Andropause is the decrease in testosterone levels that comes with aging and other health conditions. When the hormone declines, it has ripple effects on men, including depression and sexual problems. You may also feel exhausted most of the time and weak due to low androgen.
Typically, the issue can start as early as 40 years for some people, while for others, it begins at 50. The primary reason is that when you age, testosterone and sperm production reduces as well.
This article expounds more on the burning topic that affects men. Read on to get more information about how we treat andropause in our testosterone replacement clinic.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Andropause?
The signs and symptoms of andropause differ from one patient to another. However, here are some of them that you will experience from time to time.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low libido or sex drive
- Andropause hot flashes
- Infertility
- Physical weakness due to low muscle mass
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low energy levels
- Feeling sad and moody most of the time
- Unexplainable weight gain
- Breast development
- Lack of motivation and focus
- Mild anemia
The causes of andropause are aging and weight that comes with the reduction of the testosterone levels. The deficiency usually starts at 30 years and amounts to between 1% and 39% decrease in the male hormone.
Older males with preexisting medical conditions tend to suffer more from the problem. Those who have type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure feel the unforgiving effects of male menopause.
In addition to that, risk factors such as stress, anxiety, lack of exercise, smoking contribute to the issue. If you drink excessive alcohol, you are likely to experience andropause as well. Surprisingly, not all men go through male menopause, as it only affects 2.1% of the population.
Andropause can last for as long as 15 to 20 years with the warning signs discussed. It is prudent to get early treatment before the symptoms take a turn for the worst.
How to Diagnose Andropause in Men
Male andropause diagnosis entails a series of tests and consultations with a physician. The doctor will first perform a thorough physical exam on you.
Diagnosing andropause requires a simple blood test to determine your testosterone levels. Once your doctor determines how low your levels are, you’ll get the best andropause treatment for you.
To obtain a blood sample, a needle is inserted into your vein and blood is collected into a vial. You can leave the doctor as soon as the test is performed. In most cases, people only notice a small bruise at the blood test site as a side effect of the blood draw.
Also, the expert will ask you some questions regarding your lifestyle and health history. Thus, you can expect to discuss things around your emotional, physical, and sexual state. It would help if you were honest so that you can get the best treatment.
The next step is to inquire about the symptoms that you have to draw a definitive conclusion. After knowing the signs, the professional will order blood tests to determine the real condition causing the problem. The test will measure testosterone levels and the pituitary glands as well. The two aspects will indicate if you have hormone deficiencies or not.
How to Treat Andropause
Once results come out, and your testosterone is low, you will need andropause treatment. There are various methods of treating the condition, including testosterone therapy. You can undergo three types of medication, depending on your situation, to replace hormones. Please have a look at the options that you can consider.
Injections
Testosterone injections are utterly convenient since the absorption rate is high. You might feel some pain and discomfort in the injection area, which is normal. The doctor will assess your health to ascertain if the medication fits you. This way, you can visit the physician once every three months to get an injection.
Pills
On the flip side, pills can work for some people who take them twice or thrice a day. You will swallow them for a short time since they can lead to high cholesterol. As a result, you will develop liver and heart problems if you take them for a long time. We recommend that you swallow them after meals to realize the benefits of the pills. You can only get legal testosterone therapy through a prescription from our clinic.
Gels
For gels, you need to use them by following the instructions and precautions. As per the doctor’s prescription, you will apply the gel on your upper arms and shoulders. The best time to do it is morning hours, and you should avoid swimming or bathing for five hours after the application. This way, your skin will absorb the gel to give you outstanding results.
You ought to take caution by staying away from fire since the substance is highly flammable. We also advise you to keep it away from your family and friends, especially kids. Ensure that you wash your hands after applying the gel and wear a cloth that covers the area.
If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, you will take antidepressants to manage your moods. What’s more, you can undergo psychotherapy to talk to an expert bout your situation. The sessions will help you to recover and enjoy a healthy life again.
Pellets
Pellets are placed in your buttock or upper hip area just below your skin. It involves making an incision to place them into the skin’s fatty tissue. The pellets take three to six months to slowly dissolve.
Natural Methods
Another mode of testosterone therapy is using natural means that involve nutrition and exercise. Workouts can help restore your mental and physical health in general. You will shed some pounds and regain lost mass that comes with andropause.
Exercising has a way of boosting your mood such that you will feel happy and whole again. The best part is that you will look great since you will get robust muscles.
A nutritious diet always does the trick since vitamins and minerals promote overall health. Foods such as fish, chicken, salmon, beans, soy protein, and lean meat trigger testosterone production. Moreover, you should incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet to get sufficient nutrients.
Besides nutrition, we will recommend that you do away with some habits that harm you. For instance, too much smoking and drinking alcohol will affect your recovery. For that reason, you have to quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption. Remember that you need adequate sleep to function well the next day. Therefore, you need to rest well at night without any disturbances.