by Anju Mathur, MD
No one looks forward to becoming middle-aged and every one of us has either heard or experienced how difficult that time of life can be. It seems that every negative effect of growing older is justified by someone “going through a mid-life crisis.” That time in a woman’s life is physically marked by menopause, but is there a time in a man’s life when he will also experience such a marked physical change? Yes, and this ‘male menopause’ is known as andropause. When a man experiences all kinds of new and unwanted symptoms, it might be due to andropause, which is the result of a drop in levels of important male hormones.
Unfortunately all men will be affected by andropause, and not a single man will be able to escape it.
In today’s world, a man’s diet and other external factors along with his genetics will contribute to when he first starts experiencing symptoms; these factors have led to a larger number of younger men, as young as between the ages of 32 and 35, undergoing these changes (as mentioned in an article in Men’s Health magazine). Several important male hormones start to decline around the ages of 25 to 27, marking the onset of male andropause. Hormone replacement therapy, as utilized successfully for women going through hormonal declines during middle-age, can also be used to safely balance a man’s hormonal levels and reverse unwanted and unpleasant symptoms, perhaps even within one week. A man’s vital hormones consist of testosterone, DHEA, human growth hormone and thyroid hormones, and the replacement of these results in a healthier and more youthful body.
Some symptoms experienced in andropause include:
* Lower overall strength, endurance, and energy level
* Higher level of body fat and lower muscle density
* Less motivation for both exercise and physical activity
* Trouble sleeping and night sweating
* Decreased libido
* Lower mental acuity and sharpness
* Decrease in enjoyment of life and daily actions
* Irritability and depression
Such symptoms can be overwhelming, especially with the stress that can be inherent during this stage of life. Thus, it is important to recognize these symptoms and know what causes them and what can be done to overcome them. Fortunately, a solution has been discovered, and that solution is testosterone treatment. This treatment is safe and easy, and can reduce all the undesirable problems of andropause. Testosterone, that familiar male hormone, plays an important part in the male body and its functions. Testosterone is utilized by the body in the production and development of many male characteristics. Secondary characteristics are also affected by testosterone, including the development of a deep voice and the growth of male facial hair. Testosterone is also essential in the development of a man’s bone mass and the improvement of his muscle tone.
Testosterone is the most potent of all the male hormones, or androgens. When one thinks of a very healthy male full of energy, adrenaline and vitality, one associates this with his level of testosterone. Some of the benefits of a healthy testosterone level are as follows:
* Higher levels of energy levels and drive
* A larger bone density level
* Higher levels of strength and staying power
* More lean muscle mass
* Being much happier
* Greater regulation of body fat distribution
* Body hair growth increases
* Lower risk of cardiac disease
* A decrease of the risk of cardiac arrest
* Greater stabilization of blood pressure (with a lower risk of high blood pressure)
* An improvement in diabetic health and subsequent reduction in the need for diabetic medications, according to clinical studies
Hormone replacement therapy with testosterone is completely safe when accurately administered. The development of prostate cancer is of great concern for many, and one should note that the replacement of testosterone has been shown to decrease the chance of developing prostate cancer. Increasing one’s testosterone reduces the level of estrogen in the body, and it is actually the excessive estrogen that contributes to the development of prostate cancer in a male body. One sign that there is excessive estrogen in a man is the accumulation of excess body fat, especially that which forms around the waistline (marked by belly fat). As a preventive measure, the control of estrogen is of vital significance. There is enzyme known as aromatase that can be found in the body fat of males that causes testosterone to convert into estrogen. In turn the hormone known as estrogen can then turn into a carcinogenic substance, therefore keeping one’s level of estrogen under control is very important to maintaining a healthy and fit body.
Upon reaching the age of 35, a man should consider actively working on the treatment of testosterone deficiency. Those who are older can still greatly improve their life quality and overcome undesirable symptoms with hormone replacement therapy. The treatment is relatively inexpensive and can result in life-changing benefits. Think back for a moment, about our fathers and grandfathers, who experienced and endured these problems…with what we have discovered today, we can finally do something about it. We now know that there is an easy way to get back all of that youthful energy and thoroughly have an enjoyable life again!
The first step is to have a professional examine one’s testosterone level. Find out right away whether you can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy and increase your quality of life. Going out and playing can be enjoyed once again, even with the kids and grandkids! Advances in modern knowledge have made it possible for you to be your old self again, and feel that adrenaline for life as you always have!