Male Andropause
Andropause is a state of lowered hormone levels in men, particularly testosterone. It also has been referred to as “ADAM” or androgen deficiency in aging men, “PADAM” or partial androgen deficiency in aging men, “male menopause,” similar to the decline in female hormones in older women, male “climacteric,” and even “viropause,” a decline in virility.
Common symptoms include:
- Low libido
- Lack of initiative, assertiveness and drive
- Fatigue
- Decline in sense of well-being and self-confidence
- Depressed, irritable moods
- Indecisiveness
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Lessened stamina and endurance
- Loss of muscle mass, strength, and tone
- Increased body fat around the waist
- Decline in sexual ability
- Sleep apnea
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
A diagnosis is made based upon a patient’s history, symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests and salivary hormone testing. Treatment is almost always with replacement testosterone.
Our male patients are evaluated for testosterone hormones at the time of the physical exam and the results are discussed. Dietary changes are heavily stressed and nutrients are discussed; most patients will require BHRT in the form of Biote® testosterone pellet therapy, a testosterone injection or testosterone cream.
