Andropause Vs Menopause – Differences Between The Sexes

Unknown to several men, they also experience the horrors of male menopause, which involves a significant drop in the reproductive hormones during middle age generally between the ages of forty and sixty. The condition is medically known as Andropause, Testosterone Deficiency, Viropause, Late Onset Hypogonadism (LOH), Male Climacteric, Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) or Partial Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (PADAM).

To be more specific, while female menopause occurs when the ovaries cease to function and ovulation and menstruation ends, which lead to the sudden decrease and eventual loss of estrogen hormones; alternately, andropause involves a gradual decline in the testosterone level. However, while the former leads to complete infertility, the same is not true for men. Sexual impotence aside, testosterones as well as sperm cells are continually produced, permitting the latter to produce children even up to the age of eighty.

People experience menopause as a natural biological occurrence. However, some other factors are said to contribute to an earlier onslaught of the condition, such as: excessive alcohol intake, hormonal deficiencies, obesity, improper diet, hypertension, smoking, medications, lack of exercise, psychological problems, heart and lung diseases, and surgical removal of the ovaries or the uterus among females.

The major effect of both menopause and andropause is that people are steadily brought back to pre-puberty stage, with symptoms that affect not only their hormones but also their physiological, psychological, social, spiritual and sexual aspects. Noticeable symptoms that are common to both include: hot flashes and night sweats, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, headaches and dizziness, hair loss, low sex drive, memory loss, poorer judgments, lethargy, weight gain, digestive problems, gum and oral problems, incontinence, itches and allergies, vaginal dryness for women and erectile dysfunction for men, difficulty concentrating, irregular heartbeat, and sleeping disorders.

Mid-life crisis or psychological and emotional changes are likewise experienced, such as intermittent mood swings, irritability, depression and anxiety. Men undergoing andropause become more boyish and childish but with less bravado. They grow to be more emotionally attached to family and friends. They become more motherly and domesticated.

There are now medically recognized treatments for both menopause and andropause. The most common one is hormone replacement therapy. There is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for andropause and Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy (PHT) for menopause, which help to bring the hormonal levels back up. However, it is said that when improperly administered, TRT can affect sperm production and increase the risk of having prostate cancer, stroke and liver toxicity. PHT is likewise said to be a triggering cause for stroke among women. Other symptoms for menopause and andropause are treated for the specific medical condition experienced. The problem seen here is that the condition is not addressed holistically and there still remain other symptoms that are untreated.

In any case, people must know that the condition is inevitable. Men or women alike would eventually have to experience menopause. Perhaps, like other health conditions, menopause might actually be bearable save for some indications that affect one’s interpersonal relationships. The best way to deal with this is for the whole family to be familiar with the condition and its symptoms. Doing so will certainly help how they relate with one another as everyone begins to understand what the loved one is going through.

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Andropause is Different from Menopause

Unlike menopause, which is abrupt, loss of testosterone in older men is a gradual process, with many men still being able to reproduce in old age. Therefore, the term ‘Andropause’ is wrong in a way – Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome would be a better description.

Testosterone levels in men may start declining from about age 30. Most men remain symptom free, with complaints of loss of energy, depressed mood, etc, often coming on insidiously several years later, often in their 50s. As mentioned, these symptoms are often brushed aside as being part of the normal aging process.. That is, until problems with their sexual performance start to appear.

Diagnosis

Blood tests to measure blood testosterone levels are readily available – such as Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). These tests are very useful in helping us make a diagnosis of TDS.

It is important to note, however, that blood tests are not fail-proof. Someone may have Testosterone levels in the normal range, but still be suffering significant distress from TDS; or have low Testosterone levels, and still be symptom free. Hence, it is important to correlate with the blood results with the individual’s signs and symptoms.

Many disease states, such as chronic liver disease, also contribute to TDS. It is important to have a thorough checkup with your doctor to exclude these medical conditions.

