Hormone Replacement Therapy
Often called “male menopause,” andropause can be described as symptoms that some older men experience typically after age 40-50, when a man’s testosterone levels begin to decline.
It should be noted that comparing (male) andropause to (female) menopause is not entirely correct. This is because andropause generally doesn’t cause a man to lose his ability to reproduce, as with menopause.
Another way that andropause differs from menopause is that not all men experience it. On the other hand, menopause in women is inevitable.
You might have heard of other names for andropause: testosterone deficiency syndrome, hypogonadism, or simply “androgenic decline.” All these terms fall under the category called ‘andropause.’
The bottom line is that andropause is the condition of having undesirable symptoms at a certain age due to low testosterone levels.
The Importance of Testosterone in Men
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in men’s lives. First, it helps red blood cell and sperm production; second, it creates muscle strength; thirdly, it helps burn fat.
It also regulates a man’s libido. It assists in bone mass, body fat distribution, strength, and muscle mass density. Without this hormone, we would be less healthy.
When a man’s testosterone levels drop, they may experience some problems, including a higher risk of developing heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
Signs & Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels in Men
As men age, it is normal to go through various changes due to their testosterone levels dropping. These changes might be one or a combination of multiple physical, sexual, or emotional occurrences.
The following symptoms are commonly experienced with low testosterone levels:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Low Sex Drive
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Mood Swings and Irritability
- Reduced Muscle Mass
Managing the Symptoms of Andropause
You can make some changes to your lifestyle that, when you add them up, can make a significant difference in how you feel.
Mind Your Diet: Eating a balanced diet will give your body the fuel to function optimally. Feeding yourself foods that are rich in essential vitamins and nutrients helps your endocrine system to have what it needs to produce as much testosterone as it can for your age.
Move Around: Partaking in regular physical activity is also essential. This is because your testosterone levels rise temporarily after you exercise. If your testosterone level is borderline, exercise may make a big difference.
However, if your testosterone level is very low, exercise alone may not be enough to impact the way you feel positively.
Get Enough Sleep: According to the results of a 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the amount of sleep a man gets directly affects his body’s testosterone production.
Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night is ideal. Unfortunately, around 15% of adults sleep less than 5 hours nightly. Many adverse health effects are suffered as a result of this.
In this study examining the relationship between sleep and testosterone, it was determined that when a young man skips sleep, it reduces his testosterone levels by an equal amount as aging 10 to 15 years.
Ease Away Stress: It is critical to manage stress levels to support healthy testosterone. When you become stressed out, your hormone levels are negatively affected. Less testosterone is produced, and a vicious cycle begins. Lower testosterone levels can lead to more stress and depression. Next, your testosterone levels dip even more down.
Be sure to take time out for yourself, no matter how busy your schedule is.
Let go of negative thinking and consider participating in activities that support a grounded and more peaceful you.
Traditional Treatments for Low Testosterone
The most commonly chosen treatment for a diagnose low testosterone levels is replacing it within the blood. This is done using several different methods. Your doctor may select skin patches, capsules, gels, or injections to replace lost testosterone.
However, discussing this traditional treatment option with your doctor may find that the side effects of taking synthetic hormones may outweigh any potential benefits that may or may not occur after treatment.
How Testosterone Replacement Therapy Can Help
Thankfully, there is a safer, natural alternative to taking synthetic hormones. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or BHRT is a superior choice because the natural hormones used are strictly derived from plants. This means that they blend well and harmonize with the body. Specifically, BHRT has the exact chemical and molecular structure as the hormones produced by the human body.
As a result of starting BHRT for andropause, you should expect the following to occur:
- Improvement in erectile dysfunction
- Improvement in overall well-being and mood
- A stronger libido
- Increase in muscle mass, strength, and stature
- Decrease in cardiovascular risk
Putting Low Testosterone Behind You
For many men, andropause is a natural stage of life that happens in their 40s or 50s. A testosterone drop can bring many undesired circumstances that must be dealt with.
Making the appropriate lifestyle changes can make a small difference, but if you want results, BHRT is something you should try. We support your journey to get your body back to wholeness at Renew Health and Wellness. Our bioidentical hormone replacement program is customized specifically for your needs. Call us today and get ready to improve your life!
