardiovascular system and the cognitive faculties from the negative effects of excess estrogen.

• Anastrozole may be beneficial in lieu of Testosterone Therapy as a means to enhance Testosterone Production without the risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (as of yet unfounded)

Previous Research: Hypogonadism and Anastrozole

One of the inspirations that lead researchers to conduct this study regarding the impact of Anastrozole on Estrogen and Androgen Levels was another study which evaluated the effects of Anastrozole upon 37 geriatric patients suffering from hypogonadism. This study produced some very similar results with regard to how Anastrozole improved Testosterone Concentrations as well as normalized the ratio between Testosterone and Estradiol.

The original study was conducted over the course of three months, as opposed to the year-long study conducted in 2009. These results were corroborated in another study, although that study did not involve a control-placebo group.

The Testes May Lose Their Ability to Produce Testosterone as Men Grow Older

Because this study was over the course of a year, rather than only three months, it provided greater information with regard to how the human body responds to long-term treatment with Anastrozole. In this study, for example, results after three months were nearly identical to those in the other earlier three month studies, but then over the course of the next nine months, androgen concentrations dropped.

The researchers hypothesize that the decrease in Testosterone Concentration could be the result of increased resistance to the Estrogen-Blocking Medication. Researchers found that, although Testosterone Production dropped over the course of the last nine months, Luteinizing Hormone Levels remained at high levels. This suggests that although the Hypothalamus and Pituitary are sending sufficient signals to produce youthful levels of Testosterone, that the Leydig Cells in the testes, for unclear reasons, are no longer capable to meet the demands of the body.

It has been observed however, that Leydig Cells are less responsive to Luteinizing Hormone when there is a higher concentration of ligands. Because of the stable Estradiol Concentrations over the course of the nine months, as well as well-kept medication diaries and monitored pill-counts, the researchers are able to discount noncompliance as a contributing factor to reduced Testosterone Concentrations.

Effects of Anastrozole on Body Composition Differ from the Effects of Testosterone Therapy

The vast majority of studies on why men with Low-T Hypogonadism have been treated with Testosterone have shown that Andropause Therapy reduces body fat and increases muscle mass. Many studies also show that Testosterone Restoration has a positive impact on physical strength.

In this particular study, the same benefits do not appear to be apparent with regard to Anastrozole. After a year of medication with Anastrozole, there were no significant changes in muscle mass, strength, or body composition observed. These results are similar to those of other studies which utilized Estrogen-Blockers for a shorter period of time.

Why Is Anastrozole Alone Not as Effective as Testosterone Treatment?

It could be that the patients did not have Low-T of sufficient severity to produce positive biological changes in body composition. The researchers don't feel that this is the case, however, because there have been other studies in which men with the same degree of Low-T were able to experience significant gains in body composition directly from therapy.

A second potential explanation for this lack of change in fat and muscle mass is that Anastrozole alone, or at the dose administered, does not have the capability to produce the increase in Testosterone necessary to lead to significant gains with regard to body composition. Most studies which have led to increased Muscle Mass and Decreased Body Fat were the result of increasing Free Testosterone Levels to High-Normal, whereas this treatment only raised Testosterone Levels to Mid-Normal.

Another issue with Anastrozole Pills is that they, alone, don't produce the same increases as Bio-Identical Testosterone Formulations, because these treatments bypass the digestive system and deliver the dose directly to the blood stream. Testosterone Administered via Injection, Patch, or Cream, produce Testosterone Peaks which are higher than average.

Since this study only produced peak Testosterone Levels that were mid-normal, and concentrations dropped over the course of the year of therapy, this may have been the reason why Free Concentration did not produce significant Body Composition gains.

It is also possible that the reduced concentrations of Estradiol resulting from Anastrozole Treatment could have inhibited the gains that one would normally expect from treatment. In animal subjects, there is evidence that male mice increase body fat if aromatase genes are not activated. This is also true if Estrogen Receptor-α is not activated. Among rats that have been castrated, the administration of Estrogen actually protects against weight gain and has the ability to generate muscle mass.

