What Every Man Needs to Know About – ANDROPAUSE

What is Andropause?

As men approach middle age they experience a phenomenon similar to female menopause, called Andropause. Unlike women, me do not have a clear cut sign to mark this transition, such as the cessation of menstruation. Both menopause and andropause, however, are characterized by a drop in hormone levels. Estrogen in the female, testosterone in the male. Resulting bodily changes happen gradually in men and are accompanied by changes in attitude and mood, fatigue, a loss of energy, sex drive, weight gain, brain fog, and endurance.

Studies show that this decline in testosterone can actually put men at risk for other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and weak bones. Since all this happens at a time when many men begin to question their values, accomplishments, and direction in life, it’s often difficult to link the changes that are occurring to more than just external conditions.

Is Andropause a new phenomenon?

Yes and no. In fact, Andropause was first described in medical literature in the 1940’s. So it’s not really new. But, our ability to diagnose it properly is because tests for bio-available testosterone weren’t available until recently and many men were not aware. Andropause went through a long period of being underdiagnosed and undertreated. Now that men are living longer, there is heightened interest in Andropause, and this will help improve the way this important transition period is treated.

Another reason why Andropause has been underdiagnosed over the years is that symptoms can be vague and can vary a lot among individuals. Some men even find it difficult to admit that there’s a problem. Many just think they are getting older and there is nothing you can do about it. Physicians didn’t always consider low testosterone levels as a possible cause; not many do because of the new studies. Doctors often concluded that symptoms were related to other medical conditions such depression or were simply due to aging, and encouraged their patients to accept ‘the inevitable,’ ” I’m getting older and there’s nothing I can do about it”. Fortunately, this situation has changed dramatically. New testing methods and an increased interest in men’s aging among medical researchers has focused so much attention on Andropause that major efforts are underway to quickly share emerging scientific information.

Whatever your age, as a man you need testosterone (woman do also but at a much lower level) to maintain energy and focus, to build lean muscle, to boost your sex drive, and to regulate your moods. The onset of andropause and the drop in testosterone that goes with it can have a big impact on the quality of your personal and professional life. When many men are interviewed, many say “I just don’t feel like myself anymore”

What causes Andropause?

Andropause gradually comes on as men age. It is a natural part of aging because your glands slow down and stop producing adequate levels of testosterone. Because of the decreased testosterone levels, thyroid and DHEA levels decrease. On the other hand estrogen levels increase which is not such a good thing in men.

What are the symptoms of Andropause?

Here are the common symptoms of andropause:

• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Low sex drive
• Sexual dysfunction
• Weight gain (especially mid-section)
• Depression
• Irritability
• Hair loss
• Prostate problems
• Osteoporosis

Can Andropause be treated?

Loss of testosterone is a normal part of aging and hopefully the stigma is going away. It’s going to happen to every man as he gets older but that does not mean you have to accept it. As long as you have a good provider that monitors blood levels, hormone levels can be safely and effectively restored through hormone therapy. The most effective delivery system is through BHRT Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Most men see results in about 2-3 weeks. It’s really simple. It is times released pellets that deliver the right amount of testosterone everyday. Most men get treatment every 4 – 6 months. It is important to have a healthy lifestyle as you age and this treatment as well as any other treatment goes hand in hand with a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management.

If you would like to see if you are a candidate for BHRT, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, give us a call for lab work and a consult with Dr. Trim.

New Vitality Centers

665 S. Kings Ave.

Brandon, FL 33511

(813) 436-0708

Newvitalitycenters.com