The andropause does exist!
Men who can answer yes to at least three of the following symptoms (known as the PADAM questionnaire) might well benefit from treatment.
- Fatigue
- Mood Changes (Irritability, anxiety and depression)
- Erectile dysfunction – particularly lack of nocturnal erections
- Low sex Drive
- Decrease in lean body mass with associated diminution in muscle volume and strength
- Insomnia
- Decrease in body hair
- Decreased bone mineral density resulting in osteopaenia and osteoporosis
- Increase in visceral fat
- Memory impairment
- Increased sweating – hot flushes – aches and pains in joints
Many of these changes can be associated with an age-related decline in testosterone. The mean serum testosterone levels decline in men after the age of fifty at approximately 1% per year. Men can experience these changes quickly or, more commonly, as a gradual hormone decline. Some men suffer these symptoms as early as their third decade.
When hormones are replaced, and therefore restored back to the physiological levels for younger males, a dramatic reversal of many of these symptoms are obtained – often within the first month of treatment.
If any of the above symptoms are present a consultation with Dr. Moran at Holistic Medical Clinic is recommended as other causes can not be ruled out. During the consultation Dr. Moran will complete a lifestyle history including nutritional diary, exercise, sleeping pattern, relationship problems and stress factors. This will be followed by a complete blood hormone panel, including free and total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) 17-beta oestradiol, prolactin, DHEA (dihydroepiandrosterone) routine haematology and biochemistry a PSA (prostatic specific antigen) in combination with prostatic ultrasound.
At a follow-up appointment all results will be discussed and a replacement treatment plan agreed.