Unbalanced hormones can greatly affect the emotional and physical health of men, just as they can with women, according to a Northwest Health System physician who specializes in hormonal issues.
Low testosterone levels in men can cause depression, fatigue, low libido, muscle aches and can affect a man’s ability to control his emotions, said Tammy Tucker, DO, a primary care physician in Springdale.
“A lot of women tell me how their husbands are very grumpy,” she said. “But because a lot of men think of their testosterone as their manhood, they are reluctant to be treated for it. That’s when I send home a hormone testing kit.”
Hormone levels are measured through the use of blood tests or by mail-in saliva tests. If a testosterone deficiency is identified, there are several treatment options.
“We used to only have one type of topical gel to treat hormone imbalances, but now there are several brands of gels, injections and even pellets that can be inserted under the skin,” Tucker said.
Tucker said she decides on the treatment based on the individual. Although gels keep the testosterone level more constant than injections, many men find it frustrating to apply. Injections are the most popular option and can be done at home. Pills are not an effective option.
Although low testosterone is most common in men 40 and older, Tucker has treated patients as young as 19. In younger patients, the problem often can be attributed to obesity.
“What happens is that fat cells raise the level of estrogen in men, so the more fat a man has, the less testosterone,” she said.
A prolonged raised estrogen level in men can contribute to multiple conditions, including infertility and prostate cancer. Tucker said that men who have had prostate cancer should not be denied supplemental testosterone.
“The medical community is doing these men a huge disservice by denying them testosterone,” she said.
“They feel bad, and hormone therapy could make a huge difference in their lives.”
Tucker became keenly interested in hormonal conditions after personally enduring issues during and after a pregnancy. Over the past five years, she has researched the subject in depth and is well known for her expertise.
Tucker practices at the Northwest Health and Wellness Center Jones Clinic, 601 W. Maple Ave., Suite 101 in Springdale. Appointments are available by calling (479) 751-0956.
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