Men’s Health………
Man--opause?
ANDROPAUSE IS A CONDITION ASSOCIATED WITH A DECREASE IN TESTOSTERONE LEVELS AS MEN AGE. To use the term “Male Menopause” is misleading as it suggests that symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in sex hormones (as occurs in the female menopause), which is not the case in men. Testosterone levels drop gradually as you age but this occurs at a steady rate of less than 2 percent each year from the age of 30 to 40 years. Hormones are made by your glands and carried through the bloodstream, giving signals to other organs in the body about functions like growth, metabolism and reproduction. Androgens are a group of hormones and include testosterone (the male sex hormone). At puberty, your testicles start to produce testosterone, giving signs to your body that help it become sexually mature. Low testosterone (or testosterone deficiency) is when the body isn’t able to make enough testosterone to work normally. Because testosterone is the
major androgen, it’s key not just for the physical changes that happen during puberty (like the development of the penis and testicles, and the growth of body hair), but for your bone and muscles, sex drive, and your general mood. Your testosterone levels are at their highest between the age of 20 and 30. As you age, you’ll experience a small, gradual drop in testosterone levels. You might have a greater drop in testosterone levels if you’re overweight or have other long-term medical problems.
HOW ARE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS TESTED? The only way to check for low testosterone levels is by having two blood tests. Testosterone levels vary over the day, so if you have a low level on one blood test, you should have a discussion with your doctor before deciding what next steps to take. HOW ARE LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS TREATED? Testosterone therapy, given by injections, gels, lotions, creams, patches or tablets, is used to treat low testosterone. It’s unclear whether testosterone therapy has any benefit for older men who are otherwise healthy, and testosterone therapy may even be harmful in some situations.
There may be a greater drop in testosterone levels in men who have long-term medical conditions or who are overweight.
The risks of testosterone therapy include: acne or other skin reactions, weight gain, non-cancerous growth of the prostate and growth of any existing prostate cancer.
While the following symptoms could well be due to other illnesses, you should contact your doctor if you experience low energy levels, mood swings, irritability, poor concentration, reduced muscle strength or a low sex drive.
Getting diabetes or other illnesses under control and losing weight can also improve testosterone levels.
56 slim magazine winter 2021
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