What Does Andropause and Declining Testosterone Levels Mean for Men above Forty?

Apr 23
22:31

2012

John A. Wellard

John A. Wellard

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

When a male’s testosterone levels begin to decrease during their life, they are often said to be going through andropause. This condition is considered to be similar to the experience that women go through when they are going through menopause and even perimenopause. However, the medical community isn’t quick to accept this period of time as a standard change for men.

mediaimage
There are an increasing number of men who are experiencing symptoms that are very similar as they age. This often is combined with low levels of testosterone and is usually not the results of a secondary disease. In fact,What Does Andropause and Declining Testosterone Levels Mean for Men above Forty? Articles a healthy male can produce sizeable levels of testosterone until they are well into their eighties and can remain fertile during this time. However, conditions like diabetes and heart disease can affect these levels and many physicians believe they are a link to the lower testosterone levels, rather than true andropause. However, only medical testing can determine what the underlying cause of your lower testosterone levels is.

As you look at the symptoms of andropause, you will note that they bear a similarity to those that women experience during menopause. The following is a list of some of those conditions, there may be others you may experience:
•    Fatigue
•    Weakness
•    Depression
•    Sudden Mood Changes
•    Headaches
•    General Discomfort

If your doctor does feel that andropause is something that you should be concerned about, simple blood tests may be done. These tests will check your hormones, including testosterone and they will include a series of tests that will rule out underlying medical conditions. If the only concern that comes back is lower testosterone levels, then your doctor will most likely begin a course of treatments that will help to improve your hormone levels.

This will be done with treatments that will include the testosterone levels in your body. These items will include things like creams, gels and even a shot that can help to boost these levels. Usually, they will be combined with diet and exercise that will help to reduce the symptoms that you have. It will be important that you follow the full course of treatment regularly to help to reduce the symptoms that you are experiencing and to improve the hormone levels in your body.

You will need to understand that with the increase in testosterone does come with some side effects. While headaches and some joint pain may be experienced, there is also the increased risk of prostate cancer that you will need to address as well, because of that, you will need to sit down with your doctor and review all the factors that will come into play with this experience.

Overall, andropause is a condition that can be treated with the right medical approach. Make sure that you do consult with your doctor to look at the different treatments you have available to you and the risks that can be associated with them. Remember, this isn’t a condition that you will need to just deal with, so be sure that you consult with you doctor and ensure that you are getting the treatment that you need.