In relationship to this animal study, men that have experienced Prostate Cancer are more resistant to weight gain when treated with an Androgen Blocker which increases Estradiol Levels known as Bicalutamide. These benefits were enhanced in relationship to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, which simultaneously inhibits Estrogen and Androgen Production. Interestingly enough, it appears that Estradiol does play a particular role in protecting healthy body composition among male patients.

Anastrozole Does Not Impact the Prostate Gland

All signs from this study show that Anastrozole and Arimadex have no impact upon the health of the prostate. In particular, Anastrozole does not lead to prostate enlargement, and it does not lead to increased PSA Counts. Researchers hypothesize that since Anastrozole decreased Estradiol Levels while increasing Testosterone Levels, it counteracted the effect upon the prostate that is often the result of Testosterone Therapy used alone.

The scientists that produced this study took the time to place special emphasis upon this connection between the Prostate and Estrogen. It may be that Testosterone Therapy combined with Anastrozole may have the ability to provide the normal benefits of Testosterone Restoration and Optimization while protecting the prostate from risk of the potential side-effect of Prostate Enlargement.

There is further biological evidence that this may be the case. Estradiol Levels are positively correlated with increased incidence and severity of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and the body also becomes more sensitive to Aromatase as men grow older. Animal studies have also shown that Estrogen Injections enhance Prostate-Specific Antigen, and they also lead directly to the proliferation of stromal cells and prostatic epithelial cells which are associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Animal studies have also shown that drugs which inhibit Estradiol actually have the ability to alleviate the effects of the condition.

Anastrozole Does Not Alter Cholesterol Balance or Increase Red Blood Cell Count

In this study, there is no evidence that Anastrozole Treatment negatively impacts cholesterol or causes polycythemia. Today, researchers are highly interested in figuring out how to provide Testosterone Therapy to patients with Low-T while preserving or enhancing cardiovascular health and cholesterol levels. Many studies clearly point out that healthy Testosterone Levels are associated with improved heart health and enhanced cholesterol balance.

Other studies regarding Testosterone Therapy, on the other hand, show that some forms of Testosterone Treatment can sometimes lead to negative consequences in regard to cholesterol. There is also evidence that oral Estrogens reduce LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels in both sexes. Estrogens administered via cream have a limited impact on cholesterol.

These positive changes in cholesterol associated with Estrogen pills do not seem to provide heart benefits. This provides even more evidence that Cardiovascular Risks are complex, and there are a number of factors which control heart health, not just cholesterol. Other issues that can affect Cardiovascular Health include endothelial function, coagulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Anastrozole Study Limitations

There is one powerful issue which can impact the results of this study. There is no clearly delineated definition of what is considered Low-T among older men. Because there is no agreed-upon definition, it makes establishing clinical guidelines for Andropause and Low-T a difficult thing to do.

This study used a more common definition of Age-Related Low-T to choose its subjects, but other researchers have tighter guidelines for what patients are considered Andropause Sufferers. If the researchers would have used tighter guidelines for Testosterone Deficiency, they may have found positive effects upon muscle mass and body fat, but they argue that, had they used these more stringent guidelines, the study could not effectively be compared to the majority of other Low-T Studies.

Anastrozole Study Summary

To summarize the above study and its effects, researchers found that one year of Anastrozole Pill Treatment had the ability to suppress Estradiol Levels and enhance Testosterone Production among adult males over the age of sixty struggling with mild or moderate Low-T.

This treatment was able to restore Testosterone Concentrations associated with that of young and healthy males, but it did not have a positive impact upon strength and body composition. This outcome could have been the effect of inhibited Estradiol Production in relationship to increased Testosterone Levels, or it could have been the result of a developed resistance to the Estrogen-Blockers.

Future studies could monitor the effects of Anastrozole (Arimadex) Estrogen-Blockers upon other issues associated with Low-T, including reduced sexual function, quality of life, cognitive health, insulin sensitivity, and bone mineral density. Such studies would enhance our knowledge of how Estrodiol and other Estrogens impact the health of men, and how Estrogen interacts with Testosterone and Testosterone Restoration.

