Male Menopause

We have been listening to our menopausal patients’ concerns. Indeed, it is true- husbands, and male partners, are also affected by symptoms similar to menopause known as androgen deficiency, or commonly called "male menopause".

 

Similar to menopause in females, but occurs in males resulting from a drop in testosterone levels, often causing mood and bodily changes.

 

Starting about age 30, levels of testosterone in men begin to drop as much as 10% each decade.

 

Also known as:

Testosterone is secreted by the testes and adrenal glands, and binds to androgen receptors in the cells.

 

Testosterone effects include:

Male Menopause symptoms vary among men and can range from very mild, to severe:

30% of men in their 50’s have testosterone levels low enough to cause symptoms and put them at risk for weakened bones and heart disease.

 

Because symptoms vary, male menopause is often misdiagnosed.

 

Because many men have difficulty discussing their symptoms, male menopause is under-diagnosed.

 

 

Low testosterone (Low T) treatment for men has included DHEA, patches, gels, injectables and pellets which are placed under the skin. Testosterone helps increase muscle size and strength, reduce body fat and is related to sexual functioning.

 

When undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, it is important to understand that testosterone needs to directly activate androgen receptors and be metabolized into dihydrotestosterone (by 5 alpha reductase) and estradiol (by aromatization)-both, which increases and diversifies its biologic effects.

 

Muscle size and strength are increased from the testosterone effect, fat mass is reduced through the estrogen effect, and both E and T are needed to maximize sexual function, i.e. obtaining and maintaining an erection and helping to facilitate ejaculation during orgasm.

 

Weight reduction through diet (such as the HCG diet) and exercise may elevate your natural T into the normal level. Replacing DHEA, an over the counter supplement, may be enough to counteract the symptoms of low T.

 

Our experience with the creams, gels, patches, and Axiron has revealed that usually these treatment options, in addition to being a daily hassle, do not get the T levels into the upper range of normal for a young man.

 

At Men’s and Women's Specialty Health Center, our approach is to use natural hormone/bio-identical testosterone therapy in the form of Testosterone pellets and Testosterone injections. Most men who want to be treated for Low testosterone can be. We will perform a simple blood test to ensure you are healthy candidate for therapy.

 

 

Depending on your symptoms and your serum testosterone blood level, you may be advised to consider subcutaneous insertion of Testosterone pellets-usually, just above your hip bone or in your abdomen. A local anesthetic is given to you, in the office, with varying number of the Testosterone pellets placed. Usually, you’ll start feeling better within 2 weeks, with the peak effect felt in about 6 weeks. Prior to each insertion, your Testosterone level is evaluated to determine the next dose of Testosterone to be inserted. Most men schedule their reinsertions, alternating sides (R to L) about every 2-3 months. It is most convenient for men who live out-of-town and for those who have a very busy life, which precludes scheduling weekly office visits, which are required for T injections. See pricing for Testosterone Pellets here.

 

 

As men age, which is often due to a gradual decline in Growth Hormone, fat will be steadily deposited around the waist. Men may develop the metabolic syndrome, which includes hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes. Often the excess adipose tissue converts more of the base steroids into estrogen, which continues to rise as the testosterone level continues to decline. Losing weight will help get these levels back into balance. However, by replacing testosterone, central obesity often declines and muscle mass increases, which helps counteract the conditions leading to the metabolic syndrome. We recommend exercise and proper diet for men taking testosterone supplementation.