Men maintain fairly healthy hormone levels until age 35-40, which was the human life expectancy before the advancement of medical science. Declining hormones, coupled with poor lifestyle, improper diet, lack of exercise and stress are largely responsible for the health problems and frailties of later years. The good news is that andropause and other signs of aging can be minimized with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

You may be suffering from andropause if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

o Decreased Muscle and Increased Body Fat
o Lessened Desire for Activity and Exercise
o Mild to Moderate Depression and Irritability
o Loss of Enthusiasm for Daily Life
o Decreased Sex Drive
o Impaired Sexual Functioning
o Muscle weakness and aches
o Inability to sleep
o Hypertension and increased risk of heart disease
o Thinning bones and joint degeneration

o Decreased Mental Sharpness

o Decreased Energy, Strength, Endurance

BHRT is about restoring hormone levels to the optimal ranges people have in their late twenties or early thirties.. Age 35 is a good time to begin BHRT, but you are never too old to start.

Because BHRT uses natural, bioidentical hormones, the body is able to tolerate them without many of the negative side effects associated with synthetic hormones. An example of a male BHRT program might include testosterone, thyroid, and DHEA supplementation.

To determine what is right for you, Dr. Welchner will consult with you and perform a series of blood tests. Based on your blood tests and what you want to achieve, you and Dr. Welchner will then develop a BHRT program designed specifically for your individual needs.

At your first appointment, your hormone symptoms will be discussed and relevant examination will be done. Blood and/or saliva tests will be ordered. After we receive the results of your tests, we will call you back for a follow-up visit at which time your tests will be reviewed, a treatment plan will be discussed and natural supplements and bioidentical hormones will be prescribed if required. Follow-up appointments will be booked approximately every 3 months over the year.