The human body is always changing. Day by day, year by year, hormonal alterations that seem small and gradual can have huge impacts over time. While all men know about the profound hormonal changes during puberty, fewer are aware that testosterone steadily diminishes with age, resulting in andropause for some men.
Andropause, sometimes referred to as male menopause, occurs when testosterone levels drop to suboptimal levels. This can have a significant impact on your life, causing physical, mental, and emotional stress. In some cases, it can damage your long-term health. But this isn’t inevitable. Today, there are hormone therapy options for andropause that can help restore testosterone levels and alleviate symptoms.
Understanding Andropause
The body reaches peak testosterone production by the late teens and early 20s—which almost anyone who has been in their late teens and early 20s can attest to. After that, production levels slowly start to decline causing all men to eventually experience declining levels of testosterone.
Though there is no hard and fast rule, and an enormous amount of variance, men tend to lose 1% of their testosterone production each year after the age of 40. In many cases, this is not much of a problem. You may think that being a little less spry is a normal part of aging, and we just take it for granted.
Sometimes, however, testosterone levels fall below what is considered optimal for healthy function. This may be andropause, and it impacts as many as 40% of males over the age of 45.
Symptoms of andropause can include:
- Lack of energy
- Inability to build/maintain muscle growth
- Low sex drive
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Irritability
The severity of these symptoms can vary; for some, they are simply annoyances while for others they are deeply disruptive, impacting not only physical health, but emotional well-being, relationships, and even your professional life.
Hormone Therapy Options for Andropause
If you are struggling with the symptoms of andropause, a practitioner who specializes in hormonal health has the knowledge and tools to help you try to find lasting relief. These specialists can offer a range of hormone therapy options, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which may help men experiencing low T raise testosterone levels.
BHRT uses plant matter to create hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. When BHRT is custom-compounded, your treatment is designed to meet your body’s unique needs. You can even choose an administration method that works for you.
Some of the most common hormone therapy options for andropause include:
- Injections. Injections are among the most popular administration methods for testosterone and are typically self-administered at home.
- Cream and gels. Topical applications are user-friendly and can be applied in the privacy of your own home. Because dosing is affected by how the user applies it, it may not be as precise as other methods.
- Patches. Patches are a very simple way to deliver predetermined hormone doses. However, in some men, patches may become loose or cause skin irritation. However, this is generally a well-tolerated method.
- Pellet therapy. Pellet therapy involves injecting small, rice-sized pellets under the skin that release testosterone as they dissolve. Insertion is performed by a health care professional in an outpatient setting, and the effects can last from 3-6 months.
To determine which option might be right for you is to talk to a hormone replacement specialist who understands your needs and preferences.
Getting Back to Yourself
Modern hormone therapy options for andropause have the potential to help you achieve hormonal balance and restore emotional and physical wellness. But hormone therapy does not have to be used in isolation. The right practitioner can create a comprehensive plan that includes diet, exercise, and other lifestyle supports to try and optimize overall health. With the right plan, you can live the life you want as you age.
If you want more information about hormone therapy options for andropause, BodyLogicMD wants to help. The expert practitioners in the BodyLogicMD network can assess your needs and design a personalized plan to help you achieve your health goals—from virtually anywhere. Set up your telehealth consultation, or take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz to learn more about how hormones may be affecting your everyday life.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All content on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.
