Just as women experience hormonal and physical changes as they age, so do men. Male menopause is often referred to as Andropause. It can start as early as age 30 and its course can span fifteen to twenty years. In the United States, it has been stated that there are over 25 million men between the ages of 40 and 55 that may be going through Andropause. In twenty years the number will increase to over 57 million.

Although the symptoms are not typically as dramatic or obvious as female menopause, for some men the effect on overall well being and quality of life can be equally as devastating. Andropause begins with hormonal and physiological changes that affect various aspects of a man's life; the conditon is called hypogonadism where the levels of testosterone drop. Human growth hormone (pituitary), DHEA and androstenedione (adrenal gland) also begin to diminish. Many men probably experience slight versions of Andropause; hormones and neuropeptides diminish and bodies sag and change shape. Common medical conditions like enlarged prostate develop, stamina and temperament change.

Since Andropause is not the household word that menopause is, many men do not know what is happening to them and therefore are not prepared to deal with their body's changes and the consequences of the aging process. Instead of viewing Andropause as a medical condition, like menopause is, it is often perceived as a threat to masculinity, self- image, ego and self-esteem. In addition to physical challenges as men enter this stage in their lives, they are meeting emotional and life challenges that they did not experience in earlier years, which can compound how they feel and how they deal with the changes. Parents are dying, job horizons are narrowing, retirement looms, friends are having their first heart attacks, and children are leaving home. The issues are complex and there is no simple answer or single approach to treatment.

Symptoms of Andropause

The following symptoms are often associated with the hormonal changes of andropause:

• Lack of libido

• Blushing or sweating (similar to hot flashes)

• Sleeplessness

• Fatigue, lack of energy

• Depression

• Nervousness, anxiety, irritability

• Lack of motivation

• Urinary frequency, weaker flow or difficulty beginning urination

Our Andropause Assessment can help you evaluate your symptoms.

Treatment Options for Andropause

If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms of andropause, there are self-care and prescription options available that can help you feel more like yourself again. We recommend that you talk with your healthcare provider or contact us for more information about:

• Baseline laboratory testing to measure your hormone levels and other physiological factors. Testing allows you and your healthcare provider to take the guesswork out of determining appropriate treatment. Hormone levels can be tested through saliva and are important to obtain whether entering or at the end of the Andropause cycle. Hormone tests typically include free testosterone, estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Other important test measure prostate specific antigens-PSA, cholesterol levels and triglycerides.

• Self help strategies. Diet, exercise and nutritional supplements are an important part of good health as we age and can support a healthy hormone balance.
  
  Diet - Blood sugar fluctuations play an important role in symptom management. Recommend simple dietary changes such as decreasing carbohydrates, soda, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake, and balancing the protein to carbohydrate ratio.
  
  Exercise - Reinforce a routine exercise regime four or more times per week to include weight resistance and muscle strengthening for bone maintenance. Osteoporosis prevention is as important for men as it is for women.
  
  Nutritional supplements - Products such as Clinical Nutrients for Men can help to supplement daily dietary intake and support health, longevity and vitality.

• Low-dose Natural Hormone Therapy. Hormone therapy is becoming as routine for men as it is for women. Maintaining adequate levels of testosterone in the body is critical to many systems to include muscle and bone health, cardiovascular health, stamina, sexual health and mental function.

Supplements and Hormone Tests Available from Women's Health America

Clinical Nutrients for Men was developed just for men with a synergistic combination of vitamins, herbs and other nutrients to support overall health and vitality.

Restore^® Clinical Services is a complete program of hormone testing and individualized hormone therapy for both men and women. Micronized oral capsules, creams and gels, or sublingual tablets are prescription hormone therapy option available through our pharmacy, Madison Pharmacy Associates. If you would like additional information, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 800.558.7046. The consulting pharmacists at Madison Pharmacy Associates routinely work with patients and their healthcare providers to individualize low-dose natural hormone therapy regimens, and are available to advise you. Have your healthcare provider call 1-800-558-7046 for a comprehensive consultation with a pharmacist. We can help!