What is it and treatment options
While menopause is a condition that many people are familiar with, there is a condition that affects approximately 20% of men between the ages of 60 and 80 that has a similar presentation to menopause, but is much less talked about. This condition is known by such names as andropause, male climacteric, viropause, or low-testosterone syndrome. As in menopause, the male’s hormone levels will fall and he will begin to experience negative effects due to these changes. The difference between the male and female experience lies in the fact that a women’s hormonal changes occur very quickly, whereas the man’s levels change gradually. It is this gradual change that makes men think that they are just experiencing symptoms that are necessary parts of aging, and often the connection between the falling testosterone levels and their symptoms is not made.

Complicating Factors

• Hormone imbalances common to andropause can add to the total decline.
• Excess Estrogen Increases SHBG proteins that bind-up available testosterone
• Activates an enzyme in fat cells that changes testosterone into more estrogen
• An excess of Cortisol (stress hormone)
• Inhibits testosterone/DHEA
• Breaks down bone and muscle
• Blocks thyroid function
• Zaps sex drive

How to prescribe Testosterone gel, cream or capsules
Holmes Pharmacy compounds topical Testosterone Gel, cream or capsules. Testosterone provides cardiovascular protection by lowering cholesterol, increasing calcium retention and perhaps more importantly for the patient, enhances libido. For women the typical strength is 1-2 mg/gram and can be increased if needed. For men the typical strength is 5%/gram and also can be increased of decreased if needed.

Symptoms of Andropause

• Fatigue, Hot flashes, Sleep disturbances
• Headaches, Depressed, Anxious, Nervous
• Decreased Libido, Decreased Stamina
• Erectile Dysfunction, Prostate problems
• Decreased urine flow
• Increased urinary urge
• Premature aging
• Thinning/sagging skin
• Insulin resistance
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Stress
• Abdominal fat
• Decreased strength
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Elevated triglycerides
• Bone loss
• Decreased muscle mass
• Memory lapses
• Decreased exercise capacity
• Decreased beard
• Thinning hair
• Breast enlargement
• Irritable

Ask your healthcare provider about blood spot testing or saliva testing for confirmation of symptoms of andropause and detection of hormonal imbalance.