What is Andropause?

Andropause, often referred to as male menopause, is different than female menopause but can have similar effects on lifestyle. Andropause, just like menopause, is nature's signal that the aging process is now accelerating into overdrive. During andropause, there is significantly less testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) production.

Testosterone is the male hormone that contributes to building muscle and enhancing strength. It is also responsible for renewing competitive drive, libido enhancement, mental acuity, and general zest for life. Levels begin to decline as early as age 30, and can be reduced even earlier by use of medications or accumulation of fat. By age 50, men can lose 25 to 50 percent of their testosterone; by age 70, the average man has lost approximately 90 percent of the hormones he had when he was 25.

Symptoms of Andropause

Typical symptoms of andropause are decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, memory loss, lowered libido and aches and pains, fractures and heart attacks. Early symptoms of andropause can be as subtle as decreased energy levels, loss of muscle tone and a less frequent desire for sexual intercourse. Further andropause symptoms can include weight gain, pot or "beer bellies," mood swings and irritability, forgetfulness, enlarged male breasts and even erectile dysfunction (ED).

(More information on andropause symptoms)

When men think of diminished testosterone levels, they do not usually relate this to decreased enjoyment of life; however, men may notice a decline in their competitive drive or decreased enthusiasm for things previously enjoyed. With lower testosterone levels, muscle mass and strength fade. Even your libido and ability to have strong erections begin to fail. Your health is at stake as you become more prone to cancers and heart attacks. Men may not like visiting doctors regularly, but they will find there is a great deal that can be done to assist in the efforts to slow down, stop and even reverse many of the negative effects of aging.

All these hormone imbalance symptoms are the result of a hormonally deficient state, not a normal aging process. Restoring the body's normal balance of hormones will go a long way toward making you feel like a stronger, more energized, healthier and happier man.

Andropause Treatment

Today, more than at any other time, we have many methods to decrease, cease, and even turn back a lot of the negative effects of aging. With safe and effective hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement, guided by a well-trained anti-aging doctor, we can actually slow, stop and even reverse many of these negative effects caused by lost hormones. Andropause treatment is usually logical after being diagnosed by a physician practicing hormone replacement therapy. This type of treatment for andropause allows the body to receive the correct amount of hormones based on the body's needs. So, if a man is working out and needs more testosterone to function optimally, the body can receive it. Medical results usually are dramatic, with a reversal of andropause symptoms and the male returning to the same vitality he had in his early 30s.

In men, testosterone is the hormone that increases sex drive and libido. Increased sex drive through proper hormonal balance usually results in more frequent initiating of sex, prolonged sexual enjoyment and overall greater enjoyment of the sexual experience. As in men, women also experience enhanced sex drive; studies in women have shown it may increase the intensity of the orgasm.

For many men, it is the loss of sexual desire that causes them to seek hormone replacement therapy. It is their reawakening of interest and desire in sex which is the most appreciated immediate benefit. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) usually eliminate symptoms of hormone imbalance in men through many different options available.

For male patients, andropause therapy is a treatment plan specific to each patient's specific needs. The hormone levels will be analyzed through blood tests so that individualized treatment can be determined. Significant increases in the body's muscle tone, lean muscle mass, and a rapid recovery from exercise will occur as a result of achieving normal testosterone levels.

These years of your life should find you healthy, energetic, and full of wonder and fulfillment. Don't allow accelerated aging to steal from you your sex drive, your vigor, or your priceless health and longevity. Andropause is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels which cause symptoms of testosterone deficiency and excess, accompanied by inadequate or absent hormone production. Some of these symptoms, however, can occur at any time in a man's life and may not be indicative of andropause.

From many physicians, it is assumed that when we eradicate erectile dysfunction and weight gain, we have alleviated the andropause. All of these symptoms are frequently attributed to the normal aging process. All of these hormone imbalance symptoms are the result of a hormonally deficient state, not a normal aging process. Restoring your body to a normal balance of hormones will go a long way towards making you feel younger, healthier, and happier.

Unfortunately, there is no way to stop andropause, as it is a natural process in a man's life. What you choose to do about it will make a difference.

Natural hormone replacement will help overcome these changes in your body and make you feel like you did in your thirties.

Whether it is early obesity, andropause, pre-andropause weight gain, or adrenal fatigue, in many cases, HRT and BHRT, stress reduction, and a change in lifestyle and nutrition can be part of the solution.

Today, more than at any other time, we have many means to decrease, cease, and even turn back a lot of the negative effects of aging.

These years of your life should find you healthy, energetic, and full of wonder and fulfillment. Don't allow accelerated aging to steal from you your sex drive, your vigor, or your priceless health and longevity.

Now, the most important question: How do I know if my hormone levels are deficient? Please see our Anti-Aging Questionnaire below for a good start. The following questionnaire can help to determine if your symptoms are more likely being caused by andropause than other disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, depression, or other illnesses.

Are your experiencing symptoms of andropause? Take our Anti-Aging Questionnaire and learn more.

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