Male menopause is the period in a man’s life when his hormone levels start to fall. Irritability, restlessness, loss of libido, sweating, anxiety, depression, memory loss and ED are just some of the symptoms associated with this very real medical condition. ED can come from a myriad of sources, and one of them can definitely be a depletion of testosterone.
Menopause in women refers to the cessation of her monthly period. Women and even men experience shifting hormone levels as they age, which leads to emotional and health issues. Men’s testosterone levels drop as they age. Many see this as being the source that explains various male menopause symptoms.
For men with low testosterone levels and male menopause symptoms, the recommended treatment is hormone replacement theory. Testosterone replacement is only effective if androgen levels have dropped off significantly. Nominal doses of testosterone in young men with a hormone deficiency have been proven to improve libido.
Although male menopause symptoms cannot be cured, they can be alleviated by ongoing hormone therapy. Testosterone deficiency must be managed for life, as it is often a permanent condition. Oral prescriptions, implants, and injections are all common methods for testosterone replacement therapy. Generally speaking treatment means getting a testosterone shot every two weeks. For those afraid of implants and injections, oral prescriptions are offered.
The testosterone implants generally embedded beneath the buttock or abdomen skin function for a number of months. What the implant will do is deliver testosterone into the blood without any additional actions or drugs being taken.
Androgen therapy comes with side effects and risks. The prostate tends to decrease in size when the body has low testosterone. But, hormone replacement therapy won’t be able to make it big again. For those with naturally high levels of testosterone, androgen therapy might raise the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Further research is required on hormone replacement therapy safety and possible effects on the prostate, cardiovascular system, and mental functioning. How the androgen therapy affects the bones or muscles is a matter to be researched.
Though not proven with facts, it’s believed that androgen therapy may cause heart disease in an individual. Many persons who have suffered heart attacks are found to have low testosterone levels. It’s possible that taking extra testosterone may help prevent cardiovascular problems in middle aged and older men, in conjunction with addressing their male menopause symptoms.
You might be interested in Kim’s recent articles on Weight Gain in Perimenopause and Perimenopause Hot Flashes.