The Science of Hormone Balance: What You Need to Know

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Hormones are chemical messengers, produced by the endocrine glands and transported through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues in the body. They play a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes such as growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and behaviour.

As we age, we hear them being spoken about more and more. Not only because of the menopause, but men’s hormones also get out of kilter, and as our natural hormone levels decline, the effect on our body can affect everything from our mood and energy levels, and even play a part in the development of certain chronic health conditions.

Testosterone Levels

You may think of testosterone as a ‘male’ hormone, but it’s one that women also produce and require to function optimally. While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a standard element of HRT in many countries, accessing testosterone replacement therapy in the UK can be challenging. It’s not widely available on the NHS, yet male and female users report marked benefits in their energy levels and in minimising some of the effects of ageing.

Healthy, optimal testosterone levels are essential for both men and women, especially as we age.

Testosterone Levels in Men

More and more research is suggesting that the ‘male menopause’ is a real thing, driven by dropping testosterone levels. Men can find themselves losing muscle mass and bone density and struggling with reduced energy, low moods and fatigue. And of course, there’s the well-known libido and sexual performance issues, which can primarily be attributed to this drop in testosterone levels in men.

A midlife black man enjoying going for a run in the sunshine.

Testosterone Levels in Women

Women who are lacking in testosterone can share similar symptoms to men, and if they are taking regular, progesterone-based HRT, adding testosterone can make a significant difference to their results. It has also been reported that supplementing regular HRT with testosterone can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

It’s also the optimal solution for improving issues with vaginal dryness and boosting libido.

Effects of Low Testosterone

One key effect of low testosterone is the reduction of muscle mass. Building and retaining muscle mass has an anti-ageing effect, and having sufficient muscle helps to not only keep moving, but also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which may help offset the risk of diabetes.

Both men and women can benefit from supplementing with testosterone, which can help to increase libido and improve sexual function, leading to a more fulfilling sex life.

Testosterone has also been shown to improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Men and women with low levels of testosterone may experience fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. That’s why more and more people in the UK are turning to private practice to support them with doctor-led testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy requires applying bio-identical testosterone in a topical cream or gel to the skin, to replace the deficient levels when the body does not produce enough on its own.

Is TRT safe?

Balance My Hormones is a CQC-registered private TRT clinic with an online platform and in-house support, to give clients a fully managed and doctor-led TRT journey. With over 25 years of experience in hormonal health, and a fully licensed and regulated service, their TRT services are also competitively priced, making access to TRT and HRT available for all.

After a blood test is taken (this can be done locally; no need to travel to a particular clinic), your hormone levels are assessed and you’ll be assigned a personal case manager, who will discuss your results and answer any questions you may have.

Next, you’ll have a video consultation with a doctor who will prescribe a bespoke treatment plan. The company will fulfil and send you your prescription and are there for any questions and support along the way.

Patient safety is a priority, and Balance My Hormones works with UK-licensed doctors, clinics, accredited blood testing services, and their GPHC pharmacy, The Hormonist, to support, coordinate and manage the entire process, for a safe and personalised hormone replacement experience.

TRT with Balance My Hormones

With Balance My Hormones, you can expect a seamless experience where your treatment preferences are listened to, and specific circumstances are catered to.

Balance My Hormones are the first one-stop TRT and HRT clinic in the UK, offering modern administration techniques, dosing, support, and coaching, to ensure patients are fully informed and in control of their journey.

Many NHS doctors have insufficient TRT knowledge and are restricted in the treatments they can offer their patients. Balance My Hormones doctors have specialised experience in hormone therapy and can prescribe a wide range of treatments, including wider bio-identical HRT, ensuring a bespoke experience for each patient.

Balance My Hormones Member Offer

Balance My Hormones is offering 25% off both their TRT and HRT plans for Life/Redefined members. Simply enter the following voucher code during the payment process: LIFE (case-sensitive).