Male Program
Our male program focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of Andropause, Somatopause, and Thyroid disease. We begin with a comprehensive health history and physical exam as well as a complete laboratory evaluation of hormone levels. At PreGen Health Institute we aim to restore hormone imbalances to a normal, healthy level; we never supplement with the goal of reaching supra-physiologic levels. Only those with hormonal imbalance qualify for the treatment plan.
Like all of our programs we incorporate healthy nutrition, exercise and a customized vitamin regimen into your treatment plan.
Andropause
Also known as "male menopause", it is a complex syndrome comprised of hormonal deficiencies that typically develops between the 4th and 5th decade of life. Some men experience symptoms even earlier in life, including:
- Fatigue
- Joint aches, stiffness
- Sleep disturbance
- Irritability, anger
- Weight gain (especially around the mid-section)
- Decline in muscle mass/bone density
- Coronary artery disease
- Depression
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Premature aging
- Loss of hair, poor skin quality
Andropause can occur prior to the age of 40 as a result of several conditions, including but not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Chemotherapy/radiation therapy
- Cryptorchism
- Testicular cancer
Andropause is typically treated with Testosterone, Beta HCG, Zinc or Chrysin and sometimes DHEA. Many clients begin feeling an improvement in symptoms within 4 wks. Labs and symptoms are monitored closely throughout treatment to minimize side effects and ensure the client only maintains physiologic levels.
Somatopause
Somatopause is also known as Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency. Diagnosis is made based on symptoms, physical exam as well as laboratory testing. Signs & symptoms include (but are not limited to):
- Diminished muscle mass and strength
- Lack of concentration/memory impairment
- Increased abdominal fat
- Cardiac disease/atherosclerosis
- Poor bone density
- Fatigue, depression
- Insulin resistance
Growth hormone peaks at puberty and begins to decline around the age of 21, and almost all men over the age of 40 have a Growth Hormone Deficit.
All men MUST have a recent prostate examination prior to beginning a treatment plan for Somatopause.
Somatopause is typically treated with injections of growth hormone with close monitoring of resolution of symptoms, side effects and laboratory values to ensure levels are maintained at a safe and appropriate level.
Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone is one of THE most important metabolic hormones in our bodies, and it begins to decline in most people around the age of 40 and beyond. Many people experience a decline earlier but lab values remain "normal", and traditional healthcare providers do not recognize the symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism.
Major signs of deficiency include (but are not limited to):
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Poor concentration
- Constipation
- Dry hair/skin
- Cold hands & feet
- Elevated LDL cholesterol
- Low energy
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Hair loss
- Headaches
There are many major illnesses/diseases associated with hypothyroidism, including:
- Elevated cholesterol
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed and treated?
A comprehensive health history is reviewed and physical exam is performed. We check appropriate serum laboratory values and correlate to your symptoms before a diagnosis is made.
Our policy is to treat with bioidentical thyroid hormone and monitor for improvement in symptoms as well as lab values. Most people begin to experience improvement in symptoms within 2-3 weeks after beginning a program.
Also Recommended for Our Male Clients:
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is not a miracle cure, nor is it a license to eat poorly and ignore the importance of daily exercise. Our clients are most successful when they follow all program recommendations, including:
- Regular physical activity for a minimum of 45 minutes, 3-5 times per week. This should include both cardiovascular activity as well as strength/resistance training
- Following a healthy nutritional plan: All clients are referred to our Registered Dietitian, Lisa Merrill M.S., R.D. for an initial consultation
- Appropriate vitamin/mineral supplementation: Clients taking bioidentical hormones MUST have adequate supplementation of necessary vitamins and minerals for hormones to work properly. All clients are advised of our supplementation program during the initial consultation.
For more information on bioidentical hormone replacement we recommend visiting the American Academy of Anti-Aging at www.worldhealth.net.
If you are ready to schedule your consultation or have more questions regarding our services contact us at 1-877-6PREGEN.
