How aging affects women and leads to menopause is a widely-discussed topic, but less tends to be said about what happens to men. The hormonal imbalance many men experience in aging leads to andropause, or male menopause, and causes uncomfortable symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and low libido. You may be wondering, “Why is my sex drive low?”
Fortunately, lifestyle changes and hormone replacement can help you fight back against andropause and feel the heat in the sheets once more. Read on to learn more about treating the symptoms of male menopause and rebalancing your hormones for optimal health.
What Is Andropause?
Women in menopause experience dramatic sex hormones as they age, while men experience a more gradual decrease, specifically testosterone and DHEA. For this reason, male menopause symptoms are also sometimes referred to as testosterone or androgen deficiency or late-onset hypogonadism.
Understanding Testosterone
Testosterone, so named because it is produced in the testes, affects male functions such as sex drive, puberty, energy, muscle mass, and even the biological fight-or-flight response to stress. Unlike female menopause, not every man experiences andropause. Further, male menopause does not power down a man’s reproductive organs as happens with women.
During a man’s prime, 95% of testosterone is made in the testes when called to do so by brain signals. Over time, these signals weaken, and the testes are less apt to respond, usually occurring in the late 30s onward. Hormonal imbalance due to decreasing testosterone levels and rising estrogen levels can increase a man’s risk for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol issues, or prostate problems.
Understanding DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal gland hormone that converts into other hormones, such as testosterone, as needed (it is called a precursor hormone for this reason). DHEA levels naturally fall as we age or experience chronic stress.
When at healthy levels, DHEA helps balance hormones like cortisol, improves energy, provides anti-aging support, modulates the immune system, and optimizes thyroid function.
Purchase DHEA Cream here or learn more about the benefits for men and women in this article!
What Are the Symptoms of Andropause?
A man going through male menopause may experience any variety of symptoms that affect their physical, psychological, and sexual health, including the following.
- Decreased energy and motivation
- Fatigue
- Impaired concentration
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased body fat
- Gynecomastia or development of breast tissue
- Hot flashes
In addition to these symptoms, men may notice a decrease in testicle size, tender or swollen breasts, body hair loss, or, rarely, osteoporosis when the bones become brittle and weak.
Impaired Sexual Function
Male arousal occurs when the brain realizes there are reduced hormone levels and consequently releases testosterone to stimulate the brain’s nerves — testosterone in the bloodstream induces sexual desire. Maybe the most frustrating effect of andropause is low libido, impotence, and erectile dysfunction, issues that can lead to psychological problems, including low self-esteem, depression, and denial.
How Is Andropause Diagnosed and Treated?
Decreased testosterone can be identified through a blood test, without which you may not know you are experiencing male menopause. And often, men find it more difficult to discuss sexual issues with their healthcare providers.
Andropause symptoms can be alleviated by following a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, regularly exercising, getting sufficient sleep around 7-9 hours nightly, and minimizing stress when possible.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
As a man, having your hormone levels regularly tested as you age can help stay ahead of decline. At Dr. Randolph’s Ageless and Wellness Center, we offer comprehensive hormone screening and safe, effective supplements that restore depleted testosterone and DHEA levels. Our BHRT 3 supplement Andropause Pack balances hormones.
- Testo-Boost supports healthy testosterone levels, libido, and performance while optimizing endurance and strength and increasing vitality. Our ingredient combination frees serum-bound testosterone making more of it available in the body.
- Nitric Oxide Boost improves cardiovascular health and erectile dysfunction by supporting circulatory health, eliciting a normal response to inflammation, and optimizing how the muscles synthesize, function, and adapt to exercise.
- DHEA 25 regulates mood, improves cortisol to DHEA ratios, supports bone health, and promotes healthy aging and inflammatory balance.
The Ageless & Wellness Center Helps Your Sexual Mojo Flow
Many research studies have demonstrated that restoring testosterone and DHEA levels to where they should be can address men’s complaints. If you are experiencing these andropause symptoms, you do not have to suffer in silence or feel uncomfortable talking about them.
At Dr. Randolph’s Ageless and Wellness Center, we are passionate about sharing how transformative balanced hormones are for your overall health and quality of life. We offer comprehensive hormone testing and hormone therapies that mimic those made naturally by the body. Contact us today to learn more and get your health, vitality, and libido back on track.