Many men in Kansas City struggle with weight management and other medical conditions as they age. This challenge may be compounded by a reluctance to join weight loss programs.
A study published in Obesity highlighted several reasons men’s health can decline as they age. These include the view that weight loss is typically for women, the mismatch between available programs and men’s preferences, the inconvenience of fitting these programs into their daily schedules and men’s desire for more control and personalization.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and medical weight loss injections present a promising solution to these challenges.
Hormonal Changes in Men
As men age, they experience hormonal changes that may not be obvious initially.
Here are the common hormonal changes observed in men, particularly as they approach middle age and beyond:
1. Testosterone Decline
Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for developing male sexual characteristics and maintaining muscle mass, bone density and overall energy levels.
As men age, their bodies produce less testosterone, a condition often referred to as andropause or male menopause.
According to The American Journal of Medicine, “Testosterone deficiency (TD) afflicts approximately 30% of men aged 40-79 years, with an increase in prevalence strongly associated with aging and common medical conditions including obesity, diabetes and hypertension.”
Lower testosterone levels can reduce muscle mass and strength, increase body fat and decrease libido.
2. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) Reduction
DHEA is a hormone the adrenal glands produce and a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. It reaches peak levels in early adulthood but declines as part of the natural aging process.
Reduced levels of DHEA may lead to decreased muscle mass, worse skin conditions and a decline in sexual function. It can also impact mood and cognitive function.
3. Estrogen Fluctuations
Though often considered a female hormone, estrogen in men is vital in modulating libido, erectile function and the production of sperm.
As men age and testosterone levels decline, the balance between testosterone and estrogen shifts, sometimes resulting in relatively higher estrogen levels.
This imbalance can lead to increased emotional sensitivity, enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia) and problems with sexual function.
4. Cortisol Increase
The adrenal glands produce more cortisol, the stress hormone, due to chronic stress or underlying health issues.
Elevated cortisol levels over a prolonged period can contribute to weight gain (especially in the abdominal area), muscle weakness, mood swings and a suppressed immune system.
5. Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, and changes in these hormones can be more common as men age.
Symptoms of thyroid hormone imbalances include weight fluctuations, altered energy levels, feeling unusually cold and heart rate changes.
Unusual Changes, Little by Little
Men experiencing hormonal changes may feel exhausted after normal activities, such as a regular workout or a day at work, which previously didn’t pose a challenge.
They could experience mood fluctuations that seem out of character, ranging from irritability to periods of unexplained sadness, which can strain personal relationships and decrease their overall sense of happiness.
Over time, these hormonal shifts can alter their lifestyle and limit their ability to enjoy activities they once found fulfilling, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Addressing these changes through BHRT and weight loss injections can help men maintain vitality.
What is BHRT for Men?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for men that uses hormones that are identical to those the body produces naturally. This therapy offers a more natural approach to restoring hormone levels and alleviating symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
Using bioidentical hormones can reduce side effects and enhance the therapy’s overall effectiveness by allowing for more effective integration into the body’s hormonal balance.
BHRT, including testosterone replacement, counteracts the decline in testosterone by providing hormones to help mitigate the metabolic effects of aging.
Importance of Hormone Therapy for Metabolic Health
Testosterone’s influence extends beyond muscle growth and libido, impacting fat distribution, metabolism and overall physical health.
The Endocrine Society reported that enhancing testosterone levels can alleviate issues related to sexual health, bone strength, muscle mass and anemia. This treatment is considered safe and effective for men diagnosed with persistently low testosterone levels and symptoms linked to this kind of hormone deficiency.
Fat Distribution and Metabolism
Testosterone helps regulate body fat distribution by increasing the body’s metabolism, which can burn fat more efficiently.
Men with lower testosterone levels are likelier to have increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions, known as metabolic syndrome, increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Muscle Mass and Strength
Testosterone helps maintain a healthy muscle mass and improves the human body’s overall metabolic rate.
