Monday, May 18, 2009

Male Menopause - Fact or Fiction?

By Anju Mathur, MD

Most of us know about menopause, but think it only affects women. In reality however, all humans experience a rise and fall in their levels of hormones, and men will be affected at a certain stage of life just as women always are. Known simply as menopause for women, this time in a man's life marked by the decline in certain hormones is known as andropause, which basically translates to 'male menopause.' It is of primary concern because it results in negative symptoms that are common among aging men.

Andropause is not just a mid life crisis that will affect only a few men, it actually affects all men and there is no getting around it.

In today's world, a man's diet and other external factors along with his genetics will contribute to when he first starts experiencing symptoms; these factors have led to a larger number of younger men, as young as between the ages of 32 and 35, undergoing these changes (as mentioned in an article in Men's Health magazine). Several important male hormones start to decline around the ages of 25 to 27, marking the onset of male andropause. Hormone replacement therapy, as utilized successfully for women going through hormonal declines during middle-age, can also be used to safely balance a man's hormonal levels and reverse unwanted and unpleasant symptoms, perhaps even within one week. A man's vital hormones consist of testosterone, DHEA, human growth hormone and thyroid hormones, and the replacement of these results in a healthier and more youthful body.

The symptoms of andropause include:

* Lower overall strength, endurance, and energy level

* Increased body fat and decreased muscle

* Lower desire for both exercise and physical activity

* Problems sleeping and sweating at night

* Lowered libido and less responsiveness

* Less mental comprehension and alertness

* Lower enthusiasm for life and daily activities

* Irritability and depression

Such symptoms can be overwhelming, especially with the stress that can be inherent during this stage of life. Thus, it is important to recognize these symptoms and know what causes them and what can be done to overcome them. Fortunately, a solution has been discovered, and that solution is testosterone treatment. This treatment is safe and easy, and can reduce all the undesirable problems of andropause. Testosterone, that familiar male hormone, plays an important part in the male body and its functions. Testosterone is utilized by the body in the production and development of many male characteristics. Secondary characteristics are also affected by testosterone, including the development of a deep voice and the growth of male facial hair. Testosterone is also essential in the development of a man's bone mass and the improvement of his muscle tone.

Of all the male hormones, known as androgens, in a man's body, testosterone is the most potent. It is also most commonly known and therefore, people associate it with good health and male vitality. Here are some of the benefits of a healthy testosterone level:

* Greater level of energy and greater vitality

* Greater bone density

* Greater endurance and strength

* More lean muscle mass

* Reduction of depression

* More regulation of body fat allocation throughout the body instead of just in the middle region

* An increase in body hair growth

* Lower risk of cardiac disease

* A decrease of the risk of cardiac arrest

* More stabilized blood pressure (reduction in the risk of high blood pressure)

* An improvement in diabetic health and subsequent reduction in the need for diabetic medications, according to clinical studies

Hormone replacement therapy with testosterone is completely safe when accurately administered. The development of prostate cancer is of great concern for many, and one should note that the replacement of testosterone has been shown to decrease the chance of developing prostate cancer. Increasing one's testosterone reduces the level of estrogen in the body, and it is actually the excessive estrogen that contributes to the development of prostate cancer in a male body. One sign that there is excessive estrogen in a man is the accumulation of excess body fat, especially that which forms around the waistline (marked by belly fat). As a preventive measure, the control of estrogen is of vital significance. There is enzyme known as aromatase that can be found in the body fat of males that causes testosterone to convert into estrogen. In turn the hormone known as estrogen can then turn into a carcinogenic substance, therefore keeping one's level of estrogen under control is very important to maintaining a healthy and fit body.

Upon reaching the age of 35, a man should consider actively working on the treatment of testosterone deficiency. Those who are older can still greatly improve their life quality and overcome undesirable symptoms with hormone replacement therapy. The treatment is relatively inexpensive and can result in life-changing benefits. Think back for a moment, about our fathers and grandfathers, who experienced and endured these problems...with what we have discovered today, we can finally do something about it. We now know that there is an easy way to get back all of that youthful energy and thoroughly have an enjoyable life again!

Having a professional examine one's testosterone level is the solution. Increase your quality of life by finding out if you need testosterone replacement therapy and once again go out and play with the kids! See the difference, feel the difference, and the only thing you might regret is not having done it sooner! - 14130

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