HORMONES & MEN: THE FACTS

Andropause:  Andropause describes the emotional and physical change that many men experience as they age due to declining testosterone levels.  The most common symptoms are low sex drive, low energy level, and loss of strength and muscle mass. We have known for a long time that the production of hormones by the testes slowly decreases as men age.  We also know that the average male today has a significantly lower testosterone level than males just 10-20 years ago. 

Timing: 
The process of andropause is not universal and occurs subtly over time. This is different from what women experience around menopause, specifically, an abrupt change in hormone levels that accompanies the end of the reproductive cycle. It is for this reason that the symptoms of andropause are often ignored and are considered almost an unavoidable result of the aging process. Until recently, physicians were not aware that these symptoms could be identified and addressed medically.

Occurrence:
Andropause is a fairly common condition and the incidence of it increases with age. The incidence from ages 40 to 49 is estimated between two and five percent; from ages 50 to 59, it is estimated that anywhere from six to 30% of men experience symptoms; from ages 60 to 69 between 20% to 45%; and from ages 70 to 79, it is estimated that 34% to 70% of men have this condition and the incidence in men who are over 80 is estimated at 91%.

Symptoms:

• Back pain, sore joints and stiffness.
• Weight gain.
• Decreasing muscle mass and fitness.
• Loss of sex drive.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Fatigue and low energy.
• Depression, irritability, bad temper.
• Loss of memory and concentration.
• Lower motivation and competitive edge.
• Osteoporosis
• Loss or Decrease in Body Hair
• Weight Gain around the Midline

Diagnosis:
Andropause is most commonly characterized by a subtle and insidious onset and very slow progression of symptoms.  Not all men will have all of the above symptoms.  Many men will only have one or two symptoms, and not all men will have erectile dysfunction. 

Laboratory Evaluation: 
Andropause can be diagnosed in a blood test or in a 24 Hour urine Hormone Analysis.  Many men are mistakenly told that there testosterone levels are normal by doctors who do not specialize in this field.  It is important to include the following in every Male

Hormone Evaluation:

• Total Testosterone
• Free Testosterone
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
• Estradiol

Important Considerations around Testosterone Evaluation,
Treatment & Efficacy