Andropause, also known as male menopause (or man-o-pause) is the steady reduction in a man's testosterone level. Each decade, a man's testosterone level can decline by as much as 10 percent. Half of all men will experience reductions in their testosterone levels by the time they reach 50 years of age. Symptoms of significant loss of testosterone include bone loss, decreased muscle strength, depression, erectile dysfunction, lack of energy and a low libido. Emotionally, men can experience depression, mood swings and irritability as a result of andropause.
Many doctors don't believe in Andropause citing that the process of is a natural part of aging in men.The vagueness of the symptoms of andropause can be confused with other health issues, making it difficult for physicians to diagnose. Depression and obesity often trigger low testosterone levels and for some men it occurs naturally.
The controversial debate about whether or not the natural process of the dropping of testosterone levels in men should be compared to menopause in women. During menopause, women completely lose their fertility along with the significant reduction in sex hormones and men don't. Men can remain fertile even in their 80s and produce lower levels of testosterone and sperm.To help treat some known symptoms affiliated with andropause and regulate the low testosterone levels, doctors may prescribe men with testosterone patches, topical gels or monthly injections.
It's not uncommon for men to feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms with their doctor, causing them not to seek help for andropause.To obtain the correct information about aging and low testosterone and stay healthy, it's necessary for men to open up the lines of communication with their primary care doctor. For additional testing, a physician may recommend visiting an endocrinologist which is a specialist in the study of hormone producing glands. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment specialists prescribe to men with low testosterone. It's absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream while being worn as a patch for 24 hours and helps to bring hormone levels back up. Men considering TRT should get a prostate cancer screening before proceeding with this treatment.
