In addition to metabolic changes, many men also experience a sudden drop in their testosterone levels as they grow older. That transition is called andropause, and it can result in a wide array of unwanted side effects when left untreated. That is why our team believes that all men should keep an eye out for any early warning signs of andropause. When this condition is caught early on, it can almost always be reversed with a mixture of lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy.
What Exactly Is Andropause?
Before taking a look at some of the signs of andropause, you might want to learn more about what causes these hormonal issues. A man’s testosterone production usually peaks in his 20s, but most men experience major hormonal changes after that point. Experts now believe that a man’s testosterone levels decrease by around one percent per year after the age of 30.
Your hormones will naturally drop as you grow older, but other health conditions can wreak havoc on your testosterone levels as well. Researchers have tied dozens of different lifestyle habits and health complications to low testosterone levels. That includes a sedentary lifestyle, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, unhealthy dietary choices, and kidney damage. Some older men also take certain medications that suppress their testosterone production, and that can lead to hormonal imbalances.
Early Warning Signs
These hormonal changes affect everyone differently, but there are a few early warning signs that most men experience. One of the most common side effects of this condition is a sudden change in your energy levels. Over the course of a year or two, you may feel as if you no longer have enough energy to make it through the day. You might also feel mentally exhausted while carrying out everyday tasks. Trying to get through a meeting or difficult workout could take an incredible toll on your psyche.
Some men also notice sudden changes to various parts of the body. The stomach will begin to retain fat while muscle mass throughout the arms and chest disappears. No matter how much you exercise, you may feel as if you are fighting an uphill battle. Some other signs of andropause that you should keep an eye out for include hot flashes, mood swings, difficulties getting erections, a suppressed libido, and depression.
Treating Andropause
The first step in this process is getting a proper diagnosis. Once we have confirmed that you have low testosterone levels, we can then discuss your treatment options. Our team usually suggests making sweeping lifestyle changes before carrying out any major treatments. That will most likely include revamping your diet and establishing an exercise plan. After you have made those changes, you might benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. The goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to balance your hormones so that you look and feel better.
If you would like to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy, then we invite you to reach out to the professionals here at Envoque MD to learn more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
