Educate Yourself
- Erectile Dysfunction- Symptoms of Male Menopause
- Causes and Treatment of Male Menopause
- Andropause
- What is the Andropause?
- What causes the Andropause?
- What can be done for men with the Andropause?
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
- What can be expected from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
- What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
- How is testosterone replacement therapy managed in the long term?
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the medical term given to erection problems and impotency. It is simply defined as the continual inability to maintain an erection for satisfactory intercourse - the erection isn't hard enough for penetration or for ejaculating.There are a number of reasons for erectile dysfunction, both physical and psychological.
Physical problems are the cause of the majority of ED cases, with psychological problems only causing a small percentage.
In most cases the physical cause is that there simply isn't enough blood flow to the penis. This may be caused by high blood cholesterol, diabetes, stress, drugs, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake.
Psychological reasons include stress of failure, low sex drive, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and frustration.
There are a number of options for treatment of ED including the following:
Oral (taken via mouth) treatments
These include medications like Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, and Uprima.
In most countries these medications need to be prescribed by a doctor after a check of the patient's blood pressure and an explanation of side effects which may include effects flushing, headaches, etc.
Stimulation is still required to make these tablets work. At our clinic these tablets have an approximately 60% success rate.
Gel treatment
A medicated gel containing prostaglandin is inserted into the urethra (eye of the penis), absorbed from within and begins an erection 3-5 minutes later. In this case stimulation is not required. Due to the method of application, this form of treatment is not very popular.
Injection Therapy
At 95%, this method has the best success rate but is not to every ones liking. A prostaglandin or MIX is injected into a site around the base of the penis, allowing the blood to flow into the penis. This method works within 3-5 minutes and does not require stimulation to get an erection. Injection therapy also has a high success rate in severe cases of premature ejaculation. The medication allows you to ejaculate and still maintain an erection afterwards.
Symptoms of Male Menopause
The symptoms of male menopause (or the Andropause) are not as sudden as the changes women experience, tending to creep up very gradually.Symptoms that are indicative of male menopause are:
Mental Attitude
- Loss of drive at work and at play.- Can't be bothered, no motivation.
- Lack of enthusiasm.
- Depression
- Loss of 'get up and go'.
- Negative about things in general.
- Poor concentration.
- Less effective at work.
- Failing memory.
- Inability to plan a series of moves.
Physical
- Loss of strength: Muscle weakness can be very insidious. Without being aware of men find they have to use their hands more to get out of chairs or up stairs. If left untreated there is gradual atrophy (wasting) of the muscles.- Loss of energy: Many men find they are very tired by early evening, or are falling asleep in front of the TV.
- Joint or muscle stiffness or aching.
- Reduced fitness.
- Signs of accelerated aging of the heart and circulation. If you have had significant heart trouble: get your hormone levels checked, as there is often a correlation.
- Increased sweating: Some men notice increased sweating with exertion or at night. It is not uncommon to stain the bed linen from excessive sweating.
- Flushes: Some men even get hot flushes similar to those experienced by women going through the menopause, although their hands and feet often remain cold.
- Skin changes: Dryness of the skin, a tendency to get rashes easier, lack of lustre in the hair.
- Bone Density: In severe cases, the bones are affected and become osteoporotic.
Emotional
- Mood swings- Feeling down
- Depression
- Irritability
- Easily frustrated
- Loss of assertiveness
- Loss of confidence
Sexual
- Loss of libido: (loss of interest in sex). This can be gradual.- Physical changes in sexual performance: Morning erections occur less often and are short lived. Erections with sexual stimulation are not as stiff as they used to be, progressing to inability to maintain an erection, then inability to even achieve an erection.
These unanticipated physical and psychological changes can be cause for significant concern or even crisis amongst sufferers.
The spouse is often at a loss to understand how the husband she knew could have changed so much. This can result in a powerful combination of anxiety and doubt, which can lead to total impotence with sexual frustration and marital breakdown.
In Boston, a report on a recent study of 1700 middle-aged men found that 51% of normal, healthy males age 40 to 70 suffered from the above male menopause symptoms. The aging process alone can not be responsible for this problem as well over 40% of males remain sexually active at 70 years of age and beyond.