Anastrozole Information Source:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586804_4

Hormone Replacement Therapy with Pellet Implants

Testosterone Pellets are one of the most effective forms of Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy. This form of Hormone Balance Treatment involves surgically inserting tiny cylinders of pure Testosterone just underneath the skin. In addition to Testosterone Pellets, there are also Estradiol Implants as well. Testosterone Pellets are made up of Bio-Identical Testosterone, and the Estradiol Pellets contain both Bio-Identical Estradiol and Stearic Acid.

The cylinders are created by taking the hormones and other ingredients and either fusing them or applying high levels of pressure in order to form the hormones into small cylindrical shapes. The pellets are relatively small. They are smaller than a Tic-Tac breath mint and bigger than a grain of rice.

The body of clinical evidence suggests that Pellet Implant Hormone Replacement Therapy is the best way to restore hormone levels in the human body. The rate that the Testosterone is absorbed into the body is more closely compared to the body's natural release patterns than any other form of Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Unlike some other forms of therapy, such as Testosterone Patches, Testosterone Pellets are perfectly designed for Female Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Testosterone Pellets release small and steady levels of Bio-Identical Testosterone which closely mimic the body's own natural patterns. Because of this, Testosterone Pellets restore normal hormone balance more effectively than any other method.

How are Testosterone and Estrogen Pellets made?

In America, most Testosterone and Estrogen Pellets are actually made in pharmacies by compounding specialists. The Pellets are created in a sterile environment and stored in treated glass vials. Although most Testosterone Pellets are made in pharmacies, there is also a form of Testosterone Pellet known as Testopel which is the only current form of Testosterone Pellet Therapy that is expressly approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Testopel provides a 75 milligram dose of Testosterone, but compounded Testosterone Pellets can be specially designed for the individual patient.

What Makes Testosterone Pellets Such a Strong Treatment Option for Testosterone Deficiency?

Testosterone Pellets are highly effective because of their ability to deliver a consistent dose of Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy for an extended period of time. For women, a single implant provides three to five months of Testosterone. For men, a single pellet provides four to six months of Testosterone.

Pellet Implants are a highly desirable form of Testosterone HRT because they effectively bypass the varying and fluctuating Hormone Levels associated with all other forms of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Creams apply a large dose early in the day that starts to fade later on. Testosterone Patches are steadier than Testosterone Creams, but they are still less consistent than Pellets. Testosterone Injections are the least consistent of all of the above, but they provide a larger initial boost of Testosterone. For this reason, Testosterone Injections also have a slightly higher risk of side-effect than other forms of Testosterone Treatment.

Estrogen Pellets also provide a similar level of consistency in regard to hormone balance. Estrogen Implants optimize health and protect against disease by maintaining a healthy ratio of Estrone and Estradiol. Unlike some other forms of therapy, neither Estrogen Pellets or Testosterone Pellets increase the chance of experiencing blood blots.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Menopause Benefits

In clinical studies, Testosterone Pellets have been shown to be more successful than other forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy for the treatment of hormone imbalance in women. For women undergoing Menopause, Testosterone Replacement Therapy offers the following benefits:

• Fosters Healthy Bone Mineral Density

• Reduces the Risk of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

• Increases Sex Drive

• Increases Sexual Ability

• Improves Sleeping Habits

• Reduces Occurrence of Hot Flashes

• Provides Migraine Relief

Testosterone Pellets have been fully accepted as a successful treatment to relieve the headaches and migraines that are sometimes associated with menopause. In regard to sexuality, Testosterone is just as important for women as it is for men. Although Estrogen primarily controls the sexual cycles of the human body, Testosterone controls most aspects of sexual performance, desire, and ability. Testosterone Replacement Therapy improves sexual performance by increasing the sensitivity of the sexual organs and the ability to produce lubrication in preparation for sex.

