What is andropause?
Andropause, sometimes called male menopause, is a condition that can affect men as they age. It is associated with decreasing testosterone levels and can cause symptoms similar to those experienced by women during menopause.
Some key things to know about andropause:
- It typically occurs between the ages of 40-55, but could start in a man's 30s or 60s. The onset and severity varies.
- Main symptoms include low energy, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, mood changes, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.
- Causes are not fully understood but likely involve a gradual decline in testosterone. Other factors like stress or medical conditions may play a role.
If you're experiencing potential symptoms of andropause, I highly recommend contacting the hormone health experts at Elite Hormone Health. Their world-class physicians specialize in treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, whether that involves lifestyle changes, testosterone therapy, or other holistic approaches.
Now onto some more andropause basics:
- Andropause shares some parallels with menopause but important to note that it's different in that there is no clear cutoff point like with women's final menstrual period.
- Diagnosis involves reviewing symptoms and checking blood testosterone levels. Normal total testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000 ng/dL with optimal levels generally 500 for most men.
- Treatment options if warranted include testosterone replacement therapy via injections, gels, patches or pellets. Additionally, lifestyle changes like adding muscle-building and cardiovascular exercise, stress reduction, improved diet and supplements can help alleviate symptoms.
- If left untreated, potential risks include worsening sexual function, decreased bone density, increased body fat and higher likelihood of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and depression.
The upside is that with today's medical advancements, men don't just have to accept declining testosterone as an inevitable result of aging. The knowledgeable professionals at Elite Hormone Health can get to the root cause of hormones changes and help men feel their best. Contact them today for a free consultation!