Dr. Leita Harris has been delivering health care to women in the Inland Empire in California since 1990. Harris started Nurturing You Women’s Health & Wellness in June of 2015 after 25 years of practicing in multi-specialty groups, with the first 15 years was a full scope OB/GYN practice. Throughout her career, Dr. Harris has found the need to re-examine ‘medicine’ and the methods with which she was practicing. In 2008, Dr. Harris transitioned into a role that allowed her to see only GYN clinic patients and her use of bio-identical hormones in practice began to blossom as she continued at this practice until 2015, at which time she founded Nurturing You. Throughout her research and studies, Dr. Harris has also learned how to manage male hormone patients so that she can leave her female patients feeling great, and their partners as well. For Dr. Harris, the best part of her day is seeing someone experience tremendous life-changing benefits, especially after they have been ignored or neglected truly exceptional care. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Leita Harris shares how male hormonal imbalances (the loss of testosterone) can be treated with hormone replacement therapy.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

We normally assume that hormone therapy exists as a treatment process mainly sought out by women, but the truth remains that many men experience hormonal imbalances as well. Whether these imbalances occur naturally or as a result of aging, the decline of testosterone can severely impact the significant functions of the male body. For that reason, it’s crucial to detect hormone deficiencies as early as possible! 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can treat hormone imbalances in a customized manner to fit the needs of every man affected. Fortunately, Dr. Leita Harris and the experts at Nurturing You are ready to educate and provide patients with the appropriate treatments to restore testosterone levels, along with confidence.  

Why Is Testosterone Important? 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

As the primary male sex hormone, testosterone helps men develop larger muscles, form deep voices, and grow facial and body hair. Additionally, it fuels the male libido, stimulates erections, and helps to produce sperm. Essentially, testosterone drives all of the primary male functions, which explains why low testosterone levels remain harmful to a man’s physical health and quality of life. 

What Is Andropause? 

Just as women experience Menopause — a drastic decline of estrogen — when they reach a certain age, men can also experience a plummet in hormone levels known as Andropause or “Low T.” It typically begins at age 30 when the male body produces less and less testosterone.

The most common consequences include erectile dysfunction, thinning hair, or low sexual libido. Men experiencing these conditions should get their testosterone checked, as Andropause may also lead to increased fertility issues. Additionally, lower testosterone levels can cause other side effects: lower energy, anemia, and decreased muscle mass and bone density.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy And How Can It Help?  

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Thankfully, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can naturally restore the right amount and balance of a man’s hormones. The treatment can rebuild a man’s well-being by eliminating the frustrating symptoms of Andropause. Furthermore, HRT can reduce a man’s risk of developing an illness related to low testosterone levels, such as heart disease and diabetes.  

Dr. Harris executes HRT using two different methods. The first option involves the application of topical bio-identical testosterone creams with or without a combination of testosterone precursors (like DHEA or Pregnenolone). The benefit of topical creams includes the ability to adjust the dose over a short-term period, while the downside means potentially transferring the topical preparations to children or pets; absorption remains very variable. The second method uses subcutaneous bio-identical pellets, which require insertion only two times each year and deliver a sustained release of testosterone over several months. However, a minor office procedure is needed to execute the treatment. 

Though HRT looks different for each patient, a consultation with an expert from Nurturing You can diagnose the underlying cause of one’s hormonal imbalance. From there, it can be determined whether a patient needs interventional measures or more intense treatment protocols. 

Ultimately, undergoing HRT can lead to several physical benefits. On top of increased confidence, a male patient may experience some of these outcomes: increased libido and sexual function, increased bone density, improved muscle mass, body composition, regulated mood, increased cognition, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.