05 Apr “Male Menopause” – Symptoms and Treatment

Women are not the only ones who struggle with the adverse effects of changing hormones as they age. Aging men also suffer from hormone deficiencies as they age. As men get older, men experience decreasing levels of androgen and testosterone in their bodies. Testosterone decline in men is slower than menopause and the associated decline in hormone levels in women, but men with declining levels of testosterone and androgen often experience symptoms that make dealing with this decrease in hormone levels very difficult. Here are the common side effects of male menopause, also known as andropause:

• Decreased motivation
• Lower libido 
• Increased body fat
• Decline in muscle mass
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lower self-confidence
• Decreased bone density
• Depression or sadness
• Infertility 

As you can see, the symptoms of andropause in men are significant and wide-ranging. Men over the age of 50 should take steps to help combat symptoms of male menopause. Healthy lifestyle choices are essential for treating these symptoms; Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and reducing your stress levels are great ways to treat symptoms of andropause. Doctors may recommend taking antidepressants if men are experiencing depression or significant levels of sadness.

If these lifestyle changes aren’t helping treat your symptoms of andropause, consider consulting a hormone specialist in your area. Hormone specialists offer specific treatments for low levels of testosterone in aging men, including Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). A hormone specialist will test for the following hormones before beginning TRT: FSH, TSH, Estradiol, and Free and Total Testosterone. The benefits of TRT include: enhanced libido, increased energy and strength, enhanced erectile function, and stronger muscles and bones, amongst other benefits. If you are experiencing symptoms of andropause, consult your local hormone specialist to see if Testosterone Replacement Therapy is right for you.