Men, like women, experience an age-related “change of life.” Men also suffer with fluctuating hormone levels and testosterone deficiencies that lead to the physical and mental changes. This condition is called andropause or male menopause. While men don’t experience menopause in the same way that women do – with sudden symptoms like hot flashes and drastic mood swings – they do experience symptoms that significantly impact their vitality and virility.
The symptoms of andropause occur gradually and are the direct result of an age-related decline in testosterone and progesterone production with an increase in estrogen production. Symptoms can be further exacerbated by declining levels of human growth hormone and DHEA. Learn more about testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, and human growth hormone.
Common symptoms of andropause
Body fat gain, particularly abdominal
Loss of lean muscle tissue
Bone loss
Hair loss
Wrinkling and drying of skin
Fatigue
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Hot flashes, blushing, sweating
Aches and pains
Poor sleep quality, insomnia
Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
Memory lapses
Depression
Reduced motivation, apathy
Hormone replacement therapy
Men often attribute these symptoms work-related stress or financial pressures at home. However, andropause is a medical condition and treatment, as part of hormone replacement therapy, is available.
While changes to physical appearance can be dramatic, the most dangerous effect of increased estrogen is the amplified risk of heart attack or stroke. Dr. Berger personalizes every single treatment plan to address each person’s specific needs and to achieve optimal, preventive results
Testosterone
Testosterone is the most important male hormone, contributing to muscle mass, libido, energy, and more. The male body makes most testosterone in the testes, with peak production during adolescence and early adulthood. When men reach their 40s, testosterone levels begin to drop. This decrease continues, so that as a man ages his body gradually produces less and less of the hormone naturally, resulting in a testosterone deficiency. A lower level of testosterone in older men is sometimes called andropause, often thought of as the male version of menopause which is experienced by women.
Studies show that men who have testosterone deficiencies, with very low levels of testosterone can have less muscle mass and more body fat, and suffer from sexual dysfunction, among other hormone deficiency symptoms. Low testosterone levels can affect hair growth, and cause negative attitudes about life, a loss of focus and drive, depression, and even cognitive impairments.
Declines in testosterone levels can cause more significant problems, too. A decrease in bone mass is another major problem associated with declining levels of testosterone. In fact, recent studies have shown that up to 30% of men over age 60 have problems with osteoporosis, and one out of every six men will fracture a hip as a result of decreased bone density. Testosterone replacement therapy may help alleviate these symptoms and even prevent disease.
Testosterone Deficiency Therapy
We begin your treatment with a thorough examination and diagnostic tests to rule out underlying conditions or disease that might cause a significant drop in testosterone levels. After analyzing your results, Dr. Berger will consult with you here in our Beverly Hills office about the potential benefits and risks involved with testosterone hormone therapy. Dr. Berger may prescribe injections of a synthetic bio-identical hormone. By restoring testosterone to youthful levels, you may notice increased libido and erectile function, improved mood and memory, amplified muscle mass, and an overall better quality of life.
Diagnose now to prevent, reverse, delay
Andropause doesn't have to be accepted as an inevitable part of aging. At Rejuvalife Vitality Institute, through comprehensive diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan, we commonly prevent, delay and often reverse many of the symptoms of andropause. The consultation is convenient and private, and our state-of-the-art diagnostic testing enables us to develop an anti-aging and hormone replacement plan that can effectively diminish your andropause symptoms. Learn more about diagnostic testing and hormone replacement therapy.
Why Rejuvalife?
Dr. Berger is board certified and world renowned for his age-defying results. As a leader in anti-aging, wellness and non-surgical cosmetic medicine, he possesses a unique combination of skills and is truly a specialist in his field. His techniques, for rejuvenating your health and appearance effectively, integrate Eastern philosophies with world-class Western medical technologies. With an artistic eye, keen sense of aesthetics and his knowledge of science, Dr. Berger offers transformative results that will not only help you look great, but also help you feel your absolute best.
We understand that choosing a doctor or facility for anti aging treatment can be a difficult decision. You can rest assured that at Rejuvalife, you are in good hands. Dr. Berger is dedicated to providing his patients with only the safest, most advanced, state-of-the-art treatment options.
The 30s have recently come to be known as ‘the new 20s’, but it’s still the time when the signs of aging begin to appear. If you haven’t already established healthy habits, now’s the time to do so.
