Are Your Experiencing Low Testosterone?

Most people are aware of the physical and hormonal changes that take place in women during menopause (the end of menstruation and fertility). The less frequently discussed issue of andropause in men is equally common, but many are unaware of the symptoms associated with this condition, as well as the treatment options available to make these changes easier to live with.

As men age, many will experience andropause, also known as low testosterone or ADAM (Androgen Deficiency of the Aging Male). Unlike women, who experience a significant drop in estrogen during menopause, the onset of andropause is generally more gradual and affects men in a variety of different ways.

Symptoms of Andropause

Irritability or moodiness Difficulty concentrating Low energy or fatigue Low sex drive Erection problems Increased fat deposition Trouble recovering from exercise Hair loss

Most men diagnosed with andropause experience a low sex drive accompanied by one or more of the other symptoms listed above. As soon as symptoms become bothersome, it is important to seek medical treatment. If testosterone levels drop too low, you have an increased chance of developing heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis (bone loss).

Treatment

The most common treatment for andropause is testosterone replacement therapy. Your physician will consider the symptoms you have been experiencing and identify how your testosterone levels fluctuate throughout a given day. Using this information, your physician will create a treatment plan specific to your situation.

For many years, physicians believed that testosterone replacement therapy would increase a patient's risk of developing prostate cancer, but now we know from research done in recent years that this simply is not true.

Reduce Your Risk

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Andropause - Low Testosterone :: Department of Urology