MEN'S HEALTH

Men Experience Their Own Form Of Menopause, Known As Andropause

For quite some time menopause has been a topic limited to female conversation. However, word of a male version of menopause made headlines around the world in June 2010. Studies conducted by a team of British scientists confirmed the condition coined, Andropause, as male menopause published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Men with symptoms such as a lack of energy, decline in sex drive, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, irritability, depression, weight gain, and sleep problems may suffer from Andropause. 

Andropause is a result of hormonal changes in aging men. It is characterized by a decline in bodily functions. Andropause can start as early as age 30. Adropause is caused by low testosterone, high estrogen, or a combination of both.

Reduction Of Estrogens

Weight loss, exercise, and healthy eating may reduce the amount of fat and therefore reduce testosterone aromatization to estrogen as well as the storage of estrogen in the fat. Balanced androgenic hormones (phyisiologic level; testosterone to estrogen) are known to supress female characteristics in males. An imbalance of hormones can also lead to female-like physical changes like gynecomastia, where the breast tissue can become excessive. Prostate issues are also related to imbalance of hormones that come with aging. Supplementation with Zinc and Vitamin C has also been proven to have a positive reduction in the change of testosterone to estrogen in a males.

Testosterone Replacement

Testosterone replacement therapy is used to treat males with a known testosterone deficiency. Individualized treatments are available for males who may be experiencing Andropause symptoms. Universal Arts Pharmacy provides men suffering from symptoms of Andropause with remedies. There are a number of treatments available to alleviate symptoms upon a doctor’s referral. Always consult with your doctor for the most appropriate treatment options for you. 

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency affect approximately 1 in 200 men and may include:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Reduced libido
• Osteoporosis
• Depressed mood
• Loss of energy
• Erectile dysfunction
• Aches and pains

Goals of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Adult Hypogonadal Men (age 50 or older)

• Improvement in psychological well-being and mood
• Improvement in erectile dysfunction
• Improvement in libido
• Increased muscle mass
• Increased  strength and stature
• Preservation of bone mass

A man may be considered hypogonadal at any age if total testosterone is less than 200 ng/dl, or bioavailable testosterone is less than 60 ng/dl. Basaria and Dobs of Johns Hopkins University recommend that elderly men with symptoms of hypogonadism and a total testosterone level < 300 ng/dl should be started on hormone replacement.

What is the Optimal Form of Testosterone for Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone USP is natural testosterone that has been approved by the United States Pharmacopoeia and is available as a pure chemical. Upon a prescription order, compounding pharmacists can use Testosterone USP to prepare numerous dosage forms.

The term “testosterone” is often used generically when referring to numerous synthetic derivatives, as well as natural testosterone. Confusion is responsible for conflicting data in the medical literature about the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy. Studies must be reviewed carefully to determine the form of testosterone that was used. Natural testosterone must not be confused with synthetic derivatives or “anabolic steroids,” which when used by athletes and body builders have caused disastrous effects. For example, administration of synthetic non-aromatizable androgens, like stanozolol or methyltestosterone, causes profound decreases in HDL-C (“good cholesterol”) and significant increases in LDL-C (“bad cholesterol”). Yet, hormone replacement with aromatizable androgens, such as testosterone, results in lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels while having little to no impact on serum HDL cholesterol levels. Proper monitoring of laboratory values and clinical response are essential when prescribing testosterone replacement therapy.

The only absolute contraindications to androgen replacement therapy are the presence of prostate or breast cancer. “Although it is known that the clinical course of prostate cancer is accelerated by testosterone, its incidence is not increased by [testosterone] administration… There is even no clear evidence that testosterone replacement accelerates the development of BPH.”

Drugs Aging. 1999 Aug;15(2):131-42.

Risks versus benefits of testosterone therapy in elderly men.

Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.

Patients using testosterone should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are present, such as: 

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath or trouble  breathing 
• Weakness in one part or one side of the body
• Slurred speech