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Andropause Treatments: Dealing with Male Menopause

PaulC | Aug 31, 2009 |

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Andropause, also known as male menopause, is the period in a man's life when his hormone levels begin to fall. Irritability, restlessness, lack of sexual appetite, sweating, anxiety, depression, memory loss and ED are just some of the symptoms of andropause. Erectile dysfunction can result from more than one cause, but the possibilities certainly include testosterone deficiency. Fortunately, there are a number of andropause treatments that can provide relief from these symptoms.

When it comes to andropause treatments, many men can benefit from hormone replacement therapy, also known as androgen therapy, when they experience symptoms caused by significantly decreased levels of testosterone, which causes mood swings and irritability. Menopause in women is related to the stopping of a bodily operation, such as when monthly menstruation no longer occurs. Along with menopause, women also experience a critical drop in hormone levels. Once men approach middle age their bodies likewise start producing lower amounts of testosterone. Male menopause is typically the result.

Older men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction may not be a candidate for hormone replacement unless they possess minimal androgen levels. Nominal doses of testosterone in young men with a hormone deficiency have been proven to increase sexual interest.

Andropause symptoms can be greatly reduced with the help of testosterone replacement therapy. Because testosterone deficiency is typically permanent, andropause treatments must take place for the rest of the patient's life. Oral prescriptions, implants, and injections are all common methods for testosterone replacement therapy. Generally speaking treatment means getting a testosterone shot every two weeks. The testosterone implants normally embedded beneath the buttock or abdomen skin function for at least some months. The implant releases controlled amounts of testosterone directly into the patient's bloodstream. For those who cannot tolerate implants or injections, there are oral treatments available.

For some males the use of hormone therapy to suppress menopausal symptoms may result in side effects that could increase certain health risks. The prostate tends to decrease in size when the body has low testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy does not have the ability to enlarge it again. For those with naturally high levels of testosterone, androgen therapy may raise the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Not enough is known yet about the long term health effects of andropause treatments involving male hormone replacement therapy. The potential risks of men taking hormones for menopause symptoms are being analyzed through testing the prostate gland, cognitive processes, and the distribution of blood. The effects of androgen therapy on muscle and bone remain unclear.

Taking extra androgens may harm the cardiovascular system. One thing that has been established is that heart attack victims quite often exhibit low testosterone levels. In addition to being effective andropause treatments, there is a possibility that hormone replacement therapy may assist in preventing cardiovascular disease.