Andropause and Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy largely benefit women as they enter midlife. HRT and BHRT can be used in the treatment of menopause, depression and sleep problems. Though Hormone Replacement Therapy is mainly for women, it doesn't necessarily mean that it won't benefit men. Hormone imbalance occurs in both men and women meaning anyone with hormone imbalance can undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Once men enter midlife, they are said to be on andropause stage. Male menopause or andropause occurs with the gradual decline of the hormone, testosterone. The testosterone level tends to drop as men age. In some severe cases, the drop on testosterone level may cause alarming health problems. Every system in a man is affected by this lessening of the male hormone. The circulatory system, muscles (including the heart), bones, nervous system and brain are especially affected. Studies show that around 25 million men between ages 35 and 55 experience symptoms of andropause. Symptoms of andropause include reduced energy, tendency to gain weight, less ambition, sore muscles and less masculine drive. When a man experiences these symptoms, he should consider undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy or Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

First, a man who thinks he needs HRT or BHRT will be evaluated for hormonal imbalance. Usually, Hormone Replacement Therapy and Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment programs consist of two 30-minute visits, general laboratory work and personalized plan of care. Both HRT and BHRT are safe for the body. Hormones which are used during treatments in BHRT are derived from natural sources or bio-identical hormones. After a series of thorough questioning, the doctor will then determine whether or not the patient is to undergo HRT or BHRT. The doctor and the patient need to discuss the possible effects, risks and expectations.

A man can also try the following remedy for andropause:

As a therapy for andropause, a man can do the following: lose weight or regularly keep your weight down. Overweight men produce lower amounts of testosterone. That is due to the fact that the body, as it accumulates fat, makes less testosterone -while converting some of that testosterone into estrogen.

As the muscular strength lessens, it becomes more difficult for your body to burn excess fat. That only adds to the excess weight. This, in turn, causes even less testosterone and more estrogen. The solution is more exercise, and done on a regular basis. As the weight drops, so will estrogen. This will let the testosterone level rise.

Take 25 mg of zinc twice a day. The zinc enables the body to deactivate aromatase, an enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen. Take also vitamin C for one to two months. The vitamin C also reduces aromatase.

For more information on Atlanta anti aging or to get a free consultation with an Atlanta hormone therapy doctor, please contact the Atlanta Medical Institute.

Stefano Grossi
Atlanta Medical Institute
1-866-343-8362

Is Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe For Treating Andropause?

The male hormone replacement industry has been hit hard recently by continued scandal in professional sports. For companies that specialize in treating low testosterone and other male hormone deficiencies, having continued bad publicity in the media have made many men question what type of association they want to have with companies that provide hormone replacement therapy services. Leaders in this industry have been answering customer calls about the safety of hormone treatment programs for years.

For purposes of this article treating men with hormone replacement therapy will be reserved to treating the cause of symptoms of andropause, also called "male menopause." Below are symptoms commonly associated with andropause:

- Depression

- Sweating and hot flashes

- Decreased male sex drive and erectile dysfunction

- Fatigue

- Poor concentration and memory

- Muscle and joint aches

- Mood swings

If you believe you have andropause, you can confirm the potential diagnosis with a blood test.

For years the public has been aware of a menopause in women. It has only been in recent time the term "andropause" is beginning to get the full attention it deserves. The most common cause of andropause is low testosterone levels, which can be easily diagnosed with a blood test. Other symptoms of andropause are similar to a women's menopause, which is a reason why andropause is sometimes called "male menopause."

There are a lot of sources for treating the symptoms of andropause and among untrained professionals that do not work with andropause patients on a daily basis, they can at times, do more harm than good. It is very important that you find a qualified physician.

OTC (over the counter) remedies tend to be ineffective for men who are showing symptoms.

Your Family Doctor can Misdiagnose Andropause Symptoms:

It seems counterintuitive that your family doctor can do more harm than good, but it is true when it comes to diagnosing and treating the symptoms of andropause. He may try to treat your symptoms individually such as a prescription for erectile dysfunction, e.g, Viagra and another prescription for depression rather than correcting the cause -- hormone deficiency such as testosterone and thyroid. Treating the cause will correct the symptoms .

Treat Andropause with Male Hormone Therapy:

Treating andropause with male hormone replacement therapy is safe when diagnosed properly and monitored regularly. Testosterone replacement in the form of testosterone creams and testosterone supplements is a safe method to treat the low testosterone deficiencies that are the source of andropause. Other treatments may include, thyroid, HGH (human growth hormone), an estrogen blocker and other supplements that are appropriate to your individualized plan.

What to look for in a Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Provider:

1. Look for a male hormone replacement therapy program that is tailored to your specific and individualized needs.

2. Ensure your hormone program is under the supervision of a physician that is trained in hormone deficiencies in men.

3. Monitoring of your hormone levels. The original test for andropause should only be the first in a series of tests. You will want to have your blood tested periodically to ensure the current program is optimized for your individual needs.

4. Experience. Be sure the entity with whom you work has a solid track record. If they are trying to sell you hormones -- be careful. If they are telling you what they do and how it relates to you needs in an informational frame work -- be hopeful and encouraged.

Jim Michels is an expert on male menopause and hormone therapy. His company, renewman.com treats men 35 and older that suffer from low male libido and low testosterone symptoms.