During your 30s, you start to lose up to three percent of the hormones that keep your mind and body youthful and energetic. Melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle, decreases and you may find yourself feeling run down, less energetic, more forgetful, and unable to focus. DHEA, which plays a key role in protecting against age-related illnesses, also begins a rapid decline.
Most people in their 30s also notice that fat accumulates faster, as your metabolism has slowed. It’s also not as easy to get rid of fat as it was in the past. Your workouts require increasing effort to achieve results similar to those of your earlier years.
Now is the time to take steps that can make your later life more vibrant. You can begin by eating a healthy diet, which can reduce your risk for many cancers and heart disease and help with weight management. Taking the proper supplements will help increase energy and overall well-being. You should also incorporate physical activity in your daily schedule.
You may want to consider hormone therapy to better manage the increasing imbalance of your system. Hormone replacement can result in increased sexual arousal, mental and physical capacity, bone density, fat-free mass, and insulin sensitivity that improves the lining of the coronary arteries, lowering the risk of heart disease.
There are many options to help you feel your best during your 30s and beyond. Call Dr. Berger today, to find out what you can do to age well.
During your 40s, life becomes very busy, with the constant challenge to balance family, work, and caring for yourself. You are entering midlife and even more noticeable symptoms of aging may be occurring. These changes need to be addressed before they become problems.
In general, your metabolism begins to slow by two percent each decade, your muscle mass is down by six to seven pounds from 10 years ago, and your bone mass is decreasing by about one percent a year. Sedentary adults in their 40s can lose about half a pound of muscle per year, which turns into about 2.6 pounds of fat due to metabolic slowdown.
Obligations to family, career, and finances bring increasing stress levels. Your libido is declining due to high stress levels and hormonal changes and depression is increasingly likely. Your risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure also increase.
Women are approaching menopause, and may begin to experience perimenopause. During this time, you may have irregular periods, hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and insomnia.
As is often the case, you can begin maintenance of your body by regulating your diet and implementing supplementation. The addition of supplements to your diet can elevate levels of mood-lifting neurotransmitters in the brain, relieving depression, slow thinking, and poor memory. Eating well, being active with appropriate weight training, and properly managing stress can increase your resting metabolism, help control your weight, and decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke.
With menopause quickly approaching for women, and andropause for men, hormone replacement therapy becomes especially important. For both sexes, HRT can bring energy, sexual desire, increased muscle mass, and better mental focus. For women specifically, HRT can treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, improve psychological well-being, and reduce the incidence of coronary artery disease and osteoporosis.
Aging is no longer in the distant future. You need to actively deal with health risks that are now more likely to be visible.
During your 50s, your risk for heart disease increases, aches and pains may restrict activities, and you may not recover from injury quite as well as you used to. While you may lose some of your appetite and not eat as well, weight gain can still be a problem, especially in the midsection, increasing your risk of diabetes.
Problems that often result from hormone loss, such as urinary incontinence, sleep problems, and memory loss become more apparent. Estrogen levels are dropping in women because of menopause, causing hot flashes and night sweats, and raising the risk of osteoporosis.
One way to recapture some of the abilities of your youth is with human growth hormone, which promotes healthy metabolism, can increase bone density and muscle mass, decrease body fat, bolster the heart’s ability to contract, improve mood, and increase exercise capacity. Talk to Dr. Berger about the possibility of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace the hormones your body no longer produces.
To ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients, you should continue to incorporate supplements into your diet. In addition, foods rich in antioxidants and calcium will help defend against the symptoms of aging. You should also integrate low impact and resistance activities, such as walking or gardening to manage your weight and decrease the risks of cognitive decline.
If you established good habits in your 40s and 50s, you likely still have many good years of health and independence ahead of you.
Levels of key nutrients, like B12 and Vitamin D, are decreasing. Low levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, anemia, and Alzheimer’s disease, weak bones, elevated risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and colon cancers.
Adjusting your supplementation with your age is key in combating the risks associated with age. You should also maintain your strength and flexibility through walking and resistance exercises, lifting small to moderate weights.
To keep your mind clear and alert, you should try to learn new things by taking classes, joining a club, or gardening.
The healthier you are, the better you’ll feel, and the more you’ll enjoy life.
