Testosterone Replacement Therapy

What is Andropause

Andropause or male menopause is the male equivalent of female menopause. In andropause there is decreased production of testosterone or bioavailability of testosterone. The most common symptom associated with Andropause is a decrease in libido and loss of morning erections.  In addition to decrease testosterone it is also possible to have concurrent increase of estrogen.

Do You Have Low Testosterone

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)estimates  4 to 5 million American men may suffer from low testosterone, but only 5% are currently treated. This translates into approximately 250,000 men being treated. This means that there is over 4,750,000 men who are untreated. If you are reading this you could be one of them.

When Does Andropause Start

Men commonly start to deposit fat around the abdomen in their late twenties and slowly progress. This is why the symptoms of Andropause starts of insidiously with progressive increase in symptoms. In the late thirties to early forties is when the symptoms start to become noticeable.

Denial of Low Testosterone/Andropause

Males tend to go into denial about the effects of low testosterone and let their pride get into their way of evaluation. Men commonly accept their symptoms as signs of aging rather than to seek medical intervention. There is really no reason to be embarrassed or shameful about your symptoms.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

The symptoms of Andropause is numerous, below is a list of the most commonly repored:

• Decrease libido
• Decrease quality of erections
• Increased body fat
• Loss of morning erections
• Decreased sense of well being
• Decreased sexual function,
• Increased incidence of cardiovascular disease
• Increase incidence of osteoporosis
• Increased incidence of prostate cancer
• Decreased muscle tone
• Decreased muscle mass
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Loss of memory and concentration
• Irritability and short temper  

 Although these symptoms are numerous in number, rarely does one person get affected with each and every symptom. Most men will start to notice these symptoms stating around age forty.

Performing a Self Evaluation

• Are you over the age of 40?
• Do you have low sex drive?
• Do you have poor erections?
• Is there an absence of morning erections?
• Do you have poor muscle tone?
• Are you gaining weight around the abdomen or difficulty shedding weight?
• Do you frequently feel weak, tired, run down and lack of energy?
• Do you feel depressed, irritable or unmotivated?
• Do you have difficulty coping with stress?
• Do you have difficulty recovering from exercise ?

Answering yes to more than 50% of the above questions, most likely you are suffering from low testosterone levels. As you can see the symptoms of low testosterone levels produces both physical and psychological effects. Thus, you may be suffering from Andropause.

The Next Step is Medical Evaluation

If you have taken the above self evaluation and you have scored over 50% , then the next logical step is to seek a medical evaluation. Once these symptoms are present, it is easy to be evaluated by laboratory testing allows your physician to confirm the diagnosis but it also gives your doctor objective findings to follow during treatment. The treatment of andropause is rather straight forward and easy.

Low Testorsterone Treatment Options

In regards to treatment there are four options:

• Replace testosterone with daily topical creams and gels.
• Replace testosterone weekly injections
• Replace testosterone with oral troches.
• Replace testosterone with implantable pellets.

The use of creams and gels are very common, with the downside being daily application.
Treatment with injections is a better option; a shot usually gives testosterone replacement for about a week. The down side is the hassle of self injection and the pain associated with the shot. Other than that many men prefer this option. Very few doctors prescribe oral troches and it is not a common route of administration.

Long Term Testosterone Pellets

Recently, the FDA approved implantable testosterone pellets for men which can last about 5-6 months. This is a major breakthrough since the pellets need to be implanted 2-3 times a year. Obviously, this option of testosterone replacement is new to the market but appears to be a better choice for longer lasting therapeutic results. It also eliminates the need for daily creams, gels, troches and weekly injections.

Benefits From Testosterone Replacement Therapy

• MUSCLE: Increased muscle strength and mass.
• LIBIDO: Increased sexual potency and frequency.
• CHOLESTEROL Lowers cholesterol levels.
• ENERGY Increased energy, stamina and endurance.
• MEMORY Improved mental functioning and ability.
• MOOD Improves mood and feeling of well-being.
• HEART Protects against heart disease.
• CONCENTRATION Improved concentration and focus
• EXERCISE TOLERENCE: Increased, normal recovery.

The choice of testosterone replacement is up to the patient assuming they are qualified as patients for this from of therapy.

TIME TO SEEK TREATMENT

Testosterone is a hormone made both by males and females. The production and bioavailability is essential to both sexes. However, testosterone is absolutely crucial to the “maleness” of men and with the gradual decrease over time men loose their overall vitality. The goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to evaluate the patient and if indicated to medically restore testosterone to a more youthful level in order increase youth and vitality.

Call us at 1-212-579-9136 to learn more or Click Here to have us contact you.