Andropause Therapy - Male HRT

Andropause therapy or male HRT is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more conventional doctors recognizing the fact that men go through a stage in life which has many similarities to the female menopause. Like the menopause, the andropause is caused by drops and fluctuations in hormones. In men, the predominant hormone is Testosterone. The symptoms of the male and female menopause both usually begin in the 40's and are surprisingly similar.

With women, the menopause is defined as the time when menstruation stops. The time preceding the menopause (the perimenopause) is a time when the main symptoms can occur. For men, there is no such cut off point as although testosterone levels can drop significantly, men can retain fertility into old age.

Andropause Symptoms

* Irritability

* Depression

* Tiredness and fatigue

* Lack of interest in life

* Erection difficulties/impotence

* Weakness

* Lowered sex drive

Diagnosis Of The Andropause

A blood test will usually be performed to check the levels of testosterone and other hormones within the body. In addition, a doctor will usually take note of the symptoms which are being experienced and perform a physical check to confirm there is no other underlying cause for these.

Andropause Therapy

If Male HRT is decided to be the most appropriate treatment, this can be given in patch form or injected. Although this is often seen as an easy treatment, it does not come without side effects. Taking testosterone can cause weight gain, water retention, headaches, swollen ankles and reduced fertility. In addition, it should never be taken by anyone with a family history of heart disease, prostate or breast cancer (in males) or by men who have themselves suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, or any forms of cancer.

If HRT is not considered the most appropriate andropause therapy, doctors may decide to treat individual symptoms in isolation. For example, if a man is suffering from depression as a result of the andropause, antidepressant treatment may be given. In addition, many men prefer not to use synthetic hormones because of the possible adverse effects and prefer to use a natural treatment method.