When men reach the age of forty, they may begin to experience physical, mental, and emotional changes. They may feel confused, anxious, tired, stressed, and depressed. If you’re experiencing this, you may feel as though you’ve lost your sense of purpose, and possibly even your sense of self.
The good news is you’re not alone... Millions of men are in your shoes, and yes, there is help.
So, what causes these changes? Dr. Robert S. Tan, an expert in aging and men’s health, sought to understand these circumstances through his research. In his book, The Andropause Mystery: Unraveling Truths About the Male Menopause, Dr. Tan writes that menopause, meaning a declination of hormone levels, occurs in both women and men. For men, this period of transition is known as andropause, and usually begins around age forty.
In the past, andropause was often mislabeled as a midlife crisis. The changes brought about by decreasing testosterone levels can have a negative effect on your social, professional, and familial interactions, but this hormonal shift was not yet understood. According to Dr. Tan, the symptoms of andropause become even more pronounced as men reach 50-70 years of age. At this time, men may experience a decline in their levels of energy and virility, as well as mood swings, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and worsening depression.
Although decreasing testosterone is a natural part of andropause, that doesn’t mean you need to live with its effects. Health experts suggest men at this stage limit their consumption of alcohol and cigarettes while maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine to help manage symptoms. Dr. Tan also explored testosterone replacement therapy and its effects on the brain, pioneering hormone replacement as a treatment for andropause.
While healthy lifestyle choices (and these lifestyle changes) may successfully manage symptoms for some, men experiencing more pronounced symptoms may want to seek treatment.
If you haven’t been feeling like yourself, your doctor will be able to determine if andropause is the cause, and if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Schedule your FREE confidential telehealth consultation here.
Looking for more information about Low Testosterone, symptoms, therapy, and more? Download our free guide here so you can make an informed decision about the right path for you.