Andropause Treatment

Andropause Symptoms & Treatment

Eve Clinics are a private, doctor lead clinic who provide expert advice and treatment for men suffering from effects of low testosterone, erectile dysfunction and symptoms of andropause (sometimes called the male menopause).

We fully understand that sometimes, taking that first step to get advice and share what is happening to your body can be the biggest hurdle.

With this in mind, we offer a confidential and discrete clinic, which, combined with our complete dedication to high standards of care, gives you reassurance and peace of mind.

By choosing to investigate issues relating to andropause, you can take back control of your body and feel more confident.

What is Andropause?

Often termed the “male menopause” andropause refers to the hormonal changes which occur in some men as they get older. The decline of these hormones is part of the natural ageing process, and it is estimated that testosterone decreases about 10% every decade after men reach the age of 30. However, in some cases, lowering testosterone levels can bring unwelcome side effects.

Andropause is a term which covers several age related changes and symptoms which can happen as a result of these hormone changes, including lowering testosterone, androgen deficiency and late-onset hypogonadism.

Is there a male menopause?

Unlike female menopause, which is an inevitable and natural part of ageing, “male menopause” will not happen to every man, and unlike the menopause in women does not entirely end the reproductive stage. Unlike the ovaries, testes do not run out of the substance needed to make testosterone, and healthy men may be able to make sperm well into old age.

Due to these differences, many doctors prefer the terms “andropause,” “androgen deficiency,” or “late-onset hypogonadism” to describe this condition.

In some cases, the symptoms of male menopause may be attributed instead to lifestyle factors rather than a specific lowering of testosterone.

However, andropause – or male menopause can still cause many issues for those going through it, with symptoms which are very similar to those that women go through during menopause.

At what age does andropause start?

There is no defined time at which andropause can start – instead, it’s a case that your testosterone levels will typically begin to lower as you get older.

Before puberty, a man’s testosterone levels are low and start to increase as they reach sexual maturity. Testosterone fuels typical changes involved in puberty which include muscle mass growth, a lowering of voice and changes in sexual functioning.

The testes produce less testosterone as men age, and it is estimated that testosterone levels decline around 1% each year after men turn 30.

In some cases, specific medical conditions can also trigger early andropause – such as testicular cancer or surgical removal of the testes. Some treatments which include anti-testosterone therapy will also trigger andropause.

Symptoms of the male menopause or low testosterone

While every man may experience different symptoms, and of course, many will not have any associated issues with lowering testosterone levels as they grow older, some common symptoms include:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hot flushes
• Insomnia
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Loss of muscle mass
• Weight gain
• A lack of energy and increased tiredness
• Reduced bone mass
• Breasts (man boobs)

It’s important to remember that, for many men, these symptoms may not materialise at all. For others, there are likely other manageable factors which may be contributing to the symptoms such as lifestyle or other medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

However, if the effects of andropause are causing you problems, there are a range of treatments which can help to treat specific conditions relating to male menopause.

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of andropause?

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms described above, they will warrant further investigation. Investigations would include

• A full history and clinical examination
• Height, weight and skin fold thickness testing
• Blood pressure and heart rate assessment
• Basic urine and blood tests
• Consideration of referral for imaging such as ultrasound scanning or an X-ray

Low testosterone and sexual function

As testosterone plays such a vital role in maintaining both sex drive and sexual function – low testosterone levels can lead to both a lack of libido and erectile dysfunction. Sperm count can also decline.

Treatment for low testosterone

Replacing testosterone in the blood is the most common treatment for men going through andropause. Known as testosterone replacement therapy, it replaces those lost hormones in a similar way that HRT replaces hormones for women going through the menopause.

Testosterone replacement may help with many of the known symptoms of low testosterone, including erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, low bone density, anaemia, and symptoms of depression.

Doctors may also prescribe treatments for specific symptoms such as anti-depressants for low mood, medicines to protect against falls and fractures or supplements for certain deficiencies.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment which replaces hormones which can be lost or reduced due to several factors.  So many structures in the body require testosterone to function correctly, so, when your levels are low, you may suffer from the symptoms described above.

TRT medication is usually in the form of testosterone in pills, patches, and gel that you apply to your skin and liquid that you inject into your body. It helps to increase your body’s overall testosterone level and eliminate or decrease specific symptoms of low testosterone.

Testosterone replacement therapy has been used in the UK for over 25 years and has an excellent safety record. However, there are some circumstances where it is not recommended – particularly for those with existing prostate cancer.

How Eve Clinics Can Help

We firmly believe in giving men back the control over their bodies as they age – giving back confidence, and reducing unwanted side effects of the ageing process. This is why we take a dual approach to treating symptoms of andropause. We have experienced medical doctors who can help to diagnose and treat issues you may be facing, alongside aesthetic and non invasive treatments to treat with specific symptoms.

Our Doctor

Mr Richard Viney is a urology surgeon who specialises in areas including testicular and prostate diseases as well as offering minimal access solutions to kidney problems. Mr Viney helps our patients going through andropause, male private sexuals medicine and also HRT.

Find out more about Mr Viney.

So don’t be embarrassed or suffer in silence. Get in touch with us today to start your journey feeling more confident, more comfortable and more at ease with your body.