Andropause: The male Menopause.
According to recent estimates, approximately 13 million men in the U.S. have testosterone deficiency but very few are receiving treatment. The impact of low testosterone has been forced to the forefront of medical and mainstream news because people are more educated. They are living longer and want to maintain their quality of life with the feeling of youth. Declining hormone levels can no longer be thought of as ‘normal’, which has been the traditional medical approach.
Andropause, the male menopause, is a medically recognized condition which has been traditionally neglected because its a slow process of hormone decline over many years, unlike menopause for women. During Andropause, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone, as well as other critical hormones. Males experience a decline in multiple hormones, including: Testosterone, DHEA, Growth Hormone, Melatonin, and Pregnenolone and an increase in harmful hormones, such as estrogen and cortisol. These hormone changes directly contribute to the symptoms of aging (Top 10 signs of Andropause). Testosterone is responsible for male growth and development. It is also responsible for all secondary male sex characteristics, maintaining muscle mass, bone mass, sexual desire, sexual development, fat distribution, energy & mood, hair patterns, and chemical attraction. Through medically supervised hormone replacement, men will see decreasing bodyfat, increasing muscle and tone, improved libido & sexual performance, increased strength & endurance, improved mental function, greater energy levels & mood, improved drive & motivation and a renewed overall zest for life and love.
On average, free (active) testosterone level declines nearly 2% per year beyond age 35. In some males the decrease is more rapid. By age 60, males can lose up to half of their testosterone.
The Hypogonadism in Males study demonstrated that 38.7% of patients aged 45 & older visiting their primary care doctor had clinically measurable low testosterone. (Int J Clin Pract. 2006 July 1; 60(7): 762–769). Most studies define a low level as outside a very wide testosterone range, which was set by measuring levels of both healthy and sick men of all ages. If we consider the middle and upper range of testosterone to be optimal, the number of people who could benefit from testosterone replacement would be significantly higher.
According to a recent report in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism and The Endocrine Society, Men’s testosterone levels are decreasing faster than previous decades. Testosterone levels declined over time beyond what would be expected with age. The study’s author states “In 1988, men who were 50 years old had higher serum testosterone concentrations than did comparable 50-year-old men in 1996,” (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Oct. 2, 2006; The Endocrine Society.)
Recent studies have established a strong link between lower testosterone levels and an increase risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, depression, insulin resistance and greater overall mortality.
Though testosterone has received the most focus recently, DHEA, Growth Hormone, Melatonin and Pregnenolone start their decline even earlier than testosterone. It is important to balance all hormones for optimal benefit.
At Premier Age Management Clinic, men can feel comfortable discussing the age-related changes they are experiencing in a comfortable and professional medical environment. We are confident we will improve the quality of your life.