Andropause in Men
Andropause in Men, or the Male Menopause, describes the gradual testosterone decline that affects men. Andropause is also known as Low Testosterone or Low T and while it starts in a man’s 30s, andropause is typically most noticeable in men in his forties.
Low Testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is only diagnosed and treated in approximately 10% of the 20 million men it affects in the United States. All men suffer in a decline of their natural hormone levels over time. The reduction in natural testosterone, and other hormone levels such as Human Growth Hormone, is also compounded by other factors in a man’s life.
Andropause symptoms can be made worse by poor lifestyle choices, sedentary work life, high carb and high fat diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical fitness leading to obesity and diabetes, high stress work all exacerbate the typical symptoms of Andropause in Men leading to Low T Symptoms, ED Erectile Dysfunction and other age-related hormonal imbalance health conditions associated with Andropause in men, especially after the age of 40.
If you are experiencing one or more of these androgen deficiency symptoms Contact a Low T Center to schedule a Medical Testosterone Consultation.
Andropause is caused by a gradual decline of natural testosterone in men. Testosterone is an androgen male sex hormone, and Andropause is the male menopause giving the health condition the name Andropause. Testosterone levels in men drop by 1% to 2% per year starting around 30.
Testosterone in middle aged and older men. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The World Health Organization produced reports showing that 80 year old men typically have testosterone levels of 10% of their 20 year old counter parts. It is in middle age, usually in the 40’s and 50’s that men’s bodies start to really notice the symptoms of Andropause and the decline in androgen.
Andropause causes Low T Symptoms. Many middle-aged men discover they are gaining weight rapidly, feel tired all day, are losing muscle, have low sex drive or symptoms of erectile dysfunction including soft erections or less frequent erections. This prompts them to talk to their doctor about Low T Therapy Options for Older Men.
Testosterone helps men build protein, properly distribute fat, and is essential for a man’s sex drive and ability to get and maintain an erection. Testosterone is also necessary for strong bones and other metabolic functions including brain function, liver function, prostate gland growth and production of red blood cells in bone marrow.
Andropause and Androgen Deficiency. With age as Testosterone declines, the androgen-binding protein, Sex Binding Hormone Globulin (SHBG) levels increase. These proteins bind with testosterone in the blood reducing its bio-availability. With less active androgen circulating in the bloodstream, men begin to experience the signs and symptoms of Andropause.
SHGB is an inhibitor for biologically active testosterone as it binds to it preventing it from reaching hormone receptors. That is why it is important to measure both Total Testosterone and Free Testosterone. Total T includes those Testosterone levels binding to the SHBG and not readily available, while the Free Testosterone levels are those that are not bound and biologically “Free” for use in the body. Free Testosterone along with some temporarily bound testosterone is also called bioavailable testosterone, and a lack of sufficient available androgen in the blood is the main factor in male menopause. Read more about Free Testosterone levels vs Total testosterone Levels.
Men’s Low T Andropause Symptoms appear very gradually at first after the age of 30. While most men notice some changes, it is not enough to raise concerns and they usually attribute it to getting older. After the age of 40 and certainly after the age of 50, men start to have enough andropausal symptoms that effect their daily life, and particularly their libido and sex life.
Hypogonadism and other health problems. In addition to debilitating age-related hormone symptoms, studies have also shown that the decline in testosterone caused by Andropause can put men at a higher risk for heart disease, obesity and bone weakening. Symptoms of Low T are also exacerbated by increased stress levels, poor nutrition, alcohol and drug use, poor exercise routines and exposure to the increasing environmental toxins including estrogen byproducts.
Andropause in Men with Low Testosterone Levels. If Andropause affects every man why are men hesitant to speak about it?
Low testosterone levels can greatly impact a man’s health, and in particular his sexual function. Testosterone is needed to have and maintain firm erections. ED symptoms are difficult for a man to discuss even with his doctor. However, men should know that hypogonadism caused by Low T levels are a medical condition that has been found in medical literature since the 1940’s and well known among hormone therapy physicians. When men experience these symptoms they typically consider them a fact of life or a normal part of aging. Just another health issue they think they have to accept.
Most Andropausal men who take testosterone are surprised to discover how dramatic a boost in their testosterone levels can make in their physical appearance and sex life. Over the past 10 years an increase in TV advertising for Low T Solutions and the success stories of men taking testosterone supplementation has been overwhelming.
Andropause diagnosis was more difficult in the past but more accurate testosterone testing, advance protocols and better physician education has helped make both physicians and patients more comfortable discussing and diagnosing Andropause in men, as well as Erectile Dysfunction and treatment options. Men now have options and realize that they do not have to live with Low T symptoms.
The Male Hormone Therapy Center uses state-of-the-art testosterone blood testing methods to properly assess and monitor testosterone and the other hormones associated with andropause. If you need HCG, aromatase inhibitors, HGH injections or DHEA, a comprehensive hormone blood test will help your doctor formulate the best testosterone treatment plan for you.
The Male Solution: Androgen Hormone Balancing and Testosterone Replacement Therapy with natural male hormones.
Andropause Therapy with testosterone can help. You no longer have to live with the debilitating symptoms associated with andropause and Low T as a natural effect of aging. Testosterone replacement therapy, and hormone balancing program, can be the answer for men suffering from low testosterone and want to feel like they used to. There is no one size fits all testosterone program for treating andropause, and your physician will work with you to formulate a course of androgen treatment will optimize your testosterone levels.
What is the best doctor to treat Andropause or Testosterone Deficiency?
The best doctors to treat Andropause, hypogonadism or Low T, is a Urologist, endocrinologist or Anti-Aging Medicine Physician with experience in the use of bio-identical or natural testosterone replacement therapy. Many Age Management Physicians have special training optimizing low or lost hormone levels in a strict medically supervised HRT Program. Find a Testosterone Clinic near you to get online TRT prescription and treatment information.
Medically supervised TRT programs are the safest. An experienced Low T Physician assesses your medical history, physical examination results and blood serum hormone levels to properly diagnose Low T, and develop a program specifically for you. Contact a licensed TRT for a free consultation online. You must have a prescription to buy testosterone drug medicines, HCG, Sermorelin and Human Growth Hormone Injectable Somatropin as well.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is typically prescribed with HGH Human Growth Hormone Therapy, HCG Injections Therapy, diet nutrition plans, testosterone-boosting supplements, and exercise fitness programs to allow you live well and age well.