Men need to be healthy and energetic to live a full and active life, with optimal energy levels, sharp mental function, balanced emotional states, and physical strength and stamina. Moreover, men need to address the multiple systems involved in the aging process, including those associated with menopause. This way, they can remain vital and active well into old age.
Low testosterone causes andropause
While low testosterone is a common symptom of men approaching aeropause, it can also be a result of other medical problems. These include obesity, diabetes, and certain medications. The combination of these factors may cause a deficiency in testosterone. Fortunately, treatment is available for low testosterone.
The decline in testosterone is one of the main factors behind andropause. In women, the decline occurs over a relatively short period of time, but men’s decline is slower and occurs over several years. In men, testosterone deficiency is associated with reduced levels of SHBG, which binds some of the usable testosterone in the blood. This is called bioavailable testosterone.
Treatment options
Treatment of andropause is important for men’s overall health. The loss of androgens (male hormones) may cause symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Bioidentical hormone replacement is one way to treat the condition. While it is not a cure, it is effective in reducing symptoms and improving male sex traits. Your health care provider will recommend a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. They may recommend dietary and behavioral changes as well.
Some doctors may suggest that testosterone replacement therapy will help relieve the symptoms of andropause. However, this treatment is not for all men. Those with andropause should consider other treatment options. Certain lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms of andropause. Men should speak with their doctors and learn how to manage stress and improve their health. This way, they can start to get the treatment they need.
Symptoms
The symptoms of andropause in men may be alarming, especially if they occur at the prime stage of a man’s life, such as after the age of 50. During this time, a man’s testosterone levels fall. While some men see this as a natural part of aging, it is possible to treat this condition.
These symptoms usually start gradually and may last as long as 10 years. A man’s production of testosterone begins to drop around the age of thirty and decreases about one percent per year. Consequently, most men don’t start noticing symptoms until they’re around 40. Each man’s experience of andropause will be different.
Causes
One of the most common causes of andropause in men is a decrease in the level of testosterone in the blood. The levels of this hormone decrease due to two factors. First, the body’s production of sex hormones decreases as men age, and the presence of the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) increases.
This protein pulls usable testosterone out of the blood. However, some of this testosterone remains in the blood. This bioavailable testosterone is used by the body. Therefore, if a man experiences symptoms of andropause, treatment is typically aimed at replacing the level of testosterone in his blood.
Although the symptoms of andropause are much less dramatic than those of menopause, it can be just as debilitating. In men, it can lead to impotence or a deterioration in their sexual performance. But unlike women, andropause does not affect every man.
Diagnosis
Andropause in men is a symptom of ageing that can be accompanied by a decrease in sexual satisfaction and general well-being. The condition is classified by a decrease in the level of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone in the blood. A blood test can help determine if the condition is present. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be used to treat andropause.
Men who suffer from the symptoms of andropause should be evaluated by a physician. A doctor will ask about their symptoms and conduct tests to rule out any other medical conditions that might be contributing to the problem. One of the tests a doctor from andropause treatment Portsmouth NH will order is a testosterone test, which will show how much testosterone is present in the body. In most cases, a decline in testosterone is the underlying cause of andropause in men.