For women, Testosterone also provides a number of urological benefits. In decreases the intensity of the urge to go, and it prevents patients from having to go as often. It also alleviates the experience of incontinence.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Benefits

Testosterone Pellets also offer a number of powerful benefits to both men and women suffering from Testosterone Deficiency:

• Improves Energy Levels

• Reduces Anxiety

• Alleviates Depression

• Enhances Overall Sense of Well-Being

• Sharpens Memory

• Improves Concentration

• Increases Muscle Mass

• Fosters Healthier Bone Mineral Density

• Reduces Body fat

Testosterone is vitally important for the mental and physical health for both sexes, and there is strong evidence that healthy Testosterone Levels have a preventative impact on the risk of experiencing a number of different illnesses, including Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's, which appear to have at least some association with Testosterone Deficiency.

Testosterone Implants also have the highest success rate of any form of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Testosterone Pellets are incredibly convenient, requiring only two to four simple outpatient procedures per year. Many patients simply aren't committed enough to maintain some other forms of therapy as effectively. With Testosterone Implants, the patient has no responsibility other than making his or her doctor's appointments.

Testosterone Pellets have been used for a long time. They were first used as a medical treatment in the 1930s, using real Testosterone harvested from organ donors. Today, Testosterone is formulated using Recombinant-DNA Technology in a laboratory, and it is completely safe and sterile. Although Testosterone Replacement Therapy is made in a lab, it is completely identical to the Testosterone made by the human body, meaning that there is no risk of rejection and no negative consequences of using an unnatural medical treatment. Because Testosterone has been used for so long, there is an extensive body of evidence regarding its safety and efficacy.

Where and How are Testosterone Pellets Inserted?

Testosterone Pellets are implanted in an outpatient procedure utilizing local anesthetic. The process is quick, easy, and produces very little pain for the patient, so it's very easy for the patient to handle. Most commonly, the Testosterone Pellet is surgically inserted underneath the skin into the upper buttocks. The physician will make a small incision and insert the Testosterone Pellet, then use medical tape to close the wound for quick and natural healing.

When choosing Testosterone Pellets, it is important to find a highly experienced medical professional that has a history of performing the treatment in order to perform the treatment effectively and provide the optimum appropriate dose.

What are the Side-Effects of Testosterone Implantation

As with any other form of Testosterone Hormone Replacement, there is always at least some risk of experiencing side effects. These are some side effects that you may experience directly as a result of Testosterone Implantation Surgery:

• Minor Bruising

• Minor Bleeding

• Infection

• Skin Discoloration

• Extrusion of the Testosterone Pellet

Discoloration and minor bruising are relatively common side effects, but the other side effects are incredibly rare. In some cases, Testosterone Replacement Therapy may lead to a very minor increase in hair in some female patients.

Testosterone can also lead to elevated Red Blood Cell counts in some patients. This is because Testosterone plays a role in bone marrow function, which increases the production of the cells. One of the most common symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency is anemia, which leads directly to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion related to Low-T. Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy may in some cases increase Red Blood Cell counts to above normal. In the case that Hematocrit and Hemoblogin levels become elevated, it can be treated simply by giving a routine donation of blood.

In order to limit the risk of experiencing side effects, it is important to avoid vigorous activity following Surgical Testosterone Implantation. Women should wait for about 48 hours before engaging in this form of activity. Men should wait for between five and seven days. Performing vigorous activity before the wound has had time to heal is the primary cause of Testosterone Pellet Extrusion, which means that the pellet has worked out of the skin. Under certain circumstances, the patient may be prescribed antibiotics in order to prevent infection. This is most common when the patient has recently undergone a joint replacement or is diabetic. Even under these circumstances, antibiotics might not be needed, because the procedure is completely sterile and only causes minor bleeding at most.

Why Don't I Hear about Testosterone Implants as Much as Other Forms of Testosterone Therapy?

