THE andropauseAlso known as male menopauseit is the progressive decrease in testosterone levels that occurs in some men as they reach a certain age.
Beyond the fact that specialists say its cause is age-related, in some cases it can be the result of a injury, illness or drug use.
Andropause and its difference with menopause
“A man’s testosterone levels decline an average of 1 percent per year after age 40,” according to the Mayo Clinic Health Portal.
However, they clarify, most older men still have levels of testosterone in the normal range and only between 10% and 25% have levels considered low.”
Despite the fact that this decline is popularly known as andropause, doctors warn about it it is not the same as female menopausethat all women suffer – with more or less marked symptoms – when they stop ovulating and being fertile.
While in the case of women the production of hormones plummets within a very short time, in the case of men the production of testosterone and other hormones slowly over many years is called late hypogonadismrelationships ABC Health.
Along the same lines, the consequences are not necessarily clear cut. Also, men will continue to have sperm until the end of his days.
symptoms of andropause
This major change in the life of men at a certain age is accompanied by various symptoms and site The best doctors mention a few more:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Reduced desire and sexual activity
- lower level of ejaculation
- Lack of concentration
- Depression
- upset mood
- Weight gain and/or accumulation of fat around the waist
- Breast pain or swelling
- Increased risk of heart problems.
- Fracture due to trauma or low bone mineral density
- Increased drowsiness and sleep disturbances
- mild unexplained anemia
Of course, to diagnose this pathology based on symptoms, It is always necessary to go to the doctor and take a blood test where the levels of free and bioavailable testosterone are analyzed.
andropause treatment
If the testosterone analytical test determines that the level is low, the specialized health portal Responsible Medicine indicates “hormone therapy as very effective and is called testosterone replacement therapy or TRT“.
They explain that the drug can be given as intramuscular injections, a gel in different parts of the body, a patch or an implant.
As was said and also in this case, the page warns that this type of drug must be consumed by medical prescription and under the supervision of professionals.
It happens that there are those who use it without suffering from low testosterone levels just to increase muscle mass. And which, they warn, can cause “prostate problems, cholesterol, or promote an increase in red blood cells that promote stroke or heart attack“.
It is also important for the patient to monitor their diet, alcohol intake and stress levels.
Source: Clarin
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