Andropause

You've heard of menopause but what many are unaware of is a condition that can affect men in a very similar way. Often referred to as "Male-Menopause" or "Manopause" the condition is simply based on a decline in androgen production in the body; primarily testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone with an emphasis on testosterone; officially the condition is known as Andropause. Unlike menopause Andropause is not a sudden occurrence but generally a condition that develops over time in a slow fashion often so slowly the man adapts mentally to the low androgen production without even realizing it. Conversely when a woman goes through menopause the condition normally hits in a rapid fashion and she instantly knows she has a problem and remedy is sought. The problem with Andropause other than the condition itself is its slow occurring nature as such a slow decline can create problems in such a slow manner that by the time a man realizes it he can often be found in a very lacking state of mind and health.

Androgens and Hypogonadism:

Hypogonadism is the condition known more commonly as low testosterone or as the many commercials on T.V. like to call it "Low T." In many ways Hypogonadism and Andropause are very similar with Andropause encompassing the total androgen system while Hypogonadism reflects low testosterone primarily. There are six androgens in-which can be affected by Andropause and while all six are important with testosterone again being the primary concern and the basis of all androgen existence; the androgens include:

Testosterone,Steroids
  • Androstenediol
  • Androstenedione (Andro)
  • Androsterone
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
  • Testosterone

Andropause Symptoms and Effects:

There is no question; Andropause can be beyond annoying as it has a strong effect on the quality of one's life in a profound manner. The effects and symptoms of Andropause are not life-threatening and while they are annoying they are also a gateway to many far more serious conditions that can be life-threatening indeed. If you happen to suffer from Andropause and millions of men do you will experience a decline in your quality of life and it will not level off; it will continue to get worse and worse each and every year.

Age is without question the number one cause of the Andropause condition but it is by no means the only factor. As we age our hormone levels decline and the rate of decline can vary from man to man. Our own personal genetics can play an important role in this factor but age and genetics are not the only factor. Often negated is the lifestyle factor; how well we take care of ourselves and how healthy our lifestyle is can have a strong effect on our hormonal levels; taking care of yourself always improves your odds. While a healthy lifestyle will improve your odds in suffering from Andropause it is again not the only answer; unfortunately many men will simply be predisposed to the condition regardless of how healthy they are. With all of this in mind the obvious questions are what are the symptoms, what are the effects? Andropause will affect a man in numerous ways from his appearance, his physical state as well as mental and can often be disastrous to sexual function. The symptoms and effects of Andropause include but are not limited to:

  • Decline of Libido (Often Total Loss)
  • Depression (Can Reach Severe)
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Increased Body-Fat (Primarily in the Abdominal Region)
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of Energy
  • Lack of Focus (Difficulty Concentrating)
  • Loss of Muscle Tissue and Mass
  • Loss of Strength
  • Weakened Immune System

Those are some pretty serious symptoms and effects and if you display even one you are strongly urged to see your doctor right away. While these conditions are as you can see quite bothersome, as mentioned Andropause can be a gateway into many far more serious conditions if left unchecked and they include but are not limited to:

  • Aches and Sores in the Muscle Tissue (Often Constant and Without Cause)
  • Anxiety
  • Decreased Bone Mass and Structure (Osteoporosis)
  • Diabetes
  • Hair-Loss (Often Extreme)
  • High Cholesterol
  • Loss of Memory (Dementia)
  • Infertility (Sterile)
  • Polyuria (Frequent Urination)

Keeping Andropause at Bay:

As we age our androgen levels go into decline; it is simply one of the basic facts of life; however, how fast they fall can vary from person to person and there are things we can do to improve our total production. You need to understand once you suffer from Andropause there is in most cases no turning back, you will require therapy to treat your condition for the remainder of your life but the lifestyle choices you make can have a positive effect. Remaining active and living a life that includes regular physical exercise is very important as is following a healthy diet and maintaining a proper body-fat ratio. Men who carry excess body-fat truly do open the door to this condition and as you understand such excess fat can lead to many other physical problems as well. Make no mistake, Andropause will still occur in some men regardless of how healthy they are; for some it is simply going to happen no matter what they do but for many it can be avoided or at least avoided until later in their life if they'd simply live and make healthy lifestyle choices. Men who maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, consume diets that are rich in Omega Fatty Acids and who get adequate rest ensuring their body is not constantly in a state of stress greatly improve their odds

Combating Andropause:

If you find you suffer from any of the symptoms discussed above you need to have your physical conditioned examined. One examined through blood work your doctor can easily determine your androgen production and if you do indeed suffer from this condition there will be only one true remedy. For the man who suffers from Andropause he will need a solid HRT plan and such an HRT plan will include anabolic steroids and in most cases the anabolic steroid testosterone. Unfortunately this will not cure the problem; in most cases this condition is not curable but it can be remedied and you will suffer no longer as long as therapy remains in place. For many men a lifelong HRT plan sounds horrible and for this reason you should live a lifestyle that will aid in staving off an Andropause condition. If this does not work you will find an HRT plan to be very simple and it truly won't affect your life in any major way other than remedying the problem. An HRT program truly is no big deal; it is simple and effective and is far less annoying than Andropause.