You may find it strange that Testosterone Pellets aren't as widely talked about as other forms of therapy. This is because Testosterone Pellets are not a patented product and they are not heavily marketed. The only patented form of Testosterone Implant is Testopel, and most Testosterone Implants are simply made inside of a pharmacy. In Australia and Europe, Testosterone Pellets are much more commonly prescribed, and there are actually more pharmaceutical manufacturers which make the pellets. Today, most of the new scientific data regarding Testosterone Pellets come from Australia and Europe for this reason.

Do Men Need Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

As men age, they start to experience a medical condition which shares many similarities with Menopause known as Andropause. The human body starts to slowly produce less and less Testosterone, which can eventually lead to severe hormone deficiency. Men generally produce strong levels of Testosterone throughout late adolescence and early adulthood, and Testosterone Levels start to drop when men enter their early thirties.

In spite of this decline, most men maintain categorically normal Testosterone Levels until sometime between in their mid-forties and mid-fifties. Some men even maintain healthy Testosterone Production into their seventies and eighties! Testosterone Deficiency is a real and significant medical condition that many men experience in America. Recognizing the signs of Testosterone Deficiency is incredible important, because men can start to experience a significant decline in their quality of life even in the thirties as a result of Testosterone Deficiency. Some of the most common symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency that male patients experience in their early thirties are:

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Lack of Libido

• Sexual Dysfunction

• Loss of Bone Mineral Density

• Weight Gain

• Cognitive Decline

• Trouble Sleeping

At the first signs of deficiency, a man should get his Testosterone Levels evaluated. Beginning around the age of fifty, it is highly beneficial for men to have their hormone levels tested even if they are not experiencing significant signs of hormone imbalance, simply to give them a more accurate knowledge of their current hormone state and what they can do to maintain their health.

Estrogen Pellets and Breast Cancer Risk

Compared to other forms of Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy, Bio-Identical Estrogen and Testosterone Pellets contribute less to breast cancer risk than other forms of therapy. In regard to Estrogen Replacement Therapy, other forms of the hormone such as Oral Estrogen are not nearly as effective at maintaining an optimal ratio of estrogen and its various metabolites, which increases breast cancer risk. Since Estrogen Pellets closely mimic the natural processes of the body, evidence actually shows that Bio-Identical Estrogen actually may have protective effects upon breast health.

Testosterone Pellets and Breast Cancer Risk

Testosterone Implantation has also been shown to have positive effects upon the health of the breasts. Healthy Testosterone Levels slow down the proliferation of breast cells and have the ability to reduce the risk of breast cancer directly as a result. Clinical evidence shows that Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy has the ability to regulate Estrogen Levels and provide further protection to the health of the breasts.

Other forms of treatment, such as the oral methyl-Testosterone are converted by the body into a synthetic form of estrogen which can actually increase breast proliferation, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Testosterone Pellets have been used in the past as a treatment for patients suffering from advanced breast cancer. In recent years specifically, Androgens like Testosterone have been clinically shown to increase the effectiveness of the breast cancer treatment Tamoxifen.

Why are Recombinant Bio-Identical Hormones Safer than other Synthetic Forms of Therapy?

Bio-Identical Hormones and Synthetic Hormones both have their place in treatment, but for standard Hormone Replacement Therapy Treatment, Bio-Identical Estrogen is generally superior to other forms of Estrogen Therapy. Recombinant Progesterone, for example, does not lead to an increased breast cancer risk like other synthetic Progestin medications. In addition to this, Vaginal Progesterone does not cancel out the heart benefits of Estrogen Replacement Therapy like Synthetic Progestins.

Estriol is a form of Estrogen Replacement Therapy that is commonly used in Europe, but has never been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for approval in America. This form of Bio-Identical Estrogen does not bind as powerfully to Estrogen Receptors as other, synthetic forms of Estrogen, and it does not have a negative impact on breast tissue proliferation. There are a number of studies that show that the vaginal application of Bio-Identical Estriol does not raise breast cancer risk.

There is actually evidence that patients that survive breast cancer and take Estriol as a preventative measure have a lower risk of experiencing breast cancer recurrence and have a lower mortality risk. Hormone Balance is one of the most important keys to a healthy body, and hormone restoration has been shown to have numerous restorative benefits, whether it be in the form of Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy, Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy, or Human Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy. Patients suffering from significant hormone deficiency are at substantially increased risk of experiencing a number of health disorders and conditions.

