Male Menopause
Male Menopause: Beginning at approximately 40 years of age, a man’s testosterone levels slowly decline. A condition called “andropause” develops which is similar to menopause experience by women.
Testosterone deficiency is associated with other medical conditions including obesity, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis; as well as elevated levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Testosterone may provide a protection against the development or progression of atherosclerosis in men. Medical evidence indicates that appropriate therapy can relieve and partially reverse the progression of these problems in testosterone-deficient men.
Hypogonadism is the medical term for low levels of testosterone in association with specific signs and symptoms, including:
- Diminished sex drive and sense of vitality
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression and Anemia
- Heart disease or worsening lipid profile
- Reduced muscle mass and bone density
- Increased fat mass
- Frailty
- Osteoporosis
Gradual loss of testosterone is one of the major causes of osteoporosis in elderly men. Studies have reported beneficial effects of testosterone therapy in older men, showing an increase in bone mineral density (BMD) and slowing of bone degeneration. Testosterone therapy in older men with low testosterone levels also increases lean body mass and decreases fat mass, improving physical performance and strength.
- Testosterone can be replaced by either a weekly injection, a cream or a lozenge that melts under the tongue. The specific dose needed by each man can be compounded based on lab results and clinical symptoms.
- The presence of prostate or breast cancer is an absolute contraindication for androgen replacement therapy. Guidelines recommend that Testosterone replacement therapy should not be initiated in older men with PSA serum levels above the normal range.