Male Menopause Symptoms And How Testerone Replacement Therapy Helps
Menopause is now known to impact middle aged men as much as middle aged women. Male menopause symptoms set in between the ages of 40 and 60 in men. Also called andropause, male menopause is mainly caused by the decline in the production of testerone due to aging. As there is no monthly menstruation cycle and no ovaries present, it is difficult to determine fluctuating levels or decline of hormones produced. Many a time, male menopause symptoms thus go unnoticed.
Male Menopause Symptoms – Why They Occur
Testerone is a hormone produced in the testes. There is a spurt in the production of the hormone at the onset of male puberty and is responsible for the development of the male sexual organs, hair growth patterns and deepening of the voice. It is also helpful in the development and maintenance of bone and muscle mass. However, the production of testerone starts to fall when men reach the age of 30 years. Testerone levels then decline throughout their lives. A decline of 1% to 2% in testerone production per year is normal.
Some men are profoundly affected by the changed hormonal levels when male menopause symptoms set in. The common symptoms are:
• Low libido and erectile dysfunction.
• Fatigue and less energy.
• Decreased bone and muscle mass.
• Increased weight gain.
• Forgetfulness.
• Hot flashes.
• Irritability and mood swings.
• Sleep disorders.
• Swollen breasts.
If these symptoms persist for a considerably long period, then it is a good idea to consult a medical specialist.
Understanding Male Menopause Symptoms & The Causes of Low Testerone Levels
Male Menopause Symptoms Guide
A level less than 300 ng/dl of free testerone in the blood is considered to be low. The causes of low levels of testerone can be due to different factors. Some of them are listed below:
• Aging of the body.
• Testicular cancer and inflammation of the testes.
• Genetic diseases.
• Hypogonadism.
• Systemic diseases and other underlying physical disorders.
The testerone levels in the body can be determined with the help of simple laboratory tests that are ordered by the medical specialist. The test is conducted in the morning hours when the free testerone level in the blood is the maximum. The doctor is also likely to suggest additional physical exam tests, scans, and bone density tests to rule out other causes. A suitable treatment for the condition is prescribed accordingly.
Male Menopause Treatment Options
It has been found that patients with low testerone levels have experienced considerable benefits when treated with testerone replacement therapy (TRT) more commonly grouped under hormone replacement therapy. However, it is safe to embark on any replacement therapy only after due consultation with a medical specialist. There is evidence that patients experience less irritability, higher bone density, increased libido and sexual function, less forgetfulness, etc. A low level of testerone in the blood for longer terms is known to be associated with a number of degenerative diseases including osteoporosis, diabetes, etc.
The desired outcome for treating male menopause symptoms that have set in is to increase the levels of testerone in the blood. This serves to alleviate the symptoms and prove beneficial to the patient. TRT is prescribed in the form of testerone injections, oral testerone supplements, testerone patches, bioidentical hormones for replacement, etc. are used to treat male menopause symptoms. Testerone injections are usually taken once a fortnight. Oral medication is prescribed by the doctor in larger doses to make for metabolization losses. Testerone patches are designed to steadily release testerone into the bloodstream. The patches are usually worn in the lower abdomen area discreetly and are not noticeable. Testerone gel and topical creams are also designed to release testerone directly into the bloodstream.
Testerone supplements are frequently used by bodybuilders and athletes for the required energy spurt and muscle building effects. Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural sources unlike synthesized testerone in prepackaged doses that are available over the counter. They are customized according to the individual patient’s requirements and are compounded in the pharmacy. They can be purchased in a variety of dosage sizes.
It is also a good idea to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes to maintain healthy levels of testerone in the blood. Including sound nutritional habits, getting adequate rest and sleep, exercising regularly, de-stressing at work and at home, smoking less, and having moderate amounts of alcohol and building up a positive attitude, are all helpful. These will help the individual to manage male menopause symptoms more successfully.
