Male Menopause Got You Down? We Have the Solution!
Unlike women, whose hormone production completely shuts down, men do not go through a well-defined period of menopause. Female hormonal changes in menopause tends to happen quickly, while men’s testosterone levels drop over a much longer period.1
This is basically what male menopause means, and some doctors have coined the term “andropause”, which is a low testosterone level, or low T. No matter what it is called, low T can be troublesome and distressing, causing a variety of symptoms and complications.2
According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, testosterone levels in a man peak in the late 20’s. After the age of around 35, those levels may decrease by approximately 1% to 2% per year. However, if there are no underlying medical hassles, by the age of 70, levels should have decreased to about 50% of your peak.3
Some common symptoms of andropause, or low T 1,4
- Testosterone helps regulate your mood. The first sign that your levels may be dropping is a feeling of depression and sadness, accompanied by anxiety and irritableness. You might also suddenly struggle to concentrate and lose interest in things you once enjoyed.
- Testosterone keeps your body energized. If you have low T you may battle to find the energy to participate in your normal activities.
- Low T can also contribute to sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep, and may also induce daytime sleepiness.
- When a woman goes through menopause, the loss of estrogen has a negative effect on bone density. In the same way, a man battling with low T can also suffer from a loss of bone density. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- If you have excess belly fat, research has shown that it can be both a cause and a symptom of low T. Proper levels of testosterone help your body prevent a build-up of belly fat.
- If you are very overweight, studies have indicated that there are enzymes in your fat tissue that convert testosterone to estrogen, resulting in even lower T levels and possible breast enlargement, as well as reduced body hair.
- A loss of muscle mass.
- Perhaps the most concerning symptom of low T is erectile dysfunction and a loss of libido, combined with a lack of interest in sex.
If you have some of these symptoms, it is possible that you may be experiencing male menopause or andropause.
How can male menopause be diagnosed?
If you are concerned about symptoms you have, you need to visit the doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor will probably do the following:5
- Give you a thorough physical examination.
- Ask about any symptoms.
- Order some tests to exclude any medical problems which may be contributing to the problem, such as diabetes or prostate trouble.
- Schedule bloodwork to establish testosterone and other hormone levels.
An accurate diagnosis can only be given once the test and blood results are obtained.
Is there any treatment for male menopause?
Should there be medical reasons for your low T problems, such as diabetes or prostate issues, then your doctor will refer you for further tests to get analysis or treatment for any medical conditions.6
If your testosterone levels are low and there is no underlying medical condition, the diagnosis might very well be a normal loss of testosterone due to aging. There are treatment options available which can successfully help to relieve the symptoms of andropause, or low T, as it is also known.
Here are some natural options to help boost testosterone:7
- Follow a healthy diet. Reduce intake of refined foods, sugar, animal fats, and lose weight if you are carrying extra flab – especially around the middle.
- Give up smoking. Tobacco products constrict the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the genital area where testosterone is produced, which may lead to low libido.
- Illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and steroids, are also bad news for T levels.
- Make exercise part of your daily routine. Studies have shown that regular exercise can play a role in boosting testosterone levels and reducing symptoms of low T.
- Certain medications also have a negative effect on T levels:8
- Statins which lower cholesterol may short circuit the main source of testosterone production, as the body needs cholesterol to make the hormone.
- Antihistamines and drugs to control acid reflux and heartburn contain a chemical ingredient known as Cimetidine which blocks the body from producing sufficient testosterone.
- Antidepressants also contain ingredients which impact negatively on T levels.
The bottom line is to opt for a healthy lifestyle, lose weight, and speak to your doctor about possibly switching your medications to something more natural without harmful side effects.
The hormonal route to treat symptoms of male menopause
If you are experiencing symptoms of very low T, and particularly that of erectile dysfunction, your doctor may suggest testosterone hormone replacement therapy. This treatment will help your low libido and other low T symptoms, but it comes with potentially dangerous side effects such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.9
Many doctors are now recommending natural bio-identical hormonal replacement therapy (BHRT) in place of the traditional chemically manufactured hormones.10
The artificially created hormones bear no resemblance to the molecular structure of the hormones made in the body and are not easily processed by the liver. Studies have shown that they may present dangerous side effects.
That’s why we recommend BRHT as the best therapy for hormonal treatment. The hormones used are completely natural, the same as the hormones produced in the body, and contain no artificial substances which may cause dangerous side effects.
Contact us at www.renewmetoday.com to find out more about BHRT and take the Hormone Health Test and see how we can help you.
References:
- webmd.com/men/guide/male-menopause
- healthline.com/health-slideshow/warning-signs-male-menopause#1
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/home/ovc-20248454
- http://www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/andropause
- http://www.medicinenet.com/male_menopause/article.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2544367/
- http://www.webmd.com/men/features/can-you-boost-testosterone-naturally#1
- http://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/can-prescription-medications-affect-testosterone-levels/
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/testosterone
- https://www.johnleemd.com/bioidentical-hormones.html