Andropause

Women aren’t the only ones who go through a change of life. Men also lose hormones as they age. Although not as well known as menopause, andropause relates to men and is caused by a decline in hormones – primarily testosterone, thyroid, growth hormone, and DHEA.

The effects of declining hormones in men are much more gradual than in women, and many men adapt to the change, often not even recognizing that they need help. The changes, however, are very real and can include the following symptoms:  

• Decreased mental quickness and sharpness
• Decreased energy, strength, and endurance
• Lessened desire for activity and exercise
• Decreased muscle and increased body fat
• Mild to moderate depression and irritability
• Loss of eagerness and enthusiasm for daily life
• Decreased sex drive
• Impaired sexual functioning
• Muscle weakness and aches
• Inability to sleep
• Infertility
• Hypertension and increased risk of heart disease
• Thinning bones and tendon and joint degeneration

  People 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 bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

  BHRT is the replacement of many hormones a body loses and is not just limited to women. BHRT is about restoring hormone levels to the optimal ranges people have in their twenties. Age 35 is a good time to begin BHRT, but you are never too old to start. Virility is important to men and when hormonal changes occur, usually around age 35, they see an obvious continual decline in abilities they once thought were as easy as breathing. Erections are not as frequent, sex not as exciting, and the stamina and endurance they once experienced in both work and play has dropped as well.

  Because BHRT uses natural, bio-identical 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 thoroughly consult with you and perform a series of blood tests. Based on your test results, you and Dr. Welchner will then develop a BHRT program designed specifically for your individual needs.

 Andropause Questionnaire 

 1. Do you have a decrease in libido?

 2. Do you have a lack of energy?

 3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?

 4. Have you lost height?

 5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life"?

 6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?

 7. Are your erections less strong?

 8. Have you noted a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?

 9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?

 10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?  

 If you have answered yes to questions 1 or 7 or to any three questions, you may be suffering from Andropause. 

  Call Sandy at 905-472-8227 or email info@drwelchner.com to book a Gama Comprehensive Anti-Aging Assessment or Bio-identical Hormone Assessment with Dr. Welchner.