Andropause: Silent Emasculator

What is Andropause?

A man’s testosterone production usually peaks in his 20s, but most men experience major hormonal changes after that point. Experts now believe that a man’s testosterone levels decrease by around one percent per year after the age of 30. Your hormones will naturally drop as you grow older, but other health conditions can wreak havoc on your testosterone levels as well. Researchers have tied dozens of different lifestyle habits and health complications to low testosterone levels. This includes a sedentary lifestyle, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, unhealthy dietary choices, and kidney damage. Some men also take certain medications that suppress their testosterone production and can lead to hormonal imbalances.

Signs of Andropause.

In addition to metabolic changes, many men also experience a sudden drop in their testosterone levels, as they grow older. This transition is called andropause and it can result in a wide array of unwanted side effects when left untreated. This is why our team believes that all men should keep an eye out for any early warning signs of andropause. When this condition detected early, it can usually be reversed with a mixture of lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy.

Early Warning Signs.

These hormonal changes affect everyone differently, but there are a few early warning signs that most men experience. One of the most common side effects of this condition is a sudden change in your energy levels. Over the course of a year or two, you may feel as if you no longer have enough energy to make it through the day. You might also feel mentally exhausted while carrying out everyday tasks. Trying to get through a meeting or difficult workout could take an incredible toll on your psyche.

Some men also notice sudden changes to various parts of the body. The stomach will begin to retain fat while muscle mass throughout the arms and chest disappears. No matter how much you exercise, you may feel as if you are fighting an uphill battle. Some other signs of andropause that you should keep an eye out for include hot flashes, mood swings and difficulty initiating and/or maintaining erections, a suppressed libido and depression.

Treating Andropause.

The first step in this process is getting a proper diagnosis. Once we have confirmed that you have low testosterone levels, we can then discuss your treatment options. Our team usually suggests making sweeping lifestyle changes before carrying out any major treatments. That will most likely include revamping your diet and establishing an exercise plan. After you have made those changes, you might benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. The goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to balance your hormones so that you look and feel better.

If you would like to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy, then we invite you to reach out to the professionals here at Ambrosia Functional Medicine to learn more. Visit our site www.ambrosiafm.com to schedule an appointment.