Treatments Available

Fortunately for us, TDS is now recognised by many health-care professionals, and treatments are available.

The fist step in treatment is always to try to boost your Testosterone levels, naturally, via lifestyle changes.

Hit the gym and start exercising. Testosterone undergoes a process called aromatization, where it converts into estrogen through chemical processes. This process takes place mainly in fat tissue – and hence decreasing your body fat and increasing muscle mass, will mean higher testosterone levels.

Cut down on alcohol, and reduce stress levels – these also contribute to lower testosterone levels.

When all these have failed, medical therapy, in the form of Testosterone Replacement, is the next option. Testosterone replacement therapy can done via injections, patches, gels, or tablets. Personally, I prefer using injections (e.g. Nebido), as I find that they are more convenient, give better, more predictable result, and come with less side effects.

The best method of replacement therapy will depend on your preferences and lifestyle though. Again, discuss with your doctor, and choose the best method for you.

Most importantly, do not brush vague symptoms of low energy, low mood, and decreased sexual performance aside – they may point to an underlying medical condition which is treatable with modern medicine.

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Andropause – What Is It?

Introduction

As men age, or advance through middle age, most of us men undergo what is known as Andropause, or sometimes referred to as male menopause. Many things can cause a man to develop Andropause, but the biggest reason is that a man starts to produce less and less testosterone.

Even with the reduced amount of testosterone, the levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) do not significantly fall off. This is an indication that the testosterone that is still available is used to make more DHT. DHT has been linked to male pattern baldness and an enlarged prostate.

So as a man reaches middle age, not only will his testosterone levels fall off, but he will also become more susceptible to male pattern baldness and an enlarged prostate.

Symptoms Of Andropause

The symptoms of Andropause may be pronounced or they may be subtle where you don’t even notice them. There is an exam you can take at home to determine if you might have Andropause, this exam is called the ADAM Questionnaire. The exam asks you various questions, such as how energetic and how sexually active you are, are a few examples.

Some of the actual symptoms of Andropause are:

A decrease in intellectual activity.
A decrease in body hair, which could be an indication of male pattern baldness.
Decrease in muscle mass and strength.
A decrease in sexual desire.
These are some of the indications of Andropause, but as I said earlier, DHT becomes more prevalent and could also lead to an enlarged prostate.

How To Treat Andropause

One of the first things to do if you suspect you have Andropause is to consult your doctor. Your doctor will be able to confirm if you have Andropause or some other condition. Some of the things he may prescribe if he does determne you have this condition are:

Testosterone Replacement Therapy- Some common forms of this type of therapy are the use of creams or patches, which will enter your bloodstream to increase your testosterone levels.

Arimidex- Your doctor may also prescribe a prescription drug called Arimidex. This will also increase your levels of testosterone.

Supplements- Supplements may also help with this condition. For example, it is recommended that you take flavonoids, which can be found in buckwheat, onions, citrus fruits and other such types of plants. It is also recommended that you take supplements to improve the health of your prostrate because of the high levels of DHT. Such supplements as pygeum and saw palmetto can improve your prostate health.
Conclusion

As men reach middle age, they could develop a condition called Andropause. This condition is caused by a lower level of testosterone in males.

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Andropause and Plummeting Testosterone Levels in Men

Andropause is responsible for plummeting testosterone levels. Before learning much more about testosterone, lets look at how Andropausal men’s systems work and cause this decline. Testosterone will be developed in the mind. The pituitary glands in the mind produce a hormone known as luteinizing hormone responsible for providing one special purchase to the testicles: produce testosterone! Don’t forget, the brain does not generate T. It regulates the glands which generate the hormones that mail receptor messages directly to your testes.

The combination associated with failing testes and the inability of the pituitary gland to send messages on the testes is the reason regarding testosterone decline. When the pituitary gland is not secreting an ample amount of the luteinizing hormone, your testes will not purpose. On average, 5 grms of testosterone are made daily. The release of this hormone will be prominent during times of the day, most notably each day and sundown. Seminal fluid is also affected much less is produced as we get older.

