#hormonal therapy for men

[mattbenhews]

What Causes Male Infertility? 10 Common Reasons Explained

 When it comes to infertility, the focus often falls on women, but male infertility is just as significant and affects millions of men worldwide. In fact, about one in every five couples struggling with infertility may have a male factor contributing to the challenge. Let’s dive into the 10 most common causes of male infertility. Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or someone close to you, understanding these causes is the first step toward finding solutions.

1. Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

A low sperm count is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Normal sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm per milliliter to over 200 million. If a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter, the chances of conception decrease significantly. Low sperm count can be caused by hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, or environmental exposures.

2. Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia)

Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to swim efficiently toward an egg. Poor sperm motility is another leading cause of male infertility. If the sperm cannot swim effectively, they may struggle to reach and fertilize the egg, reducing the chances of conception. This can result from lifestyle choices, infections, or structural issues in the reproductive organs.

3. Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratozoospermia)

Sperm morphology is the study of the size and shape of sperm. Sperm with abnormal morphology (irregular shape or size) can have difficulty reaching and penetrating an egg. This condition may be linked to genetic factors, environmental toxins, or certain health conditions such as diabetes.

4. Varicocele

A varicocele is the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs. It can interfere with the temperature regulation of the testicles, causing sperm production to decrease. Varicoceles are found in about 15% of the general male population but can be responsible for up to 40% of cases of male infertility.

5. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, can significantly impact fertility. While ED does not directly affect sperm quality, it hinders the physical ability to ejaculate during intercourse. Causes of ED include psychological factors, health conditions (e.g., diabetes), or side effects from medications.

6. Testicular Ailments (Infections or Injury)

Infections such as epididymitis, orchitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can impact sperm production and function. Testicular injuries or surgeries can also damage sperm-producing cells, leading to infertility. Conditions like mumps, if contracted after puberty, can also affect the testicles and lead to permanent infertility.

7. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a crucial role in sperm production. An imbalance in hormones like testosterone, thyroid hormone, or prolactin can disrupt the production of sperm. Conditions such as hypogonadism (low testosterone levels), obesity, or pituitary gland problems can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect male fertility.

8. Genetic Factors

Genetics can significantly influence male fertility. Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome (an extra X chromosome), Y-chromosome microdeletions, or cystic fibrosis can lead to infertility. In some cases, genetic abnormalities affect the production or function of sperm, while in others, they affect the structure of the reproductive organs.

9. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, and poor diet can all decrease sperm quality. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining overall health, but excessive exercise or heat exposure (such as frequent use of saunas or hot tubs) may negatively impact sperm production.

10. Environmental and Occupational Factors

Exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or industrial chemicals, can impair sperm production. Men working in occupations involving exposure to toxic substances, such as welding or chemical manufacturing, may have a higher risk of infertility. Similarly, radiation and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also decrease sperm count and quality.

Early intervention, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments are often effective in overcoming male infertility. For those looking for expert care, Prashanth IVF offers the best treatment options for male fertility, with a team of specialists dedicated to providing personalized, cutting-edge solutions.

[genderqueerdykes]

btw, as someone with hypermobile ehlers-danlos who self-injects HRT, i wanted to take the time to recommend liquid bandage to anyone else with hEDS and any other conditions that cause one to have easily damaged skin!

i use the Walmart brand but it is the same as this one here! they generally contain antiseptic as well, so it helps sterilize the injection site as well! i've included the back of the package to show the active ingredients, make sure you check just to be safe if you have allergies to certain medications. it peels off super easy, i never notice when it comes off, whereas with latex and fabric bandages, it would pull and tear my skin too much, to the point where it would cause bleeding. this does the trick with no pain or skin damage!

[our-ftm-experience]

A brief guide to Testosterone HRT

If you’d like the one for Estrogen HRT, ask in the comments and you shall receive.

Image from the Transpeak Discord - unsure of actual source (a clinic?) (if anyone knows, please tell!)

Alternate text under the cut

Alt:

What is the goal of testosterone therapy?

Testosterone has two main jobs: It causes masculinizing changes to occur throughout the body, and it suppresses the production of estrogen. Some of the changes caused by testosterone are permanent (they would remain if testosterone was stopped), and other changes are reversible.

How is testosterone administered?

