Andropause

[ncmd_couple]

I guess I’m writing this because I don’t want to feel that I am alone in this and maybe get some feedback from anyone that might have experienced this. My odometer just clicked over 50, not that I feel “old” or anything like that. But I have just been having diminished interest in sex recently and needless to say, my wife isn’t happy about it. So after her asking me what was wrong, and I didn’t have an answer to give her, I called my doctor and laid out the problem. She said, “no problem, add this to your lab order, “testosterone levels (free & total).” I was scheduled to have some lab work done this week anyway for my appointment with her in September.

Well, I immediately looked that up on the net and stumbled across “Andropause.” It is the male version of menopause. I read several sites dedicated to the condition, and man that nailed my situation on the head. Lack of sexual desire, inability to concentrate, mood swings, lack of desire to do just about anything, dry skin, etc. Also in reading the treatment is pretty straight forward, hormone replacement therapy. It looks to me that the bi-weekly injections is the best treatment.

I guess I’m anxious about the test results now. Could all of the things complicating my life over the last few years be something this basic? It sure seems so. Have any of you in my age group dealt with this from a male standpoint? I have already seen what happens with the ladies twice!

S

[SecretAsianMan]

Haven't had to deal with that (yet) ... granted, I'm still relatively young at 37.

However, I've noticed a dramatic decrease in my libido over the past few years due to a different medical condition.

... (*sigh*) ... guess it's just one of the humps we have to overcome as guys as we get older. Is there like a synthetic testorone guys can take to keep themselves going as we advance in age like the gals got with their estrogen pills?

[graygo98]

Its no secret that testosterone levels decline with age. Testosterone plays a big role in sex drive, and low levels can also lead to many of the other symptoms you report.

As you suggest, hormone replacement treatment can replace that lost testosterone. You need to be under the treatment of a medical doctor who really understands this field, though, because there are potentially significant and not yet totally understood risks. And don't try to self-medicate with stuff you find on the net or elsewhere. These are powerful hormones that you are playing with and there can be real consequences.

A much better route, if possible, is to restore your levels naturally. Are you overweight? There is a direct linkage between obesity and low levels of testosterone and high levels of estrogen. In particular, adopt a routine that encourages the build up of lean muscle mass. Your body will produce more testosterone to build the muscle with a lot of really great side benefits: higher energy, more positive outlook and yes, morning wood.

[steversk]

I agree with greygo98. I am 57 and 2 years ago started exercising again. It did help in all the ways he indicated. It's a pain cause with my schedule I have to get up at 4:15 in the morning to exercise but it is worth it. I tried some of the suppliments available on the internet with no results. Exercise is the best with only positive side affects. But, take it easy at first and build up slowly. I started getting really gung ho and tried to go heavy on the weight too fast and ended up injuring myself which set me back. Take if slow and easy and the results will come.

[fun4Ds]

I'm tailing behind you..... I'll be interested in what you find out. Thanks for sharing this.

[Chicup]

Originally Posted by steversk

I agree with greygo98. I am 57 and 2 years ago started exercising again. It did help in all the ways he indicated. It's a pain cause with my schedule I have to get up at 4:15 in the morning to exercise but it is worth it. I tried some of the suppliments available on the internet with no results. Exercise is the best with only positive side affects. But, take it easy at first and build up slowly. I started getting really gung ho and tried to go heavy on the weight too fast and ended up injuring myself which set me back. Take if slow and easy and the results will come.

I'm still relatively young, but I second the exercise angle, my sex drive is at, quite frankly, annoying high levels since I started to work out again.

[bicuriocpl]

I had low testoterone ( I'm 47) and my doctor proscribed a patch that worked wonders. For me it was the constant mood swings, one minute crying at a song, the next upset at some trivial thing. It was the best thing I did and cheaper than therapy too. A far as sex goes, it did help in that area as well.

[fun4Ds]

So how does this patch work ?

Is that something you wear for a boost osccasionaly, or wear for life ?

[ncmd_couple]

No, I am not over weight, right at 6 foot, 207. Yes, exercise is something that I am going to start to do. Yes, I am doing all of this through my doctor. Treatment comes in the form of an injection every two weeks. A pill taken daily, but there are some serious side effects of this. And there is the patch.

[fun4Ds]

What are the side effects ?

[ncmd_couple]

Here is one of several sites.

Andropause Site

[fun4Ds]

Thanks

[good times]

I won't hit the big 50 for another 6 months or so, but I have been having my testosterone levels checked for a couple of years now at my doctors recommendation. So far so good, I think, my levels are actually dropping, but according to my doctor they are normal for my age, whatever that means.

[ncmd_couple]

Good Times,

It wasn't something that I ever thought to have checked. Hopefully I will get a call from the Doc soon on my test results.

[Farcanal]

There is another condition called Hypogonadism that is related. It can cause the symptoms that are similar to what you describe.

To check you need to get you Doc to have the testerone quality assessed. Sometimes the levels etc. are normal but the hormone is not complete.

It is rectified by using hormone replacement therapy usually via patches. Need to replace the patch each day on a different piece of skin.

I have this (hereditary= my father had it too) and I use the patches daily.

Free for me--gotta love a National Health Service.