Around the age of 40, most men undergo a transition known as andropause. Much like menopause, this is a time when an individual’s hormones begin to change. Everyone produces less testosterone as they grow older, but some men are severely impacted by these changes. If your testosterone levels have dropped dramatically and it is impacting your quality of life, then it might be time to consider hormone treatments.
Understanding Hormone Levels
It is often difficult for men to tell when they have begun andropause. While menopause drastically changes a woman’s biology in a short period of time, andropause is a much more gradual process. Over the course of five or more years, low testosterone levels can affect everything from your sleeping habits to your libido. When these changes occur too quickly or the testosterone levels drop too low, it can impact a person’s quality of life. Also referred to as hypogonadism, this condition generally requires major lifestyle changes as well as professional treatments.
Signs of Low Testosterone
Testosterone is responsible for a number of vital functions within a man’s body. In addition to altering one’s sex drive and energy levels, it is also responsible for fueling muscles and maintaining a high metabolism. Men with low testosterone levels often find themselves much more tired than usual. Even though they are tired, they might also struggle with chronic insomnia or other unusual changes to their sleeping habits. Some men lose muscle mass and collect extra fat around the midsection due to their unstable hormones. Males should also keep an eye out for any unusual changes to their emotions such as ongoing depression and irritability.
Causes of Low Testosterone
Countless internal and external variables can impact one’s testosterone levels. Two of the biggest factors are a man’s age and his genetics. Those who have family members with low testosterone levels have a very high chance of developing this issue themselves. It is also much more likely to happen to men who are in their forties, fifties and sixties. Infections and other serious medical conditions often affect the production of testosterone and other vital hormones.
Treatment Options
Testing for this condition is actually a very simple process. We must take a small sample of blood and then send the sample off to a lab. We will also want to make sure that no other medical conditions are affecting your hormones. If it is determined that you do have hypogonadism, then you will most likely be asked to make a number of lifestyle changes, such as altering your diet and exercising as much as possible.
Even with major changes to your daily habits, you might also need professional hormone treatments. These can help you to feel like yourself once again. Schedule an appointment at ProMD Health in Baltimore or Arlington to learn more about how hormone replacement therapy can benefit you. Contact us today to request a consultation.