Testosterone is available as injections, cream, or gel. Injections are administered either every two weeks intramuscularly (into the muscle) or every week subcutaneously (under the skin). Nursing staff provides injection training here at clinic. Creams and gels are absorbed through the skin and applied daily.

What are the irreversible effects of testosterone?

Testosterone causes voice deepening, clitoral growth, body/facial hair growth, and sometimes male-pattern balding (also influenced by age and genetics). Testosterone may irreversibly affect fertility. Desires for fertility should be considered prior to starting hormones, and for those seeking fertility preservation (or education about fertility preservation), referrals can be made to Lurie’s fertility preservation team.

What are some of the reversible effects of testosterone?

Testosterone causes increased muscle tone, fat redistribution (hips to stomach area), skin oiliness and acne. Mood changes (often irritability, having a “shorter fuse”) and heightened sex drive may occur. Menstrual cycles will change and eventually stop after some time. There may be genital changes caused by low estrogen levels.

What are some of the known side effects and risks of testosterone?

Testosterone may increase your metabolic risk profile — that is, the risk for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or blood pressure. The risk for heart disease is higher for people who smoke cigarettes, are overweight or have a family history of heart disease.

Testosterone causes hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells in a volume of blood, to increase. This blood thickening, at high levels, can be life-threatening, causing stroke or a heart attack.

Testosterone can also cause increased appetite, headaches, and acne.

A low-detail diagram of the upper half of three bodies is displayed. From left to right, the bodies represent having been on testosterone for little to no time (a month or less), a medium amount of time (six to eight months) and a greater amount of time (a year or more).

The diagram is a visual representation of testosterone effects on the body. Hip mass shifts to the stomach area, The adam’s apple grows. Muscle mass grows and shoulders become broader. Facial and body hair grows on the arms, face, and assumably the legs not displayed in the image. The skin gets oily and acne appears on the face.

Testosterone affects: skin, muscle mass, body fat, body hair, voice change.

Increased skin oiliness and acne starts within 1-6 months of testosterone. Its complete effect can be within 1-2 years.

Increased muscle mass and strength starts within 6-12 months of testosterone. Its complete effect can be within 2-5 years. This effect is highly dependent on the amount of exercise one does.

Voice pitch deepening starts within 6-12 months of testosterone. Its complete effect can be within 1-2 years.

Body fat redistribution starts within 3-6 months of testosterone. Its complete effect can be within 2-5 years.

Facial and body hair growth starts within 6-12 months of testosterone. Its complete effect can be within 3-5 years.

Monthly periods stop within 2-6 months of testosterone.

Clitoral enlargement of 0.5 inches to 1 inch begins within 3-6 months of testosterone. Its complete effect can be within 1-2 years.

Male pattern hair loss starts when you have been on testosterone for over a year. Its complete effect date is variable. It depends on age and genetics, and can be minimal.

Sex drive also increases.

How do we monitor for safety?

Labs (bloodwork) are collected prior to starting hormones and every three months for the first year of treatment. In the second year, labs are checked every six months. Tests that are monitored include cholesterol, liver tests, hematocrit, and hormone levels. These labs can be drawn at Lurie’s or a local facility.

How quickly will changes develop?

Remember, it’s normal to want to see changes occur rapidly, but (just like in puberty) these changes take time! Most changes start to begin around 3-6 months after starting testosterone and take years to fully develop.

Will I look like my friend _____?

Remember, everyone experiences puberty differently. Factors other than testosterone (such as genes!) affect appearance. It’s impossible to predict exactly what changes will develop.

It’s important to take the prescribed dose of testosterone. Taking more increases health risks.

Always tell your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about your health.

[actualalivecreature]

stop associating testosterone with only men and estrogen with only women. thanks.

[fella-lovin-fella]

i <3 hrt

[prismalmelonman]

So much trans advice I see online is mainly for trans femmes/trans women (in the vein like "estrogen will do x, t and z, be careful!" And things like "testosterone blockers will so these things too") and that's really awesome and I'm glad the girls got each other,

but most of the advice for trans guys i had to seek out myself. (And I still don't know like much past "testosterone makes you retain body heat" and I don't know about any of the other effects like stuff for trans girls being a diuretic and can make hydration harder most of the side effects lists for testosterone therapy don't mention those things despite my hours worth of research) And yeah it's good to do your own research, but like I have to get my warnings from scientific journals and whatnot. I'm not qualified to give any of the advice bc I'm still pre-everything (hormones, surgery). Like social transition is all I have rn. Anyway if there's any good like resources made by trans men/mascs for trans men/mascs please drop it below and we can help our fellow guys out! 🫶

But yeah any trans guys that can offer some health advice regarding post-op, hrt, effects of testosterone and so on, it'd be super appreciated!

