Most of us are familiar with menopause, a condition related to the decrease in estrogen that many women experience quite suddenly as they reach their 50s. Did you know that there is a male counterpart called andropause? The two conditions share many symptoms, such as weight gain, low sex drive, and exhaustion. But what is andropause exactly, and how do you treat it?
What is Andropause?
Andropause occurs when testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, decreases in men who are 50 years old and up. While testosterone gradually declines from age 30 and onwards, this condition specifically describes certain age-related changes that affect older men. For men 70 years old and up, it is common to see that testosterone levels have decreased by half, causing uncomfortable symptoms.
8 Signs You Have Andropause
Your uncomfortable symptoms can include a wide range of indicators. Since testosterone affects almost every aspect of your life, including your muscular development, sleeping habits, and mood, you may notice several different areas of your life change. These areas can include physical, emotional, or cognitive changes. Here are 8 signs of male menopause:
- Your libido is lower than normal
- Your energy levels are low and normal day-to-day activities fatigue you
- You notice more weight gain around your waist and chest
- You have lost significant muscle mass
- You experience trouble sleeping
- You show signs of depression or anxiety
- You struggle to concentrate as you did before
- You find it difficult to remember things
Your symptoms may be different from those of other men; the intensity can also range from person to person. As you may notice, these symptoms also coincide with other diseases and conditions. But if you do not have any underlying conditions, then low testosterone levels may be the culprit behind these signs.
Treatment Options
Your physician may suggest that you implement certain lifestyle changes to help you manage your symptoms. Regardless of your hormone levels, these tips are important building blocks for a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables and low on processed foods
- Adopt a moderate exercise regimen 2-3 times a week or a physician-recommended exercise schedule
- Regulate your sleep schedule and get enough sleep
- Add stress-busting activities to your schedule or find ways to remove stress from your life
If your symptoms are very intense, then you may need a different treatment — namely, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Not all doctors specialize in hormones or andropause specifically, but a BHRT specialist may be able to help you test your levels and determine whether you need to increase your testosterone.
Need More Guidance? Find a Practitioner Today
Still asking, What is andropause?
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All of our approved specialists have undergone our comprehensive training, which includes learning to use accurate dosing technology and administering your actual hormone treatment. They can answer all of your questions and provide you with an initial consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for BHRT.
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