How to understand Andropause

Many men who are beginning to age may have difficulty with weight gain, irritability, losing muscle tone, and poor sexual performance. Unfortunately, many men just accept this as the normal consequence of aging. But these symptoms may not be normal in male aging at all. They are often symptoms of what doctors now understand to be andropause or male menopause. The things you need to know about andropause and how to treat it are simple.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your willingness to change your ideas about aging in males.

1. First, men must understand that andropause is normal. Men have always thought that only women suffered from hormonal changes associated with increasing age. Many men may actually look upon the idea of a male menopause as something unmanly. Nothing could be further from the truth. All men will experience changes to their testosterone levels as they age. The first signs of these lowered levels may be loss of energy in general, loss of muscle mass, and a decline in the quality of sexual performance. All of this is perfectly normal.

2. All men need to know what testosterone, the male hormone, actually provides for the body. Testosterone is the hormone primarily responsible for producing and keeping the normal adult male attributes. The hormone is produced in the testes and the outer layer of the adrenal glands. Testosterone causes the maturation of the male genitalia, facial and pubic hair, changes in voice depth, increases in muscle mass and growth in height, and sex drive. The hormone also controls the production of sperm cells.

3. Men over the age of forty need to be aware of changes that might indicate deficient levels of testosterone or the onset of andropause. Many men may first notice lowered testosterone levels in the feeling that they have less sex drive. Many of the things that men think are just symptoms of being "over the hill" can indicate the presence of andropause. They may notice that their muscle mass is slowly decreasing. Facial and pubic hair may be reduced. They may experience an increase in body fat even though their eating habits may not change. Lowered testosterone levels can also lead to a decrease in bone density that can lead to osteoporosis. Fractures can become more of a risk. In fact, after the age of thirty, men may find that their testosterone levels can decline up to two percent per year. Up to fifty percent of men in their fifties may suffer from low testosterone levels.

4. Once aware of the problem men need to know what to do about their symptoms. Of course, the first thing to do is see your doctor. You may have to bring up the subject to your doctor. Your doctor may need to eliminate any other factors from consideration such as trauma, orchitis, or testicular tumors. If these are not present, your doctor will order a specific blood test to determine the testosterone level in your blood. The really good news is that there are many treatments for this condition. Your doctor may prescribe a pill such as Andriol or give you injections of the hormone. Testosterone therapy can also be administered in the form of a patch or a gel. There is also a form that is administered in the mouth where the gum meets the upper lip. Men who receive treatment often report an increase in sexual drive, greater erectile function, an elevation of their mood, maintenance of male sexual characteristics and an increase in lean muscle mass. Perhaps the most important benefit is unseen. Men who receive treatment may increase their bone density which can improve their leg strength and resistance to fractures. Men over forty should all be aware of the symptoms of andropause so they can seek proper medical treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for any changes in energy, sexual drive, and performance after forty.
• Be observant of weight changes and any reduction in muscle mass after forty.
• Notice any loss of hair over any of the regions of the body.
• Notice any changes of mood, increased lethargy and decreased motivation.
• Ask your doctor if a testosterone level check is needed after you reach forty.
• Always rely on the advice of your doctor before acting on any suspicion that you have lowered testosterone levels.
• Learn how to examine yourself for testicular changes that might indicate a tumor.
• Always follow the instructions from your doctor in taking any form of testosterone replacement therapy.

Resources

• Low testosterone levels in men
• Patients guide to low testosterone

[tnpos]

on 7/2/2009 Very imformative article. I am going to do some more research on this subject. I heard about a study they did concering this. Nice article. 5 and rec! PAL

[westernmom]

on 4/24/2009 Thank you for sharing this. Too many times we (women) think that we are the only ones going through the "change of life" and perhaps we need to be more considerate of our spouses as well. Great informative article. 5*

[jsncooley]

on 4/24/2009 Interesting article, 5* =D

[jmcgeough]

on 4/20/2009 Thanks for passing it on. This comes from personal experience. it is a very important problem for men in the 40 to 50, 60 set.

[donzie-bright]

on 4/20/2009 Wow, I am passing this article on. Andropause is new to me and I am sure a lot of other people. 5*