Adequate testosterone levels typically enhance physical endurance and performance in men. This happens because testosterone helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, improving aerobic capacity and stamina.
Bone Density and Health
This hormone stimulates bone mineralization and increases bone formation, preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of fractures, especially in older men.
Testosterone helps absorb calcium and works with vitamin D to improve bone health, maintaining structural integrity and strength.
Cardiovascular Health
The male hormone helps dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow and decrease the risk of atherosclerosis (buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls).
Testosterone decreases harmful cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol, contributing to healthier blood vessels and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Although effective, the Food and Drug Administration advises, “Health care professionals should prescribe testosterone therapy only for men with low testosterone levels caused by certain medical conditions and confirmed by laboratory tests.”
Those who don’t meet the criteria for BHRT can choose weight loss injections to manage their weight.
Role and Effects of Weight Loss Injections
Weight loss injections, also known as semaglutide, reduce appetite by interacting with the part of the brain that regulates hunger. These injections can help men achieve a caloric deficit without feeling hungry often, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
A study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, “Semaglutide‐induced weight loss included less appetite and food cravings, better control of eating and lower relative preference for fatty, energy‐dense foods.”
Similar to BHRT, these benefits help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
The American College of Cardiology reported that new clinical trials have demonstrated significant cardiovascular advantages of semaglutide. It lowered the incidence of heart failure events and alleviated symptoms of heart failure in conditions linked to obesity.
Managing Expectations: Side Effects and Considerations
While BHRT and weight loss injections for men in Kansas City are generally safe, they require a thorough health assessment, including detailed lab work to assess hormone levels.
1. Complete Medical History Evaluation
At KC Wellness Center, we start our BHRT for men with a full evaluation of the patient’s health history. This step is crucial to ensure the treatment fits their lifestyle and addresses their unique health needs without significant disruption.
A study published in the Metabolism Journal found that “A better understanding of the factors involved in inter-individual variability in response to therapies will guide more personalized approaches to the treatment of obesity.”
2. Potential Side Effects and Ongoing Monitoring
Although side effects like irritability and insomnia are generally mild, they can be managed by medical providers who adjust treatments to reduce side effects and enhance patient comfort.
3. Communication and Education
KC Wellness Center ensures our patients are well-informed about their treatment options and what to expect. Educating patients on managing potential side effects and the benefits of therapy helps them feel more in control and reassured about the efficacy and safety of their treatment choice.
According to the Endocrine Society’s patient guide, “The method of treatment depends on the cause of low testosterone, the patient’s preferences, cost, tolerance and concern about fertility.” Treatment may include injections, gels, patches, tablets and pellets.
By ensuring detailed initial assessments and providing expert, customized care, BHRT and semaglutide can effectively address men’s health needs while minimizing side effects and disruptions to their daily lives.
Start the Journey with BHRT or Weight Loss Injections
Men in Overland Park, Leawood and the surrounding Kansas City areas who want to manage their testosterone deficiency and weight gain should begin with a consultation to discuss their specific symptoms and health goals.
KC Wellness Center offers these services, providing a holistic approach to hormone health that includes everything from pellet therapy to comprehensive support for conditions like hormone imbalance and menopause symptoms in men.
BHRT for men and weight loss injections are effective treatments that can enhance physical health and emotional well-being, allowing men to enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.
Schedule a consultation in a weight loss clinic in Kansas if you’re experiencing a variety of symptoms of hormonal imbalance and looking for a sustainable way to improve your health.
Discover how a customized treatment plan can help you achieve optimal hormone health and improve your metabolism and muscle function.
Dr. Rahul Kapur, M.D. is a board-certified family medicine physician with a dedicated passion for integrative medicine and a deep knowledge of functional medicine. He was named intern of the year at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, and has been practicing as a hospitalist for over a decade. He has successfully helped many patients in Kansas City with his specialized IV bags, ketamine therapy, hormone optimization and weight loss therapy methods.