The Male menopause, also termed andropause, testosterone deficiency or Low-T. Is associated with a drop in the production of the male hormone testosterone.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone, a hormone predominantly produced in the testicles, plays a crucial role in various aspects of men's well-being, including:
Maintaining bone density
Regulating fat distribution
Enhancing muscle strength and mass
Stimulating facial and body hair growth
Supporting red blood cell production
Influencing sex drive
Facilitating sperm production
How do testosterone levels change with age?
Testosterone levels generally reach their peak during adolescence and early adulthood. However, as individuals age, there is a gradual decline in testosterone levels, typically decreasing by about 1% per year after the age of 30 or 40. For older men, it becomes important to discern whether a low testosterone level results from normal aging or an underlying medical condition such as hypogonadism.
In cases of low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy, administered in the form of gels, can effectively alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone.
Why are optimal testosterone levels essential?
Testosterone is a pivotal hormone in men, crucial for the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics and function. Adequate levels of active testosterone are vital for sustaining a healthy sex drive and fertility in men.
Moreover, testosterone is increasingly recognized as influential in various health-related aspects, contributing to the maintenance of high energy levels, positively impacting psychological health, and providing relief from depression.
Additional benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) include preventing bone deterioration, promoting stronger bones, increasing lean muscle mass, reducing fat mass, improving sexual desire, enhancing sexual activity and erectile function. Emerging evidence also suggests that TRT may contribute to improved glycaemic control in men with type 2 diabetes.
Low Testosterone Levels
Many bodily functions rely on testosterone, and when it is deficient, whether due to low levels or a lack of free molecules, the symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome may manifest. Symptoms include decreased libido, erection problems, fatigue, depression, weight gain, poor concentration, night sweats, short-term memory loss, and irritability.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Males/Male Menopause/Andropause
Decreased libido (sex drive)
Erection problems
Fatigue
Depression
Weight gain
Night sweats
Short-term memory loss
Irritability
Testosterone replacement therapy for men
Before commencing treatment, a blood test is necessary to ensure the safety of testosterone replacement. Following the test, a comprehensive consultation evaluates the benefits and potential risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). If deemed suitable and the patient consents, a trial period of TRT, typically administered through testosterone gel applied to the skin, may be initiated. TRT has demonstrated high effectiveness in relieving the symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency, particularly in restoring energy, health, and sex drive.