What is Andropause? Well, you’ve probably heard of testosterone as the “youth hormone” for men that governs healthy skin, sexual characteristics, muscle mass, energy, and libido. As a man grows older the ability to produce testosterone decreases and the level of testosterone in his body becomes lower. Many men experience physical and psychological symptoms as a result of these low levels. This is also known as male menopause. It is estimated that testosterone decreases about 3 to 5% every year after the age of 30.
A male experiencing andropause may have a number of symptoms related to the condition and is at risk of sexual dysfunction, weight gain, low energy, and cardiovascular and cholesterol issues.
Symptoms and Complications of Andropause
Symptoms of andropause may vary between individuals but common symptoms of men going through andropause include:
- Low sex drive
- Difficulties getting erections or erections that are not as strong as usual
- Lack of energy
- Depression
- Irritability and mood swings
- Loss of strength or muscle mass
- Increased body and belly fat
- Not feeling like himself
Complications associated with andropause include an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, lipid metabolism (cholesterol) and osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Diagnosing Andropause
To diagnose andropause a doctor will ask questions about how you are feeling to see if your symptoms match those of people with low testosterone. If low testosterone is suspected a blood test is performed to check the level of testosterone in the blood. The low testosterone level is called hypogonadism.
Treatment of Andropause
Testosterone pellet replacement is the most effective treatment for men going through andropause. Testosterone Replacement Therapy with pellets has been shown to provide relief from the symptoms of andropause. Camelback Health Care is a leader in diagnosis and treatment of andropause by providing Testosterone Replacement Pellet Therapy for men. Our treatment involves the use testosterone pellets, which are proven to provide the most effective testosterone replacement therapy and can help improve the overall quality of life in many cases. Visit our Bio-Identical Hormone and Anti-Aging Center for more information about Testosterone Replacement Therapy.