Causes and Treatment
There seem to be many influencing factors in male menopause and not all have been fully researched. Some known contributors to this condition are, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, hypertension, previous vasectomy, hernia operations, mumps, prostate problems, prescription and non-prescription medications, poor diet, lack of exercise, poor circulation, and severe physical or emotional stress.
European studies are finding men can improve in sexual function, muscle strength and general well being if treated with supplements bringing their testosterone levels into the high normal range.
What is the Andropause?
Andropause is the male menopause. It is a number of symptoms that results from decline in the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the body. In other words Andropause is low testosterone. Symptoms include:
- erectile dysfunction
- reduced libido
- lack of energy, tiredness, lethargy and fatigue
- reduced exercise tolerance and strength
- changes in mood; commonly depression, anxiety, irritability
- joint pains and stiffness
- poor concentration and/or memory
- pale, dry skin
- increase in weight around the tummy and chest
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the hormone produced by the testicles. It is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. It helps promote the circulation of blood, and is responsible for the maintenance of muscle bulk. Without an adequate testosterone level there can be important psychological affects such as loss of libido, reduced brain and intellectual activity and mood changes.
What causes the Andropause?
As all men age there is a gradual decline in the level of testosterone. This natural decline starts after 30 and continues throughout life. By the age of 40, testosterone levels drop by 1% every year. Many men however can experience a lack of testosterone production sufficient to result in significant symptoms. This will apply to approximately 50% of men by age 55.
Damaged testicles or disease will affect testosterone production as will long-term stress, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In 60% of cases no cause can be identified and hereditary factors are implicated.
Are there any health issues associated with the Andropause?
Low levels of testosterone may result in an increase in tummy and chest fat, a decline in the amount of muscle in the body and decline in strength. Low levels can also lead to Brittle bones, (osteoporosis) which may lead to hip and spinal fractures. In addition the bone marrow is less active and produces less haemoglobin and red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body.
- Lack of testosterone can be a cause of high cholesterol levels.
- Depressed mood, anxiety and problems with concentration and memory are associated with low testosterone levels.
- Low testosterone may aggravate diabetes.
- Heart disease may also be linked to low testosterone levels.
What can be done for men with the Andropause?
Men suffering from the Andropause who have proven low blood levels of testosterone can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
A consultation is required and blood tests will be necessary. The blood tests include an examination for prostate cancer, as this is a contraindication to testosterone treatment. Any suspicion of prostate cancer may require further investigations.
The aim of therapy is to return the blood testosterone level in the bloodstream to the normal range for the man's age. This is achieved by using bio-identical testosterone cream that is rubbed onto the skin daily.
What can be expected from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
Life is dramatically improved for those men with abnormally low levels of testosterone and symptoms of the Andropause. The change can be noticed from 2 – 10 weeks and changes can be noticed in the following areas:
- TRT will restore sexual desire, erectile capability, vitality, vigour and drive.
- TRT reduces the amount of bone loss and therefore the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- TRT reduces the amount of body fat and improves muscle strength
- TRT commonly improves mood and contributes towards a sense of well-being and a calmer, confident and more stable person.
- TRT may also have beneficial effects upon the cardiovascular system as testosterone can cause a reduction in cholesterol and as it dilates blood vessels, may even reduce blood pressure.
What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
As long as the amount of testosterone given elevates the blood levels to within the normal range, side effects are rare. It is deficiency of testosterone that causes symptoms. Occasionally, men who have had acne in adolescence may develop spots, usually on the back or chest. Haemoglobin levels often rise, but this is as a rule beneficial, as men with low testosterone levels tend to have lower haemoglobin levels with some being actually anaemic. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest that TRT causes prostate cancer, it should never be given to patients who already have prostate cancer, and therefore tests for its presence will always be undertaken prior to treatment.
How is testosterone replacement therapy managed in the long term?
TRT must be viewed as a long-term treatment. We will assess your testosterone levels via a blood test twice a year in order to measure and maintain improvement. Blood tests to check the health of the prostate and the haemoglobin level are done on a yearly basis.
If you think you might have Low Testosterone...check out our quick online self assessment test.