Yes, Andropause! A Comprehensive Look at Male Menopause

What is andropause?

Andropause is a time in a man’s life when he produces less testosterone. Menopause in women is generally a rather rapid hormonal change while andropause in men is much more gradual and happens later in life.  Approximately only about 30 percent of men in their 50s will experience reduced testosterone related changes in their bodies while the majority of women will be in full menopause between the ages of 45 to 55.  Testosterone, an androgen sex hormone, plays a vital role in the body during puberty, such as deepening the voice and developing the penis and testes.  It is important to know that testosterone not only regulates a man’s sex drive and sperm production but is vital for fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, red blood cell production, and mood.  Testosterone levels start to drop slightly around thirty, and  continue to slowly decrease with age. Unfortunately, some men will experience an unhealthy drop in this important hormone which is why it is important to have testosterone levels checked regularly.  Male andropause can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems which typically worsen with age.

 What are some of the symptoms of andropause?

  • Breast enlargement, development of breast tissue
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Low sperm count and infertility
  • Bone weakness and loss of bone mass, osteoporosis
  • Irritability or difficulty concentrating
  • Decrease in hair growth on the face and body
  • Depression and lower self-confidence
  • Loss of lean muscle mass and feelings of weakness
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, and loss of motivation
  • Hot flashes
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Lack of mental clarity

What are some simple ways to lessen the symptoms of lower testosterone levels and aging?

If you don’t have a medical condition that’s contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, there are natural ways to help boost testosterone.  It is important before starting testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT,  to address diet and life style choices because these choices strongly impact testosterone production.

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat a healthy diet that avoids processed foods.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • De-stress your life.
  • Avoid unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as, alcohol, smoking, and drug use.

What are other ways to minimize the symptoms of andropause?

Testosterone replacement therapy is another option and may be needed for someone with excessively low levels of testosterone.  If you want to know if TRT is right for you, you must talk with a trained health care professional for testing.  When considering testosterone replacement therapy, bio-identical replacement therapy is probably the best and safest way to go. Testosterone creams can raise testosterone levels too high, storing excess testosterone in body fat which disrupts communication between the brain and hormone glands.  This can cause disruptions in testosterone receptors and can cause which then can cause a disruption in metabolic balance.  Testosterone therapy for reducing the symptoms of andropause comes in a variety of forms.

  • Oral: There is an FDA approved oral testosterone replacement preparation which is absorbed by the lymph system.
  • Gel:  There are several gels and solutions available.  Because the body can absorb testosterone through the skin, some are rubbed into  the upper arm or shoulder while others are applied to the front inner thigh.
  • Injection:  Testosterone injections are given in a muscle or under the skin and can be given at home. Some testosterone is given every ten weeks by deep intramuscular injection but in a provider’s office.
  • Patch:  A testosterone patch can be applied each night to the thighs or torso.
  • Gum and cheek:  A small putty-like substance delivers testosterone through the natural depression where the  gum meets the upper lip. This product, taken three times a day, sticks to the gumline and allows testosterone to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • Nasal:  A testosterone gel can be pumped into the nostrils. This option reduces the risk that medication will be transferred to another person through skin contact. Nasal-delivered testosterone must be applied twice in each nostril, three times daily, and may be more inconvenient than other delivery methods.
  • Implantable pellets:  Testosterone-containing pellets are surgically implanted via an incision under the skin every three to six months

What are the benefits of using hormone therapy to treat male menopause?

When considering testosterone replacement therapy, bio-identical replacement therapy is probably the best and safest way to go.  Testosterone creams can raise the testosterone levels too high, and then the excess testosterone is stored in body fat which can disrupt communication between the brain and the hormone glands.  This can cause a disruption in testosterone receptors which can cause a disruption in metabolic balance since testosterone can’t get into the cells.  TRT may improve quality of life, especially for those individuals already suffering from any of the above symptoms.  Grown men need testosterone for:

  • Reproductive function and sexual libido
  • Building muscle bulk
  • Maintaining healthy levels of red blood cells
  • Maintaining bone density
  • Maintaining energy levels
  • Maintaining brain function, memory and concentration
  • Maintaining a positive mood and attitude

Testosterone replacement therapy may reduce the risk for serious or major adverse cardiovascular events.  One study tracked and studied a group of men for almost a decade.  Those whose received parenteral testosterone 1000mg every 12 weeks showed an improvement in the reduction of obesity, lipid levels, and inflammatory markers-all classical cardiovascular risk factors.   The control group, those who didn’t take testosterone, saw their risk factors worsen.

How Can Androgenix Help?

 If you want to live your best life, we at Androgenix are here to help. If you have any questions about your exercise plan, dietary plan, or needed supplements,  please contact us with your questions.   If you are interested in testosterone testing and TRT, please contact our office and make an appointment.  Our staff of caring healthcare practitioners are here to answer your questions and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.  You will be monitored by our team for treatment effectiveness and side effects of any recommended treatment on a regular basis.  Every person who enters our doors is treated as an individual deserving of care and respect.  We can help you feel and look better.   Our team at Androgenix is always here to support your journey to a better, healthier, and happier you.  Give us a call today.

 

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*Unless otherwise stated, individual results may vary depending on many factors not all patients “feel” or achieve the same results.