Forum Health takes a functional medicine approach to men’s hormone optimization through advanced integrative treatments including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), lifestyle changes, lab testing, and targeted supplements. Our experienced men’s hormone specialists provide personalized plans to restore hormonal balance, energy, strength, focus, mood, and sexual health. Explore our expert-led hormone clinics for cutting-edge, holistic hormone optimization solutions at a clinic near you.
Men’s hormone optimization therapy is a functional, root-cause approach to identifying and addressing hormone imbalance in men. Rather than masking symptoms, we evaluate testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, cortisol, and other biomarkers, then design a plan that may include TRT, BHRT, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise. The goal is to restore healthy ranges and improve daily performance, vitality, and long-term health.
You may benefit from men’s hormone optimization if you’re experiencing:
- Low energy or fatigue
- Reduced stamina and energy
- Decreased libido, sexual performance, or erectile dysfunction
- Mood changes, irritability, or low motivation
- Brain fog, trouble focusing, or poor sleep
- Changes in metabolism and body composition
If these sound familiar, a Forum Health men’s hormone specialist can assess for low testosterone (Low T) or other hormone imbalances and discuss options like TRT or BHRT.
Table of Contents
Natural Ways to Optimize Male Hormones (Diet, Sleep, Stress)
Before or alongside therapy, your provider will personalize lifestyle optimization to support hormone health.
- Nutrition: Protein-forward meals, healthy fats, fiber, and blood-sugar balance to support testosterone and metabolic health.
- Sleep: Consistent, deep, high-quality sleep to improve recovery, mood, and hormone balance.
- Stress & Recovery: Stress-reduction practices to improve cortisol rhythm and overall endocrine function.
- Training: Resistance and zone-2 cardio plans to increase muscle mass, strength, and insulin sensitivity.
These changes are core to our functional medicine approach and amplify the impact of TRT/BHRT when indicated.
Medical Treatments for Male Hormone Optimization
If labs confirm Low T or related imbalances, your provider may recommend evidence-based options tailored to you:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Uses hormones chemically identical to those your body produces.
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Restores testosterone to an optimal range to improve energy, strength, libido, and mood.
- Adjunctive Therapies: Targeted thyroid and cortisol support as clinically appropriate, plus peptides and nutraceuticals to fine-tune results.
Every plan includes ongoing lab testing, symptom tracking, and dose adjustments to ensure safety and results.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):
When diet and lifestyle shifts aren’t enough, Testosterone Therapy is a safe solution to achieve optimal testosterone levels. TRT can help men with clinically low or borderline-low testosterone who are experiencing Low T symptoms. Your Forum Health provider will discuss formulation options (e.g., injections, gels/creams, pellets), dosing, schedule, and monitoring. We emphasize appropriate lab testing and follow-up to maintain therapeutic ranges and support overall well-being.
TRT has many benefits, including:
- Improving metabolic syndrome
- Improved energy, drive, and motivation
Support for healthy metabolism and body composition
Enhanced mood, mental clarity, and overall well-being
- Enhanced bone mineral density
- Enhanced libido, sexual function, and performance
With any medication, TRT can also pose a few risks:
- Higher risk of prostate cancer
- Worsening of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy
- Liver toxicity
- Worsening of symptoms for sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, gynecomastia, and skin issues.
- Can harm fertility, so it’s not recommended for those who wish to have children.
Peptides & Growth Hormone Support for Men:
Select peptide therapies may complement men’s hormone optimization by supporting recovery, body composition, sleep, cognition, or metabolic health. Your provider will determine whether peptide support aligns with your personalized treatment plan and current hormone optimization therapy.
- Growth Hormone-releasing peptides (GHRP): Functioning differently than TRT, GHRP are synthetic peptides that stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland, indirectly boosting testosterone. These usually come as injections and as an alternative to TRT.
- Potential side effects and considerations include: fluid retention, joint and muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and high blood sugar levels.
Supplements for Male Hormone Balance & Vitality:
For a milder approach to supporting a natural male hormone balance, certain supplements may be recommended:
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Boron
- DHEA
- Tongkat Ali
Targeted nutraceuticals can support hormone balance, metabolic function, sleep, and stress resilience. Your Forum Health clinician will recommend evidence-informed supplements that match your labs and goals, integrating them into your broader men’s hormone optimization plan.
Men's Hormone Optimization is available at these Forum Health clinics
Find a hormone specialist nearby. Our hormone specialists are available at these Forum Health clinics near you:
California
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Michigan
North Carolina
Ohio
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
FAQ
How can I naturally optimize my testosterone levels?
There are many natural ways to enhance your testosterone levels.
- Get deep, consistent sleep every night
- Start weightlifting and doing high-intensity exercises regularly, avoiding strenuous cardio.
- Eat healthy fats and lean protein everyday
- Manage stress through meditation or stress-reduction techniques
Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) safe for men?
In general, hormone replacement therapy may lead to improved energy, mood, libido, cognitive function, and optimized metabolism under medical supervision. However, hormone replacement therapy, such as TRT does carry risks, such as: Risk of prostate cancer, worsening of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, liver toxicity, worsening of symptoms for sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, gynecomastia, and skin issues, and can harm fertility – so is not ideal for men who want to have children in the future.
How do I know if I need testosterone therapy?
You can get your testosterone levels changed through several different blood tests available, including:
- Total & free testosterone
- DHEA and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
- Estrogen-to-testosterone ratio
Can lifestyle changes improve my hormone levels?
Absolutely! You can naturally optimize your hormone levels through: getting deeper, consistent sleep every night, weightlifting and doing high-intensity exercises regularly, avoiding strenuous cardio, eating healthy fats and lean protein everyday, and managing stress through meditation or stress-reduction techniques on a regular basis.
How Do I Test and Monitor My Hormone Levels?
If you’re experiencing low libido, erectile dysfunction, chronic fatigue, mood changes, or decreased bone density, it may be a good time to get a hormonal blood test done. Testosterone levels are highest in the morning (between 7 and 10 a.m.), so this is the optimal time to get your blood test.
Types of hormone tests:
- Total & free testosterone
- DHEA and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
- Estrogen-to-testosterone ratio
Where Can I Find Hormone Optimization Specialists
At Forum Health, we are one of these clinics that offer advanced diagnostic testing and integrative treatments such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), lifestyle interventions, and targeted supplementation to optimize hormonal health.
Sources & Citations
Forum Health prescribes hormone therapy only for medically diagnosed hormone deficiencies and related conditions. Treatments are provided under licensed medical supervision and are not intended for bodybuilding, athletic performance, or aesthetic enhancement.
