Is it possible for an older man to suffer from male menopause?
The endocrine system controls everything from sexual function to growth through a series of glands that produce hormones. As we age, the levels of hormones we produce change; we produce more of some hormones and less of others. In women, a decrease in the production of progesterone and estrogen leads to menopause, but how do the hormone fluctuations in men affect them? It turns out, women may not be the only people who can suffer from the effects hormonal fluctuations.
As some men age, they can develop andropause, which is a decrease in the production of testosterone and is sometimes called low testosterone. In some ways, andropause is similar to menopause, but it’s not exactly “male menopause” because it doesn’t happen to all men. Another difference between menopause and andropause is that women stop producing estrogen and progesterone completely, whereas men’s testosterone production declines over time. While many men will never have to experience andropause, up to 50 percent of men over the age of 80, as well as 20 percent of men over the age of 60, suffer from andropause.
What are the symptoms of andropause?
- Decrease in strength and muscle mass
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in libido
- Decrease in bone density
- Cognitive impairment
- Weight gain
- Hair loss – body and facial hair
- Irritability
- Decline in sense of well-being
How is andropause diagnosed?
- Physical Exams
- Blood tests to determine testosterone levels
- Assessment of symptoms
- Medical tests to rule out other possible causes
What treatment options are available for men with andropause?
Although changes in diet and exercise are typically advised, testosterone replacement therapy is one of the most common treatment options for andropause, and it can help to relieve many of the symptoms associated with it, including depression, fatigue and a decreased libido. What many people don’t realize is that there is more than one kind of hormone therapy option. For years, synthetic hormones, which are hormones synthesized in a lab, were the only option for men suffering for andropause, but the truth is that, today, there is a more natural option in hormone therapy.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are natural hormones that are identical to the naturally occurring hormones in your body on a molecular level. Bioidentical hormones are easier for your body to accept and process than synthetic hormones, which are the most commonly used options in testosterone therapy. This helps to enhance the effects of the hormone therapy on your body.
Is bioidentical hormone therapy right for you?
If you’re ready to start finding an effective treatment option for your low testosterone, you’ve come to the right place. At Rejuvime Medical, we are proud to offer our patients hormone therapy using bioidentical hormones in Baton Rouge. Our medical staff is highly trained in balancing hormones and monitoring progress.
Before starting bioidentical testosterone therapy, we’ll perform a physician lab review and assessment to help us determine if it’s the right option for you. Our goal is not to provide you with just any treatment option, but the right treatment option for you. Contact us today.
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