Andropause
What is Andropause?
Andropause is roughly the male equivalent of menopause in women. It refers to an age-related decline in male hormone levels and is sometimes called testosterone deficiency or androgen deficiency. The decrease in hormones and onset of symptoms in men, however, can be slower or more subtle.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone; it gives men deep voices, muscle mass, and male facial and body hair patterns. As you get older, the level of testosterone in your body gradually lessens — about 1% per year from age 30 onward. This is expected, and you may start experiencing physical and psychological symptoms from low testosterone levels beginning in your 50s.
Andropause Symptoms
Like menopause, andropause can have a variety of symptoms, and not all men will experience the same problems. Some may have no symptoms at all. Low hormone levels may raise your risk for other health conditions such as osteoporosis (brittle bones) or heart disease.
Symptoms of andropause can include:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sleep disturbances — insomnia or increased sleepiness
- Sadness or depression
- Lack of motivation, decrease in self-confidence
- Irritability and mood swings
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of strength or muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Loss of body hair
- Lack of energy
- Hot flashes. (Yes, men can get these too!)
Causes of Andropause Symptoms
Andropause is not a disease. It is a natural process your body goes through as you age.
A major cause of its symptoms is the testicles’ decrease in testosterone production, but other hormones can be involved. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that your body makes and turns into sex hormones, including testosterone. Your DHEA levels decline naturally too, starting at about age 30. Also, as you age, your level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) begins to increase. SHBG deactivates some of the testosterone circulating in your blood, lowering your level of usable — bioavailable — testosterone.
Men who suffer from andropause symptoms typically have less bioavailable testosterone in their blood. This means there may not be enough to adequately supply the cells and tissues throughout the body.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms that suggest andropause, discuss them with your doctor. There is a blood test that measures your level of bioavailable testosterone.
Your provider may want to check some of these possibilities too. There are underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea that can affect testosterone levels as well. If these conditions are identified and addressed, your testosterone may return to a therapeutic level on its own.
Andropause Therapy
Testosterone levels vary greatly among men. Some men have a lower-than-average testosterone levels without noticeable signs or symptoms. In this case, therapy may not be needed. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of andropause that negatively affect your daily life, your doctor may prescribe medications to replace the hormones you are lacking. Testosterone replacement is the most common therapy, and it may provide relief from your symptoms. Your doctor will help you decide if testosterone therapy is right in your situation.
Testosterone replacement therapy may be accompanied by the addition of pregnenolone, DHEA, aromatase inhibitors, or other supplements.
Making simple lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can help support your treatment and may be recommended by your physician as well.
How Belmar Can Help
Belmar compounds bioidentical hormones in a variety of dosage forms, strengths, and combinations to help you feel more like yourself again. Dosage forms include injectable pellets, oral and sublingual tablets, blended creams, and injectables. We also compound and dispense other medications that target specific issues like hair loss, dry skin, or low sex drive. We’re focused on ensuring your doctor has the right medication available to fit your specific needs so that you can enjoy the best health and lifestyle possible.
If you are going through andropause, or are concerned about any of the symptoms on this page, contact us for more information and start a conversation with your doctor. Together, you can decide if a compounded prescription might be the right therapy for you.
