Andropause, the male equivalent of menopause, can have a profound effect on a man’s health, physique, sex drive, and general well-being. Research tells us that testosterone levels (and sperm counts) have been declining over the last few decades.
Men typically experience a slow decline in testosterone as they age; however, we are seeing more men in their 20’s and 30’s who are experiencing low testosterone.
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced sexual desire
Fatigue or decrease energy levels
Muscle loss
Fat gain
Weight gain
Mood changes, apathy or depression
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Lower motivation or drive
Declining hormone levels in middle-aged men has also been linked to prostate and heart disease, elevated cholesterol, and angina.
Treatment is often difficult to obtain through the traditional medical system as it is viewed as a ‘natural part of aging’ and like women who are suffering with perimenopause and menopause, men’s symptoms are often dismissed or chalked up to being ‘normal’ and therefore not requiring intervention. However, the good news is that diet, exercise, stress management, and natural therapies along with a medically prescribed program of natural bio-identical hormones can safely boost testosterone levels and potentially reverse or slow the ageing process.
Erectile dysfunction and low libido are commonly associated with low testosterone levels, although it can still occur in a man with normal testosterone. Establishing an erection is a function of having sexual arousal (libido) and adequate blood flow. A deficiency in either or both areas may lead to erectile dysfunction.
Research shows that 55% of males of 55 years old have some erectile dysfunction (ED). Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health, and we are here to discuss any concerns or questions you may have in a supportive environment in order to provide you the treatment options that work best for you. This may include pharmaceuticals such as Cialis or Viagra and/or bioidentical testosterone treatment which is available through compounding pharmacies.
As with women, men have multiple hormones that interact with each other to cause a variety of symptoms in the body.
Does stress affect our hormones? The short answer is ‘yes’ and increased levels over a period of time perpetuate an even greater negative effect.
Book an Andropause assessment with Annabelle Reimer today.
