Andropause
Hormone decline is not just a phenomenon that affects women; it also occurs in men and can cause a series of symptoms and changes to occur.
Testosterone is the primary male hormone, and it is responsible for forming the secondary male sex characteristics, such as a deeper voice, body and facial hair, and the testes.
This hormone also governs sexual function and reproduction, and it can begin to decline as early as a man’s 30’s. Starting in a man’s third decade, testosterone level begins to decline at a rate of around 1% each year, and by the time he reaches his mid to late forties, it tends to take a steep decline.
Andropause is the phase when hormonal changes take place in a man, and it usually occurs between the ages of 40-55. Andropause is also known as male menopause, and during this time, men can experience physical, mental, and emotional changes. In men, testosterone is produced in the Leydig cells of the testicles, and around middle age, these cells cannot produce adequate amounts of testosterone.
Some of the symptoms of andropause caused by testosterone deficiency may include:
- Muscle Atrophy
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lower Libido
- Thinning Hair
- Weight Gain Around The Middle
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Night Sweats
Dr. Anju Mathur can help men recover from testosterone decline with testosterone therapy, such as bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular structure and function to the hormones produced in the human body, and for this reason, they can be easily metabolized and made active in the body to supplement deficiencies without producing negative side effects.
Many men have been able to improve their quality of life through partaking in Dr. Mathur’s comprehensive Wellness Program, which includes Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Men. Some of the benefits that can be achieved with hormone treatment include:
Improved Sexual Function & Libido
Decreased sexual and reproductive function can include erectile issues, decreased libido, or infertility. The testicles produce testosterone, and this hormone is responsible for sexual and reproductive functions. When the hormone decreases, the associated functions suffer. Supplementing testosterone with hormone therapy can help men restore their libido and erectile function, and some men report feeling the way they did during their 20s and 30s.
Increased Muscle Tone
Muscle atrophy includes a loss of muscle due to decreased testosterone, and during andropause, men can lose around 12-15 pounds of muscle mass. Muscle cells are directly influenced by testosterone, and they can wane away due to a loss of testosterone. Restoring testosterone to healthy levels can increase muscle mass and tone, heighten stamina and endurance, and allow men to have increased motivation for exercising.
Fat Loss
Weight gain can accrue, especially around the middle, because of a loss in muscle. Muscle burns up fat, and decreased muscle can result in fat retention. Low testosterone levels also slow down metabolism, which can cause an increase in body fat. Regulating testosterone levels can help the body to metabolize more fat and acquire a leaner appearance.
Better Sleep
Men experiencing hormone decline may have issues falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up early in the morning and being unable to go back to sleep. Sleep disturbances can be caused due to hormonal interferences with the body’s internal clock. Issues for low testeroine symptoms can include insomnia, sleep apnea, or vivid dreaming. Fatigue can result from improper rest and unsound sleep cycles. Balancing hormone levels can help men to sleep well and reduce sleep disturbances, and they can also regain their energy levels with proper sleep.
Regulated Body Temperature
Irregular body temperature is another result of decreased testosterone. Hot flashes, night sweats, or chills can occur from abnormal testosterone levels confusing the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating temperature, and unclear signals can cause the body to feel too hot or too cold. Balancing testosterone levels can help men to reduce surges of heat, night sweats, or alternating heat and chills.
Improved Moods
Mood Swings including increased anger, sadness, or anxiety can occur when estrogen and testosterone levels fluctuate and cause a decrease in the chemicals responsible for regulating moods. Regulating hormone levels can balance moods and create an overall sense of wellbeing.
Improved Prostate Health
Urination problems, such as frequent urination or nocturnal urination, are usually due to the prostate. A drop in testosterone can cause the prostate to enlarge, and if it enlarges, it can push on the urinary bladder to cause urinary frequency. At night, when the bladder becomes full, the prostate can increase the pressure even more. Balanced hormones can help the prostate to remain healthy and prevent enlargement.
Thicker Hair
Lower testosterone levels put men at an increased risk for hair loss. This happens when the hair follicles lose their ability to regenerate. The chemical DHT and testosterone work closely together in maintaining hair follicles, and an imbalance causes hair follicles to die. Restoring testosterone levels can help the hair follicles stay alive and active, and it can help men to grow thicker, more lustrous hair.
Reduced Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is an abnormal enlargement of the male breasts, and it is a result of a testosterone drop and an increase in estrogen. The ratio of estrogen to testosterone must stay balanced in order for men to experience optimal levels of health, and this is because estrogen promotes tissue growth. Higher levels of estrogen can increase breast size, enlarge the prostate, and lead to weight gain. Balancing testosterone levels can allow men to prevent the effects of high estrogen levels.
Last week I started Testosterone and things changed dramatically. I feel much more energy and no more depression. I started to run again three times a week and I will run marathon next year. Thank you Dr Anju for the treatment!
– Alex S. (8/22/07)
