Andropause

The ageing process in men is accompanied by a significant decrease in available androgen (male hormone) levels, probably as a result of decreased activity of androgen producing cells in the testes and a reduced blood supply in the testes.

Androgen deficiency in men may lead to loss of strength and energy, a decrease in muscle mass, osteoporosis, a decrease in sexual activity, and, in some cases, changes in mood and cognitive function, This combination of factors often results in impaired quality of life in these men. The classical symptoms and signs of this deficiency include:

Decreased sex drive

Impotence

Decreased muscle mass and strength

Increased body fat in men up to 70 years old

Memory dysfunction

Decreased appetite

Decreased hair growth

Bone weakness

Decreased red blood cells

The hormone deficiency most commonly associated with the above symptoms is the male hormone Testosterone which is produced by the testes and is responsible for:

1. Development of male secondary sex characteristics

Body hair growth (eg. Beard, Chest, Pubic hair)

Genitals- penile growth

Deepening of the voice

2. Sexual behavior
Sex drive (libido) Erections sufficient to achieve successful penetration

3. Possibly for well being and energy


Reasons for Testosterone Replacement: Low levels of testosterone in the blood may indicate the need for testosterone replacement, especially if there is decreased libido, or impotence. Replacement may also improve general sense of well-being and physical stamina. The testosterone level is low if the testes fail to produce sufficient testosterone (hypogonadism).

The underproduction by the testes may be due to poor functioning of the testes or due to disease of the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism) which ceases to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. If testosterone levels in the blood remain low for many years, osteoporosis (brittle bones) may develop. Testosterone replacement can help prevent this from occurring.



How to go about receiving Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?: Treatment with TRT is undertaken when men present with clinical features of reduced testosterone, in conjunction with biochemical evidence that testosterone production is decreased or that is reduced activity of the cells in the testes.

Before we will start you on therapy, a baseline assessment of your symptomatology, clinical and biochemical status is undertaken. This is done as a means to both pick up irregularities as well as a baseline against which future comparisons can be made. A thorough assessment of your prostate should be done by your general practitioner to exclude prostate cancer. There is no evidence to suggest that testosterone supplementation induces the development of new prostatic cancer.

However, if cancer in the prostate is present, testosterone does promote growth. Therefore, the presence of prostate cancer is an absolute contraindication to the use of supplement Testosterone.

No patient is too old to start testosterone therapy. Your symptoms and signs elicited on presentation will be monitored by the staff of Men's Clinic International.

What should you expect to experience:

Improved feeling of well being

More energy

Increased strength

Better sleeping pattern

Improved libido

A significant decline in blood cholesterol.
There is evidence that a persistently low testosterone level may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Testosterone replacement will reduce this risk.

Increased bone mineralisation and bone strength

The Men's Clinic International can provide you with an effective Andropause treatment plan incorporating bio-identical hormones.