What is Free Testosterone?

T hormones operate by connecting on their own to proteins inside the blood. These meats follow through the blood vessels and reach the important areas of the body where the hormonal works. A small amount of testosterone does not attach themselves to any protein they are called free testosterone.

This kind of free hormone is the most impactful hormone in your system. Any time Andropause comes to fruition, far more testosterone attach them selves to proteins, departing less of the totally free testosterone available. As we discussed, proteins can have a reverse effect on us too! It is a paradox a endocrine working too hard does more damage as compared to good!

As men grow older, androgen levels will decline. Remember guys, estrogen is to ladies as androgen is to adult men. Androgens are produced in your adrenal gland (located earlier mentioned the kidneys) plus the testicles. These hormones are responsible for producing sperm, promoting sex drive, aiding with erectile function, and also helping determine the an unborn child’s sex. If you are a bodybuilding enthusiast, please note in which lack of androgen will have an effect on your muscle build, leading to decreased muscle mass as well as loss of strength.

No amount of whey protein, creatine, or even glutamine can remedy this problem. Instead of building six-pack stomach muscles, you will have increased unwanted fat in the areas you need it least. Squats (overall body building exercise) and deadlifts (compound exercise that actually works the back) are almost impossible to perform, as Andropause may cause osteoporosis (loss of navicular bone tissue) and lumbar pain.

This should not put you off having a daily routine, however. Exercise may be scientifically proven to decrease the effects of testosterone reduction and your routine ought to be altered to accommodate this kind of as you age.

There are also alternatives such as testerone lotion that can help you get back your sex drive and strength. With the right eating routine, including diet and exercise, Andropausecan be quite a comfortable passage.

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Andropause and Low Testosterone

Testosterone will be the dominant male hormone, but you already knew that. The male variation of menopause, called andropause, occurs as a result of regressing levels of testosterone, This hormonal fluctuation starts to fall gradually as adult men age. Just like menopause, when decreasing amounts of estrogen take their particular tole on the female body, men’s health starts to suffer Low levels of “t” as it is called, results in symptoms such as the low sexual interest, impotence, weight gain, decrease of muscle tone and depression.

Lets shy away from Andropause to get a second and focus in testosterone. What involves your mind when you think of the word: testosterone? Weight lifters hugging their Ten lb jars regarding whey protein before any pose down? Just mention baseball player McGwire and the bottle associated with andro found stored in the locker? Pumped-up, muscle-packed men strutting the boardwalk within Venice Beach?

Testosterone will more than make a guy a man. It regulates many functions in both the male and feminine body besides sex-related characteristics and muscle building. Blood glucose levels controlled to normal quantities, the regulation of ldl cholesterol, oxygen uptake. Testosterone in addition boosts the immune system, and testosterone works to create strong bones. Because Dr. John Shelter, MD taught, just about any hormone that concludes in “one” (testosterone as well as progesterone) builds bone. Appropriate levels can cease, if not reverse, the actual bone loss of weakening of bones.

This one hormone, testosterone, accounts for all these wonderful characteristics occcuring properly. Metabolic processes are sped up. This includes cellular production and mobile or portable growth. As you get old, you wory about emotional decline. Did you know that testosterone seems to help in mental attention? T can increase ones mood, providing you that creativity and zest for life anyone lost long ago.

Testosterone Prevents Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease

The most up-to-date research, as mentioned within the book “The Testosterone Syndrome”, can be showing that the man hormone at youthful levels prevents depression and Alzheimer’s disease. The news with regards to testosterone is usually bad. Yoou must understand that testosterone isn’t only an ingredient found in steroid drugs that wrestlers and soccer ball players take to enhance overall performance. They strive to lift it to ranges far above the normal degree seen at just about any stage of existence. This hormone is as critical and as necessary as the air flow you breathe. Low testosterone hinders living as it was intended to be.

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