The male menopause, otherwise known as andropause, affects millions of men worldwide and although there has been an increase in coverage of the female menopause, there’s still very little awareness of its male counterpart. So what exactly is the male menopause and how does it differ from the female menopause? And what treatments are available? Read on to find out more…
What is Andropause (Male Menopause)?
Although Andropause (also called Low-T) is not as well known as Menopause, in many ways it’s just as disruptive to a man’s health. While both are part of aging, there are some major differences between these two conditions. For example, men don’t experience hot flashes or vaginal dryness; instead, common symptoms include low energy levels, trouble sleeping (including feeling tired even after getting a full night’s sleep), increased body fat, a loss of muscle mass, decreased sex drive (libido), erectile dysfunction and depression.
Effects of Low Testosterone in Men
Men with low testosterone levels may experience a decline in muscle mass. This can lead to a loss of bone density. As people age, they are at an increased risk for osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become thinner and more easily broken. Men with low testosterone are also at an increased risk for developing visceral fat (fat surrounding internal organs) which can result in cardiovascular disease or diabetes, but women face similar risks. In order to determine if you have low testosterone levels, your doctor will likely check your testosterone levels against your sexual hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH). If they are out of balance there may be an underlying problem that needs treatment.
Treatment Options for Low Testosterone
When you decide to seek treatment for low testosterone, your doctor will test your blood. Some doctors also use a saliva test to check levels of certain hormones. If you are diagnosed with hypogonadism, you’ll be given two choices: either take supplemental testosterone or go on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When undergoing TRT treatment, men are typically prescribed testosterone gel or injections. This method involves placing a small amount of the medication into your muscles once a day or every other day. HRT usually involves taking daily pills that contain estrogen and progesterone, as well as testosterone. Both forms of treatment come with side effects. It’s up to you to discuss them with your doctor in order to determine which one is best for you.
Hypogonadism Treatment for Males and Women
Men experience a decline in testosterone production as they age, just like women do during perimenopause and menopause. The decline doesn’t mean your body stops making testosterone altogether; it still produces some, but at levels that are too low to maintain proper levels of energy, sex drive, bone health, muscle mass and strength, weight management and overall wellness. Low T can also affect sleep quality, mood, memory and more. TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) is used to treat hypogonadism in males; hormone replacement therapy is used to treat women going through perimenopause or menopause.
How Can I Tell if I have Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone (also known as low T) refers to a lower-than-normal level of testosterone in your body. Levels of testosterone, which is produced by your testicles, are necessary for normal sexual development and function. This hormone also plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass, producing red blood cells that help carry oxygen throughout your body, boosting mood, increasing bone density and strengthening muscles. Signs that you may have low T include fatigue, difficulty concentrating and memory problems. If you’re experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis – especially if they started abruptly – speak with your doctor about getting tested for low T.
Side Effects of Low Testosterone Levels in Men
Although both sexes experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels with age, women tend to begin experiencing symptoms in their early 50s and men often don’t notice a change until decades later. Aside from hot flashes and night sweats, some common side effects of low testosterone levels in men include depression, poor concentration, fatigue, weight gain around your belly or loss of muscle mass. Low testosterone can also put you at risk for osteoporosis because low T levels will make it more difficult for your body to absorb calcium. Research suggests that postmenopausal women with lower-than-normal T levels may be at increased risk for osteoporosis if they don’t supplement with hormone replacement therapy.
Why is Testosterone replacement Therapy more accepted and available for men?
Testosterone replacement therapy is only one of many forms of hormone replacement therapy that’s available for both men and women. Yet, when it comes to TRT, you might find that insurance companies are more amenable than they are toward hormone-replacement therapies used by women. Part of it could be due to differences in hormone levels between sexes—women have lower testosterone levels than men naturally, which makes them more likely to suffer health issues associated with low T than their male counterparts. That may mean that some insurers see women as needing treatment less urgently than men do. Still, others don’t provide coverage for any form of HRT at all except in cases of severe illness or cancer related treatments. This merchant has been used by us before for purchasing pharmaceuticals, therefore we feel comfortable recommending them.
