Andropause literally comes from Latin roots and can be translated as "End of Manhood". In clinical terms, it is the name given to the set of symptoms seen as a result of testosterone decreasing with age.
To define andropause, knowing what the testosterone hormone does in our body is a good way to understand the situation. What are the functions of testosterone?
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providing sexual drive
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keeping bone mass healthy
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regulating fat distribution
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increasing muscle size and strength
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providing red blood cell production
When you look at these functions, it is very easy to understand in which age ranges this hormone is at the highest level in the body. Testosterone is at its highest level between the ages of 18-40, when men are most assertive about reproduction, when they are at their physical peak. As we get older, its production decreases and symptoms begin to appear gradually.
What problems occur when testosterone starts to decrease?
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decrease in muscle mass
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increase in fat content
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decrease in sexual desire
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decrease in erection capacity
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decrease in bone density
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cognitive functions decrease
Andropause is a natural and inevitable condition. In other words, after the age of 40, testosterone levels begin to gradually decrease naturally. The rate and level of decrease is a subjective situation. It is directly related to a person's genetic characteristics, lifestyle and nutrition. It is possible to delay andropause, but it is not possible to stop it completely.
To roughly describe the man in andropause: Think of a man over the age of 50 who is pot-bellied, has difficulty in physical activities, is a little grumpy, depressed, and has low self-confidence. You may have seen many such men before your eyes. These men do not experience the effects of testosterone decrease all at the same time; different findings may occur at different times. The first symptom is usually fat gain and loss of muscle mass, although it is debatable whether it is a cause or a result. In other words, does the entry into andropause accelerate because the muscle mass increases and the fat content increases, or does the onset of andropause occur? Do these things happen because there is something like a chicken-egg relationship? With exercise and nutrition, we can increase muscle mass and delay andropause by keeping the fat rate low. In modern times, the dietary lifestyle that accelerates andropause causes men to experience andropause at an earlier age. Xenoestrogens, which are especially abundant in cosmetic products and animal foods, are the biggest causes in our age. Sedentary life in modern times is another important factor.
How is andropause managed?
The primary reason for andropause is usually sexual dysfunction. Patients consult a physician due to lack of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. Total and free testosterone levels should be checked in every patient who presents with this complaint. TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) is performed in patients with low testosterone levels. Before TRT and throughout the treatment, patients are regularly evaluated for complete blood count, PSA and liver function tests. Testosterone replacement therapy can be performed with oral medications, gel-form medications applied to the skin, and intramuscular injections. Which method will be applied should be determined by the physician who decides on the treatment. Possible side effects of testosterone replacement therapy;
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cardiovascular side effects
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side effects related to coagulation mechanisms
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Side effects related to reproductive health
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Side effects related to prostate cancer
Testosterone deficiency in aging men causes sexual dysfunction, especially sexual dysfunction. creates many negative effects. After evaluation by a specialist, appropriate testosterone replacement therapy produces rapid improvement in many symptoms. Testosterone used unconsciously can cause serious health problems.
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