When a male reaches 40 it is a good time to ask oneself, "Is my age becoming an asset or a liability for me?" Unfortunately for the 40 plus male, the liabilities are stacking up; And for 48 year old "Adam", the changes are not welcome.

What happened? When Adam stands in front of the bathroom mirror, he likely sees a middle-aged man with increased abdominal fat and sagging muscles. He suffers increased fatigue, daily aches and pains, and persistent stiffness that make the thought of exercise unappealing. Adam feels like he has lost his competitive edge at work and has been described as "moody" by his coworkers. Even at home he notices changes in himself that strain his relationship. He loves his partner, but has lost interest in sex and wonders whether on not he might need one of those pills to help with performance. 

What is Andropause? Until recently, the changes Adam is suffering were just accepted as part of "growing old." However, now we know that loss of energy, libido and potency in a male are suggestive "Male Menopause" or "Andropause".  With men, there is a gradual decline in androgens, the male sex hormones, usually starting in the 40's. A steady decline of male hormones over several years can produce some long term consequences. These include: problems with cognition, ability to focus, a waning interest in sex, difficulty in having and maintaining an erection, fatigue, irritability, aches and pains, stiffness and depression.  Recent studies have demonstrated that low testosterone in men is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (Miner and Seftel 2007), and an almost 50% increase in mortality over a seven year period (Malkin et al 2010) - (LifeExtenstionFoundation)

 Should Adam be tested? Anti-aging physician specialists believe that we age because our hormones decline, and by the time we are 40, hormonal changes have occurred that perceptibly alter physical, sexual and cognitive functions.  Adam needs a thorough medical evaluation to address his symptoms. According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 50% of healthy men between the ages of 50-70 yr will have a Testosterone level below the lowest level seen in healthy men who are 20-40 yr of age. Adam's Age Management physician can test his current hormone levels and help him to understand his particular needs.  If Adam is a candidate for hormone replacement, this specialist can prescribe treatment and routinely monitor his condition. 

Is hormone therapy a safe solution for Adam? Experts have determined that hormone therapy in men may help to counter some of the more serious, debilitating effects of aging. Hormone use has had a bad press due largely to concerns about abuse and over-dosage in athletes, and alleged dangerous effects on the prostate gland, heart and liver. The good news for Adam is that the most up to date research is confirming the basic safety and effectiveness of hormone therapy for men when correctly applied in the medical setting.  In general, when natural testosterone is replenished for symptomatic men, it has the potential to prolong the quality-of-life by decreasing the risk of some age-related conditions.  Testosterone protects against cardiovascular disease; it can raise HDL cholesterol, and lower LDL cholesterol levels.  It may decrease blood pressure, excess body fat, and symptoms of arthritis.  Testosterone replacement stimulates the cardiovascular system, the neurologic system, muscles, and bones.  It may protect against Alzheimer's dementia, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, loss of libido and erectile function, inflammatory-related diseases and a range of cardiovascular diseases.

What happens to Adam?  Adam recognizes that he is just beginning the longest and most developmental period of all, middle age.  He is hopeful that, as author Thomas Moore writes, "aging brings out the flavor of (his) personality," and that he will enjoy unexpected magic in the coming decades.  This coming year, Adam will stop ignoring his symptoms and seek out a medical specialist that can help him plan for many healthy years ahead. "Suffering is part of growing old," need not be the outlook for those who find themselves in the no man's land of hormone deficiency. 

To find out if you are experiencing hormone deficiency symptoms seek out a qualified Anti-aging physician who specializes in treating this condition.  A physician who prescribes natural bio-identical supplementation combined with the supportive nutrients, dietary changes and fitness can help one achieve whole health balance for life.