Almost everybody already knows that testosterone plays key roles in the body, particularly in men. It helps to promote development of sexual characteristics and is useful for the maintenance of an active sexual life. Andropause has to do with the levels of testosterone in the body – more precisely, it is a sign of problem with the amount of the hormone.
Andropause describes a condition characterized by decline in testosterone levels as men grow older. While it is also referred to as male menopause, there is no consensus on this designation among medical experts in that men are not known to have a well-defined menopause. Several other terms have been used to describe this phenomenon. These include androgen deficiency of the aging male (ADAM), late-onset male hypogonadism, and testosterone deficiency syndrome.
Regardless of the choice of name, what is clear is that men experience decline in testosterone levels as they get older. It is the reduction in this major male hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone that gives rise to andropause. One reason there is reluctance by some to accept the argument that males experience menopause is that andropause occurs more gradually than menopause in women. Testosterone levels fall gradually for the entire length a man's adult life – the drop is about one percent every year after the age of 30. By comparison, hormone production is halted completely in women going through menopause.
There are certain risk factors that can make a man vulnerable to experiencing andropause. These could be both external and internal. Poor diet, inadequate sleep, high alcohol intake and surgery are some of the external factors that can interfere with testosterone levels.
As for the internal causes, one is a condition known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Release of certain hormones in the brain is usually set off by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus when there is poor testosterone circulation in the body. This helps to facilitate the production of the male hormone. But gonadotropin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone levels will fail to rise in aging men, even when testosterone levels are low. This results in the manifestation of certain low T symptoms.
The levels of substance known as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) are said to be elevated in men experiencing menopause. It is bad enough that men experience declining levels of testosterone later in life; this glycoprotein worsens things further. SHBG binds to testosterone circulation in the blood thereby interfering in their bioavailability. In simpler words, it makes the male sex hormone unavailable for use by the body after binding to it.
Andropause may also occur due to neuroendocrine dysfunction, which results from a mild traumatic injury to the brain. The condition has been associated with an illness and a fall in Leydig cells.
Testosterone assists with protein building as well as promotion of good sexual health. It lends a hand to several metabolic processes in the body and is essential for enhancing stamina. This means there is bound to be issues when levels of the androgen hormone are low. The symptoms or complications that may be experienced when such happens include:
The observed symptoms may vary from one person to another. There is also debate on the genuineness of the relationship between these symptoms and low testosterone production.
A qualified doctor is best placed to tell you if you are indeed having this condition based on observed symptoms, which usually vary between individuals. Besides, any of these symptoms may be as a result of other conditions. Your doctor will ask you questions on how you are feeling and the symptoms you have observed. A physical examination will be performed as well. You may be asked to take some blood tests, including one to measure the level of testosterone in your blood. This will enable the doctor to rule out other possible conditions and confirm that what you experience is indeed male menopause.
In treating men going through andropause, the most popular method involves replacing the androgen hormone in the body. Testosterone replacement therapy can help to deal with some symptoms of andropause. It is recommended for bone density, muscle mass and strength enhancement as well as improvement in overall feeling of wellbeing. Testosterone can be accessed in diverse forms, including:
Injections – Depending on appropriateness, your doctor may place you on testosterone injections. The hormone is injected into a muscle every two to four weeks. Men with high blood calcium and those suffering from kidney disease or heart disease are advised against taking these testosterone injections.
Gel – Testosterone gel is applied to the skin, usually on the arms. The hormone is absorbed into the bloodstream from the spot it is applied. You will need to ensure you prevent the gel from coming into contact with other people's skin if such do not require supplementation.
Patches – Like testosterone gel, skin patches are applied directly to the skin. These are applied to dry areas of the skin. Testosterone skin patches are placed on the upper arms, back, abdomen, or thighs once a day. The hormone is gradually absorbed into the blood stream from there.
Capsules – Some men passing through andropause, depending on the state of their health, may be placed on testosterone capsules. These will usually be required to take the capsules two times a day after meals.
It is not safe to decide unilaterally among these testosterone replacement options for dealing with andropause. Certain underlying conditions, including liver, heart and kidney diseases, could expose a man to awful complications if a wrong choice is made. Testosterone replacement therapy comes with potential risks and side effects. These include acceleration of cancer cell growth, hair loss, suppression of spermatogenesis, exacerbation of sleep apnea, cardiovascular issues, and even death. Obviously, you will do well to first seek your doctor's advice.
Some men only need to make certain lifestyle changes to deal with certain symptoms of andropause. Healthy life choices can help you build lean muscle mass and maintain good level of energy and strength. You should endeavor to eat healthy diet and maintain an active lifestyle. Regular or daily physical activity not only helps you stay in shape, it also enhances mood and facilitates better sleep.
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REFERENCES
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056
www.webmd.com/men/guide/male-menopause
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