Male Menopause...Is there such a thing?

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Title: Male " Menopause " ...Is there such a thing?

Word Count: 507

Author: Ted Crawford

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Male " Menopause " ...Is there such a thing?

Copyright 2006 Ted Crawford

Yes, by all means, but it is technically called

hypogonadism (low testosterone levels). Symptoms may vary,

but most men will experience decreased libido (sexual

desire) as well as erectile dysfunction, hot sweats,

decrease in body hair, fatigue, or even depression. They

also tend to lose muscle mass and gain weight due to

increased subcutaneous fat.

Erectile dysfunction is a common complaint of male patients

past the age of 50, and although it is most commonly caused

by such problems as vascular insufficiency (decreased blood

flow) to the penis which usually responds well to such

medications as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, your physician

should check for hypogonadism as a possible cause and also

screen for cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes.

Certain prescription medications can also lead to problems

with both libido and sexual dysfunction; most notably

certain anti-depressants and hypertensive medications.

Serum testosterone levels are at their highest between the

ages of 20 to 30 and tend to progressively fall after age

40. If your testosterone levels come back low, your

physician may wish to order a couple of other tests to

determine the actual cause. There are other causes of low

testosterone other than merely aging. If your testosterone

level IS low and you are going to receive treatment, make

sure that you are screened for prostate cancer. Your

doctor should perform a digital rectal exam, order a PSA

(prostate specific antigen) blood test, and your testicles

should be examined for size, nodules and other

abnormalities.

Topical testosterone gel is usually the preferred method of

administering the hormone. Topical 1% testosterone is

available as Androgel or Testim. The starting dosage is 5

gm a day and applied to dry skin of the abdomen, upper arm

or shoulders. The gel should not be placed on the

genitals! The area of skin should be allowed to dry and a

shirt be worn during contact with children or women as it

IS possible to transfer the medicine to the skin of another

individual. The serum testosterone level should be

determined again about two weeks after initiating treatment.

The administration of testosterone replacements have NOT

been demonstrated to increase the incidence of prostate

cancer, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease, or

stroke. It can, however, elevate the PSA (prostate

specific antigen) level.

Treament has come a long way over the past few years with

the advent of the topical applications. Testosterone used

to be given by intramuscular injection which was both

painful and had to be given rather frequently because the

levels of the medication would not last long in the blood

stream. The topical applications tend to maintain an even

level of medication at all times without the peaks and

valleys caused by the old injections.

Testosterone replacement should improve libido, muscle

mass, and well being. It can aggravate sleep apnea, cause

mild acne, and gynecomastia (slight enlargement of the

breasts), but NOT in everyone.

It can enable a male to feel much more vibrant, improve his

sexual desire, ability, and performance, and make life a

lot more enjoyable overall.

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