Best sexologist . 40 Plus Males 40 Plus Males Problem Andropause What is Andropause? Most of us know the meaning of ‘menopause in women’. It is the point at which the menstruation comes to a stop. Around this period the lady undergoes a phase of stress and crisis, physically as well as psychologically. All these are due to decreased female hormone called ‘Estrogen’. A similar phenomenon is observed even in males. This had come to light due to latest research in the field of Andrology. Around the age of 40 years, the levels of male hormone( testosterone) start decreasing gradually in males. This phenomenon is called ‘Andorpuase’. Eventhough andropause in males is analogous to menopause in females, the bodily changes occur very gradually in men. These may be accompanied by changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, a loss of energy, sex drive and physical agility. What’s more, studies show that this decline in testosterone can actually put one at risk for other health problems like heart disease and weak bones. Since all this happens at a time of life when many men begin to question their values, accomplishmentsand direction in life, it’s often difficult to realise that the changesoccurring are related to more than just external conditions. Am I suffering from Andropause? Take this simple test to know if you are suffering from Andropause. Sno Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM Questionnaire) Yes/No 1 Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)? Yes No 2 Are your erections less strong? Yes No 3 Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance? Yes No 4 Have you lost height? Yes No 5 Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life” Yes No 6 Are you sad and/or grumpy? Yes No 7 Do you have a lack of energy? Yes No 8 Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports? Yes No 9 Are you falling asleep after dinner? Yes No 10 Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance? Yes No If your answer to either questions 1 or 2 is ‘Yes’ then you need to consult your sexual physician/ Andrologist for further evaluation of testosterone/androgen deficiency. If you have answered Yes to any 3 question from between 3-10 then, your you need to consult your sexual physician/ Andrologist for further evaluation of testosterone/androgen deficiency. A gradual hormonal decline Unlike menopause, which generally occurs in women during their mid-forties to mid-fifties, men’s “transition” may be much more gradual and expand over many decades. Attitude, psychological stress, alcohol, injuries or surgery, medications, obesity and infections can contribute to its onset. Although with age, a decline in testosterone levels will occur in virtually all men, there is no way of predicting who will experience andropausal symptoms of sufficient severity to seek medical help. Neither is it predictable at what age symptoms will occur in a particular individual. Each man’s symptoms may be also different. Is this a new phenomenon? Yes and no. In fact, andropause was first described in medical literature in the 1940′s. So it’s not really new. But, our ability to diagnose it properly is. Sensitive tests for bioavailable testosterone weren’t available until recently, so andropause has gone through a long period where it was underdiagnosed and undertreated. Now that men are living longer, there is heightened interest in andropause and this will help to advance our approach to this important life stage which was identified so long ago. Increased diagnostic capability Another reason why andropause has been underdiagnosed over the years is that symptoms can be vague and can vary a lot among individuals. Some men find it difficult to admit that there’s even a problem. And often physicians didn’t always think of low-testosterone levels as a possible culprit. So these factors often led doctors to conclude that symptoms were related to other medical conditions (i.e. depression) or were simply related to ageing and often encouraged their patients to accept that “they were no longer spring chickens”. This situation is changing. New blood testing methods are available and there is an increased interest in mens’ ageing among medical researchers. So much attention is being focused on andropause that major efforts are underway to quickly share emerging scientific information with the international medical community Testosterone Replacement Therapy In many instances, testosterone replacement in men with andropause can be highly effective and beneficial. It’s not for every man, of course, even those who show symptoms on the previous quiz may have other health problems at the root of it all. Still you should discuss with your doctor if you would be a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone Replacement Therapy What should I expect from testosterone replacement? In various clinical studies, very good responses to testosterone have been reported for men with low-testosterone and they include: Improvement in mood and sense of well-being Increased mental and physical energy Decreased anger, irritability, sadness, tiredness, nervousness Improved quality of sleep Improved libido and sexual performance An increase in lean body mass, a decline in fat mass An increase in muscle strength (hand grip, upper and lower extremities) Potentially, a decrease in the risk of heart disease With testosterone therapy, one’s attitude improves, reinforcing self-esteem and self-confidence at work, as well as an increased energy at home and in social activities. Most men will feel more vigorous, experience improved energy levels, mood, concentration, cognition, libido, sexual performance and an overall sense of well-being. These effects are usually noted within 3 to 6 weeks. Other potential benefits include maintenance or improvement in bone density, improved body composition, muscle mass and muscle strength, as well as improvement in visual-spatial skills. Best sexologist .