Andropause (Male Menopause)
Male hormone levels decline with age. Testosterone is the primary male hormone. Testosterone peaks during adolescence and early adulthood. After age 30, testosterone level declines, typically about 2% per year. It is not uncommon for males to feel pre-andropause symptoms in their late 30’s and 40’s.
Andropause is associated with low male hormone levels and can cause physical, mental and emotional complaints.
Do you have any of these signs or symptoms?
- Low energy, fatigue
- Poor concentration, confusion
- Loss of mental focus
- Memory loss
- Fewer sexual thoughts
- Low sex drive (libido)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of early morning erections
- Irritability, moodiness
- Depression, sadness
- Poor stamina
- Poor endurance
- Decreased muscle mass
- Decreased strength
- Increased body fat
- Loss of height
- Sleep difficulties/insomnia
Laboratory Evaluation
Male hormones levels including free and total Testosterone are obtained as part of your comprehensive laboratory evaluation. Other tests include PSA free and total, DHEA-S, LH, FSH, Prolactin, Estradiol, SHBG, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Electrolytes, Liver function, Kidney function, complete blood count, thyroid hormones, Vitamin levels, human growth hormone (IGF-1), Iron levels, A1C, cardiac inflammatory markers, and lipid panel.
If you receive hormone replacement, laboratory evaluation will be performed periodically to monitor treatment effect on hormone levels.
Working with your primary care provider or health care team
Medical specialty referral(s): Endocrinology, Urology and other medical specialty referral(s) may be necessary to compliment your health care. We can provide you with the necessary specialty referral(s) or you can choose a medical specialist(s) on your managed care plan.
Treatment Options
- Natural supplements
- Compounded hormones
- Hormone gel – Androgel, Testim
- Hormone injections – Testosterone Cypionate
- Hormone pellet implants which are batch tested and quality assured for sterility and dosages delivered
- Human growth hormone
We will discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment option and customize a program that is right for you.
Medical Literature shows that:
- Normal for age testosterone levels are not optimal and may represent significant deficiency.
- Men with low testosterone died 88% sooner than men with high testosterone.
- Higher testosterone levels were correlated with lower death from heart disease, cancer and all causes.
- There is no increased risk of prostate cancer with testosterone therapy.
Testosterone and related compounds are classified as Schedule III controlled substances. They will only be prescribed for legitimate medical purposes.
Menopause
Female hormone levels decline with age and may decline earlier in women who have had hysterectomies prior to menopause. Estrogen and Progesterone are the primary female hormones. Testosterone is also very important in women. Menopause is the period when less estrogen and progesterone are produced, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping. No menstrual period for 12 consecutive months means natural menopause has occurred, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. Several years before menopause age, periods may become irregular. They may be normal for a few months and then stop for another few months; they may be more or less intense; the duration and flow may start to vary. Women begin to experience a gradual slowdown of their reproductive cycle between their 30’s and 40’s which may result in the pre-menopausal signs and symptoms below.
Menopause is associated with low female hormone levels and can cause physical, mental and emotional complaints.
Do you have any of these signs or symptoms?
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Memory loss and Forgetfulness
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Joint pain
- Heart pounding or racing
- Thinner skin and wrinkles
- Thinner hair and hair color loss
- Irritability, moodiness
- Depression, sadness
- Weight gain
- Increased body fat and loss of lean muscle
- Loss of height
- Sleep difficulties/insomnia
Laboratory Evaluation
Female hormones levels including Estradiol and Progesterone are obtained as part of your Comprehensive Laboratory Evaluation. Other tests include LH, FSH, Prolactin, SHBG, DHEA-S, Free and Total Testosterone, Electrolytes, Liver function, Kidney function, Complete blood count, Thyroid hormones, Vitamin levels, Iron levels, human growth hormone (IGF-1), A1C, cardiac inflammatory markers, and lipid panel.
If you receive hormone replacement, laboratory evaluation will be performed periodically to monitor treatment effect on hormone levels.
Additional Diagnostic Testing
Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, and Bone Densitometry studies may be necessary.
Medical Specialty Referral(s): Endocrinology, Gynecology and other medical specialty referral(s) may be necessary. We will provide you with the necessary specialty referral(s) or you can choose an “in network” medical specialist(s) on your managed care plan.
Treatment Options
- Natural supplements
- Compounded hormones
- Pharmaceutical hormones
- Hormone cream
- Hormone patch
- Hormone pellet implants which are batch tested and quality assured for sterility and dosages delivered
- Human growth hormone
We will discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment option and customize a program that is right for you.
Medical literature shows that:
- The risk of breast cancer is not increased with bio-identical hormones but is increased with synthetic progestin (not progesterone).
- Low testosterone in women causes decreased vitality, strength and libido.
*We recommend that you continue medical care with your Gynecologist. We will send information regarding your treatment to your Gynecologist upon your written request.*