What is best for men's hormone health?

From the Guidelines

For men's hormone health, a balanced lifestyle is best, focusing on regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a nutritious diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, including both cardio and strength training, and 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly. Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques. Maintain a healthy weight, as excess body fat can convert testosterone to estrogen. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks daily and avoid smoking. For men with clinically low testosterone, treatments may include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in forms such as injections (typically 50-100mg weekly), gels (typically 50-100mg daily), or patches. However, TRT should only be used under medical supervision after proper testing, as it carries risks including increased red blood cell production and potential fertility issues, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are essential to monitor hormone levels and overall health, especially considering the potential benefits and risks of testosterone therapy as discussed in 1 and 1. It's also important to consider the guidelines for diagnosing and treating hypogonadism, including measuring morning serum testosterone levels and assessing symptoms such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, as recommended in 1 and 1. Ultimately, the decision to use TRT should be based on individual patient needs and medical supervision, taking into account the latest evidence and guidelines, such as those from the American College of Physicians 1 and the Endocrine Society 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Testosterone gel 1.62% is indicated for replacement therapy in adult males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone: • Primary hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): testicular failure due to conditions such as cryptorchidism, bilateral torsion, orchitis, vanishing testis syndrome, orchiectomy, Klinefelter's syndrome, chemotherapy, or toxic damage from alcohol or heavy metals • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired): gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) deficiency or pituitary-hypothalamic injury from tumors, trauma, or radiation

The best option for men's hormone health is testosterone replacement therapy with a prescription medicine like testosterone gel 1.62%, which is used to treat adult males who have low or no testosterone due to certain medical conditions 2.

• Key benefits:
  • Helps to treat conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone
  • Can improve symptoms of low testosterone, such as low energy, low sex drive, and decreased muscle mass
• Important considerations:
  • Should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider
  • Requires regular monitoring of blood testosterone levels and other health parameters
  • May have potential side effects, such as increased risk of prostate cancer and worsening of prostate symptoms 2 2

From the Research

Men's Hormone Health

To maintain optimal hormone health, men can consider the following options:

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for hypogonadism, which can help induce and maintain normal secondary sexual characteristics, sexual function, and behavior 3
• Lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and exercise, which can help reduce estradiol levels and increase testosterone production in frail, obese older men 4
• A combination of TRT and lifestyle intervention, which may help improve physical function and reduce the risk of frailty in older men with obesity and hypogonadism 5

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

TRT can be an effective treatment for hypogonadism, but it is not without risks. Some potential risks and considerations include:

• Worsening of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms 6
• Increased risk of polycythaemia 6
• Potential adverse effects on cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer, which require further investigation 7
• Importance of individual evaluation and careful risk-benefit assessment 7

Lifestyle Interventions

Lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and exercise, can have a positive impact on hormone health in men. Some benefits include:

• Reduction in estradiol levels and increase in testosterone production in frail, obese older men 4
• Improvement in physical function and reduction in risk of frailty in older men with obesity and hypogonadism 5
• Potential attenuation of weight loss-induced reduction in muscle mass and hip bone mineral density with TRT 5