Can Estrogen and Testosterone Pellets Counteract Hair Loss and Thinning Associated with Aging in Women?

In women, hormone deficiency is one of the most common reasons that hair loss occurs. Testosterone and Estradiol Implants have the ability to help women grow healthier and thicker hair. It can even encourage the growth of hair in areas where hair has fallen out as a result of hormone deficiency in many cases.

When does the patient start to feel improvement after Pellet Implantation has taken place?

Some psychological changes may take place in the first day or two after implantation. Many patients don't experience any significant changes for as long as fourteen days. Most patients start to experience at least some benefit after around a week of treatment. Physiological changes will start to take place relatively quickly, but changes in body composition may take a few months to occur.

Although Hormone Replacement Therapy has the ability to induce positive changes even without any changes in lifestyle, in order to receive the optimal benefits of treatment, it is necessary to make proactive changes in your life in order to foster a healthier body. This means that you should engage in a healthy exercise routine, start a healthy and responsible diet, and manage your stress. Stress has a significant impact on human health, and is the strongest environmental pressure which contributes to hormone imbalance.

How Long do Testosterone and Estrogen Pellets Remain Active?

Testosterone and Estrogen Pellets slowly break down over time, releasing Bio-Identical Testosterone at a slow and steady rate until the entire pellet has dissolved. The Pellets are made entirely of desolvable products, so the pellet will disappear completely by the time that a new treatment is required. Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets last for an extensive period of time, much longer than any other form of treatment. Testosterone Patches and Gels must be applied daily. Testosterone Injections are much more flexible, but at best, you will require a Bio-Identical Testosterone Injection once every two weeks. Testosterone and Estrogen Pellets, on the other hand, remain active for months. For women, a single Estrogen or Testosterone Pellet will remain active between three and five months. For Men, the Testosterone Pellet will remain active for four to six months.

How is Hormone Balance Assessed before and during Therapy?

Before treatment begins, you will provide your prescribing physician with a blood sample. This blood sample will be evaluated in a number of different ways, providing the physician with a vivid outlook of your current health and hormone status. In women, the most important tests will reveal underlying levels of Free Testosterone, Total Testosterone, Estradiol, and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone. In many cases, Thyroid Hormone Levels will also be evaluated. In male patients, complete blood count, liver profile, Free and Total Testosterone Levels, and Prostate Specific Antigen Levels will need to be tested. The PSA Test is important because it screens for prostate cancer.

With Hormone Replacement Therapy Pellets, hormone levels are generally tested at some point just before the new HRT Pellets are to be implanted, so that the physician can evaluate the success of therapy and take steps to streamline treatment and ensure its continuing success. The first year is the most important, and after the first year it may not be necessary to evaluate hormone balance quite as frequently.

Ensuring a Safe and Successful Recovery from Testosterone Pellet Implantation

• If you are a woman, avoid any strenuous activity for two days. If you are a man, avoid such activity for seven days.

• Wait a full day before you take a shower.

• If recommended, take two antibiotic pills.

• After implantation, ice the area for one to two hours in order to prevent swelling.

• Leave the incision dressed in dry gauze for two full days. After two days, leave the area open.

• Keep the tape applied over the incision until the edges begin to curl. If it does not loosen on its own, take it off in five to seven days.

• Don't worry if you experience light redness around the incision. This is a common side effect.

• You may experience light physiological discomfort in the three days after the surgery. This is common.

• Infection is a very rare side effect. If swelling and redness grows after two days, you may be experiencing a slight skin infection.

• In order to alleviate discomfort, you can use a heating pad twice a day for ten to fifteen minutes to alleviate discomfort. A warm cloth is also acceptable.

• If you do experience infection, you will need to get a prescription for an anti-biotic such as Keflex.

• If you are allergic to Keflex or Penicillin, you can get an alternate anti-biotic treatment.