Andropause is also referred to as male menopause and has been the subject of increasing attention in the past few years in the medical community and media. Through several proposed mechanisms, aging men suffer from the dual effects of having too little testosterone and excess estrogen (estradiol). Aging men sometimes convert testosterone to estrogen. Testosterone receptor sites in cells throughout the body then take up the estrogen. When an estrogen molecule occupies a testosterone receptor site on a cell membrane, it blocks the ability of serum testosterone to induce a healthy hormonal signal. It does not matter how much serum free testosterone is available if excess estrogen is competing for the same site.

Testosterone is much more than a sex hormone. Other receptor sites of testosterone are the brain and heart. Testosterone improves oxygen uptake throughout the body, helps control blood sugar, regulate cholesterol and maintain immune function. The body requires testosterone to maintain youthful cardiac output and neurological function. Men suffering from depression often have lower levels of testosterone than control subjects.

Testosterone levels decline gradually in men, starting from approximately age 30, and this decline continues throughout life. On the average, a man’s testosterone levels begin to decline at a rate of about 1% per year after age 40.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGONADISM (DECREASED TESTOSTERONE)

1. Decreased or absent libido
2. Decreased or absent morning erection
3. Erectile dysfunction
4. Depression
5. Poor concentration
6. Decreased beard growth
7. Loss of musculature
8. Decreased energy level
9. Hot flashes
10. Decreased muscle mass, body hair,
     facial hair
11. Gynecomastia

1.   Do you have a decrease in libido or
      sex drive?
2.   Do you have a lack of energy?
3.   Do you have a decrease in strength
      or  endurance?
4.   Have you lost weight?
5.   Have you noticed a decreased
      enjoyment of  life?
6.   Are you sad or grumpy?
7.   Are your erections less strong?
8.   Have you noted a recent
      deterioration in your
      ability to play sports?
9.   Are you falling asleep after dinner?
10. Has there been any recent
      deterioration in your work
      performance?

Men answering YES to questions 1and 7, or a combination of any 3 or more might be candidates for testosterone replacement therapy. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for further testing via blood or saliva (see saliva testing) or urine.

Male hormone therapy has been shown to be dramatically effective in relieving symptoms of andropause and restoring drive, health, potency, and a renewed sense of renewed vitality. The treatment includes careful monitoring of testosterone and estrogens (estradiol), and supplemental therapy so that a healthy balance can be achieved.

With permission: www.communitydrug.com