Testosterone and Andropause
As men age, the testicles typically begin to produce less testosterone. This occurs in all men to some degree, but men differ in the amount of the drop in testosterone levels. And men differ as well in how their body responds to a given decline in testosterone.
Truly low blood levels of testosterone typically result in a constellation of symptoms (a syndrome) which may include low libido (low sex drive), lack of energy, irritability, depression, poor concentration, loss of physical strength and decreased muscle mass. Sometimes erectile dysfunction is present. This syndrome in conjunction with laboratory findings of low testosterone is often referred to as Andropause, or Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM).
Testosterone and Andropause
As you can see, the symptoms involved can be quite vague and can overlap with many other conditions. These symptoms often also occur when our lives are too busy or stressful. This can complicate the diagnosis of ADAM or Andropause.
At Ontario Men's Health in Toronto, the counselors and physicians consider the possibility of Andropause when symptoms are present. They will take a complete medical history and perform a complete physical exam, and arrange laboratory testing for blood levels of testosterone. When appropriate, they will recommend treatment of Andropause with testosterone therapy and provide the counseling and follow up needed.
My wife and I were getting along OK, but we had slipped into a routine of avoiding sex because it was awkward for both of us when I couldn't perform . We just put it down to age and moved on. One day I just decided to look into it further, and let me tell you, don't let anyone tell you that you need to give up sex just because of your age. Our life is much more complete now than it has been in years. Get help today. My wife and I are so glad we did.
Last year I decided not to renew my gym membership. I didn't see the point since I didn't feel like going anymore, and I was annoyed that when I did drag myself there I couldn't lift as much weight or spend as much time on the equipment. At work I was always in a bad mood. I noticed that everyone, including my family avoided talking to me any more than necessary, but actually this suited me fine because I didn't really enjoy talking to them. On Valentine's day I bought my wife some lingerie out of habit. She smiled and said "What's the point of this?" I realized then that it had been months since my wife and I had had sex. I hadn't even noticed. Soon after that my kids confronted me at dinner and told me I was always grouchy. Luckily it was time for my annual check-up so I asked my doctor about all this. He suggested that we check my testosterone level. I was surprised there was a name for my problem: Andropause. After a trial of treatment with testosterone medication I was amazed at the difference in my energy level, my sex drive, and my outlook on life.