[frameacloud]

Zinnia Jones (May 31, 2021). "Early use of masculinizing steroid oxandrolone in trans boys can add 2 more inches of height compared to testosterone." Gender Analysis. Live link. Archive.

The above blog post is about a study about looking for more suitable sorts of puberty blocking and hormone therapy for transmasculine youth. It found a treatment that is more effective for letting them grow up to be a couple inches taller, if they start it early, at age thirteen or fourteen. It's about this study:

Grimstad, F. W., Knoll, M. M., & Jacobson, J. D. (2021). "Oxandrolone Use in Trans-Masculine Youth Appears to Increase Adult Height: Preliminary Evidence." LGBT health, 8(4), 300–306. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2020.0355

[sleepycatten]

Offer for any trans person struggling to access gender-affirming hormone therapy on prescription

For many trans folks, especially in the UK, access to gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) requires years of waiting and gatekeeping. Even when it's provided, it may be titrated or limited, rather than being provided in full, due to further gatekeeping and bad medical practice.

As such, I would like to advise that my DMs are always open to any trans person who wants to access GAHT as cheaply, quickly, and safely as possible without a prescription or gatekeeping.

For those who do not feel comfortable messaging me here or want to read more about HRT science, I recommend the following resources:

https://transfemscience.org/ - trans fem and non-binary fem

https://diyhrt.info/ - info on fem and masc HRT

https://www.reddit.com/r/TransDIY/wiki/index/

I have a pinned thread on my account in the fediverse (currently a Mastodon instance), which contains further resources and information:

https://cultofshiv.wtf/@SleepyCatten/109847558139671842

I spend most of my time in the fediverse, but I will look back regularly for questions here.

[apricotbuncakes]

Testosterone gave me confidence, and that confidence allowed me to put my audacity to good use.

I’ve been joking with my friends that “I now have the audacity of an army of cis men”. Some other symptoms of testosterone include:

“Brave stupidity” such as knowing I will not be able to tolerate Carolina Reaper hot sauce and still eating it anyway (and somehow roping in another [cis] guy into doing it without making fun of his masculinity)

“Cut off all the sleeves of my t-shirts” to show off my nonexistent arm muscles

“H o r n y” That is amusing as it is annoying considering I am asexual and have no desire to fuck anyone regardless of how much I love them romantically

And last but not least: Actually having a semblance of energy to get up and be happy about my life (amazing what gender affirming care will do).

[kendollclitzone]

How to do a testosterone injection (subcutaneous) for HRT

TW: needles!

[genderqueerdykes]

i love you so much if you are a person, trans, intersex or something else who takes testosterone hrt and loves what it's done for you. people often treat testosterone like it's a tragedy, but most people who want to take it end up loving its effects. even if people don't, that's okay, they're unique experiences that don't diminish the other. it just always makes my heart sing when someone else finds out that they love what testosterone HRT does for their mental and physical health. it's a blessing

[vitalityboise-blog]

Why Male Hormone Replacement at Vitality Men's Center in Boise Is the Key to Feeling Younger

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but its effects can feel more overwhelming for men experiencing a decline in energy, mood, and overall vitality. Many men find themselves asking, “Is this just aging, or is there something more going on?” At Vitality Men's Center, located in the heart of Boise, we specialize in helping men regain their sense of youth and well-being through male hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The Science of Aging and Testosterone

As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, typically starting in their 30s and 40s. This process, often referred to as andropause, can lead to symptoms like:

Fatigue and decreased stamina

Weight gain, especially around the midsection

Mood swings or irritability

Reduced motivation and focus

While these symptoms may seem like just “getting older,” they’re often linked to low testosterone (Low-T)—a condition that can be effectively managed through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Why Hormone Replacement Therapy Matters

Hormones play a critical role in maintaining balance across the body's systems. For men, testosterone regulates not only physical traits like muscle mass and strength but also cognitive functions, emotional health, and energy levels. By addressing hormonal imbalances, HRT can help restore:

Energy and Vitality: Feel more active and motivated in daily life.

Mental Clarity: Improved focus and reduced brain fog.

