What is the Male Andropause and Why are We Not All Talking About It?
The male andropause is often referred to as the ‘male menopause’. Thanks to intensive medical research and publications, the female menopause has gained widespread recognition over the last few decades and women around the world are being treated successfully for their menopause symptoms with various hormone replacement therapies (HRT). The male andropause is just as common, so why is it still going unrecognised in medicine? And why does nobody talk about it?
The word ‘Andropause’; derives from the Greek language, with ‘Andras’ meaning human male and ‘pause’ meaning cessation. So quite literally, the andropause means ‘male-cessation’; and biologically this is exactly what happens!
Traditionally, this aging process has been considered unavoidable; however, in recent years an increasing number of men are not willing to accept the foreboding stereotype of aging and the associated symptoms.
Symptoms commonly associated with the andropause are, increased fat tissue (weight gain), loss of muscle mass, low libido and increased risk of erectile dysfunction, increased risk of osteoporosis, fatigue, low mood and depression and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Andropause often occurs when a man is considered the ‘prime’ of his life, his career and social status within his family and community and often has devastating effects upon his quality of life with the changes that gradually occur.
The benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for the andropause have been widely written about and results published in academic papers. It is not just testosterone decrease to be considered, but hormones such as DHEA (Dehydropiandrosterone) which plays a role in testosterone production, also decrease. Other physiological effects of andropause can include an increase in the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which reduces the amount of bioavailable testosterone.
Hormone replacement therapy (including testosterone replacement) for men reduces visceral fat, increases muscle mass, improves bone density, improves skin tone and collagen production, improves metabolism, decreases all lipid and carbohydrate parameters, improves libido and sexual performance and enhances memory.
But what does this actually mean for your health? It means a reduction in the risk of diseases of aging such as; cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and osteoporosis related fractures. When serum testosterone levels are increased to a normative range, it means a reduction in all-cause mortality and protection of the cardiovascular system, neurologic system, musculoskeletal system and immune system.
In order to benefit from the treatments and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for the andropause, it is essential that you use a medical company whose team have been accredited with qualifications in hormone replacement therapy and also a company who will offer a consultation first followed by bloodwork tailored to your specific needs. It’s just all about Testosterone and it is vital the other factors are addressed as well for an optimum outcome. At Vitruvius Health , we only employ medical Doctors with a specialist interest in preventative medicine. So, what are you waiting for? Live better, laugh more and feel alive with Vitruvius Health !
Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas.