Men experience a decline in hormones as they age. This process is called andropause or testicular hypogonadism. Andropause is the decline of male hormones called androgens. Androgens are hormones responsible for male development and sexual function. They are mainly testosterone and androstenedione.
Andropause is usually a slower process of hormone decline in men than menopause in women, who experience sudden and unpleasant plunges of hormone levels.
What are the warning signs of andropause? Because andropause is usually a gradual process declining over a few decades, men may experience lower sex drive, decreased morning erections and erectile dysfunction, mood swings, irritability, tiredness, and even hot flashes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, other possible symptoms include decreased energy, motivation and confidence, depressed mood, and poor concentration. It is also possible to experience increased sleepiness, sleep disturbances, mild unexplained anemia, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and increased body fat. More information can be found at mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056.
Men sometimes may blame themselves, thinking that they are doing something wrong and should be doing better in their lives when in actuality it may be a physical problem caused by the decline in their testosterone, suddenly causing havoc in their lives. It can be depressing, and no one talks about it.
Abdulmaged M. Traish, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Urology at Boston University School of Medicine, is a proponent for sexual health among men and women. He wrote “Negative Impact of Testosterone Deficiency and 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy on Metabolic and Sexual Function in Men. “ Androgen deficiency is a well-recognized medical condition and if remained untreated can have a negative impact on human health and quality of life. In this chapter, we have summarized the negative impact of testosterone deficiency on a host of physiological functions including reduced lean body mass, increased fat mass, increased insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and adiposity, reduced bone mineral density, anemia, sexual dysfunction, and reduced quality of life and increased mortality.”
So, what can be done about assessing and treating andropause? A good intake including family history, stressors, diet and lifestyle will be discussed. Blood tests will be run to determine general health and hormone levels including thyroid function and diabetes assessment. Then bioidentical testosterone replacement will be discussed. Forms of testosterone replacement are gels, injections and pellets.
Could your decline in health be caused by low testosterone? Are you blaming your lack of motivation on something psychological when it could be a genuine physical problem that can be easily addressed? Why not come in and visit with me and let’s see if we can get you feeling better.
Contact Dr. Laura Markison of Mesa Naturopathic at (480) 306-8111.