Emotional Well-Being: Stabilized mood and increased confidence.

At Vitality Men's Center, we focus on personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring optimal results.

Why Boise Men Choose Vitality Men's Center

Located at 800 W Main St Suite 1460, Boise, ID, Vitality Men’s Center offers a cutting-edge approach to hormone replacement therapy. Led by experienced professionals like Danny Jones, PAC, we prioritize a holistic, patient-centered approach that emphasizes community health and personal empowerment.

Danny Jones, PAC brings decades of expertise to the table, helping patients transform their lives with effective and compassionate care. From initial consultations to ongoing support, our team is dedicated to making the journey to better health as seamless as possible.

Benefits You Can Expect

Sustainable Weight Loss: HRT can boost metabolism, making weight management easier.

Enhanced Physical Performance: Build strength and endurance, no matter your age.

Improved Relationships: Rediscover the confidence and energy to enjoy life with loved ones.

Take the First Step Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health and unlock the key to feeling younger, visit Vitality Men’s Center in Boise. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the journey of hormone replacement therapy.

Vitality Men's Center 800 W Main St Suite 1460, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 328-5894

https://www.vitalitymenscenter.com/

[frameacloud]

Persky, R. W., Apple, D., Dowshen, N., Pine, E., Whitehead, J., Barrera, E., Roberts, S. A., Carswell, J., Stone, D., Diez, S., Bost, J., Dwivedi, P., & Gomez-Lobo, V. (May 2, 2024). "Pubertal Suppression in Early Puberty Followed by Testosterone Mildly Increases Final Height in Transmasculine Youth." Journal of the Endocrine Society, 8(6), bvae089. https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvae089 Free full text article.

[vitalitymenscenter-blog]

Vitality Men's Center: Hormone Replacement Therapy Coeur d’Alene—Your Path to Better Health

At Vitality Men's Center, located in the heart of Coeur d’Alene, we specialize in helping men regain control of their health and well-being through advanced hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If you’ve been feeling a lack of energy, struggling with mood changes, or noticing a decline in your overall vitality, you’re not alone. These symptoms could be a result of hormonal imbalances, and the good news is that there’s a proven solution.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment designed to restore balance to your body’s hormones, particularly testosterone in men. Over time, natural testosterone levels may decline due to age, stress, or health conditions, leading to fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and even cognitive challenges. At Vitality Men's Center, our personalized HRT programs aim to address these issues by carefully tailoring treatments to your unique needs.

Why Choose HRT at Vitality Men's Center?

Expert Care Our experienced team, including Danny Jones, PAC, a highly trained professional with a military background, brings compassion and expertise to every patient interaction. Danny’s dedication to helping men achieve healthier lives makes him a trusted guide in the journey toward revitalization.

State-of-the-Art Techniques We offer cutting-edge solutions like testosterone replacement therapy, which focuses on restoring optimal hormone levels to enhance energy, mental clarity, and overall vitality.

Holistic Approach Our clinic understands that health is more than just numbers—it’s about feeling your best every day. That’s why we incorporate nutritional advice, exercise plans, and lifestyle changes to complement HRT.

The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Increased Energy: Feel more active and alert throughout the day.

Improved Focus: Sharpen your mental clarity and reduce brain fog.

Enhanced Mood: Address irritability and low motivation.

Stronger Body: Build muscle mass and reduce body fat with balanced testosterone levels.

Is HRT Right for You?

If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or mood swings, it might be time to explore hormone replacement therapy. A simple consultation at Vitality Men's Center can help determine if HRT or testosterone replacement therapy is the key to reclaiming your vitality.

Visit Us in Coeur d’Alene

Your health is too important to wait. Visit us at:

Vitality Men's Center 6848 N Government Way Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 (208) 565-1821 https://www.vitalitymenscenter.com

Begin Your Journey Today

Reclaiming your health starts with a single step. At Vitality Men's Center, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Discover how hormone replacement therapy can transform your life and help you achieve lasting wellness.

Take charge of your health—schedule your consultation today!

[familythings]

Andropause: Understanding and Managing the Male Transition

Andropause is a natural phase in a man’s life, but it’s often overlooked. Women’s menopause gets a lot of attention. Men experience something similar. They go through a gradual change in hormone levels. This change can affect their physical and emotional well-being. This article will explore what andropause is and when it begins. It will also discuss how long it lasts and, most importantly, how…