While most people are familiar with menopause in women, the notion of a similar condition experienced by men is not as frequently discussed. Male menopause, also called “andropause,” is the gradual reduction in male hormones that occurs naturally as men age. By measuring male hormone levels, an accurate reading of male hormones affected by andropause is received. Dr. Burke and his medical team balance these hormones and minimize the unpleasant effects of andropause.
Some men experience a gradual decline in hormone levels as they age, while others may experience an early drop that produces significant problems in their lives.
Hormone therapy at Vita Heaven
Who Can Benefit From Male Hormone Replacement?
Although men typically start to experience decreased hormone levels by age 40, some men in their 30s begin to exhibit symptoms associated with andropause.
Andropause includes the following symptoms:
- Impaired libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Baldness and/or extremity hair thinning
- Fat accumulation around the waist and weight gain
- Urinary symptoms: pain and/or frequency, urgency, interrupted stream
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Lack of enthusiasm for life
- Increase in bad cholesterol or decrease in good cholesterol
- Problems thinking
- Memory problems
Unlike menopause in women, which results in dramatic changes in hormone levels over a short period of time, andropause has a gradual onset and progression that begin around age 30. The decreased muscle mass, reduction in energy levels, lowered sex drive, hair loss, sleep disturbance, and mood swings associated with hormonal changes are usually accepted as simply part of aging. However, low hormone levels or hormone imbalance can be adjusted using hormone replacement therapies. These therapies restore hormone levels and reduce or eliminate problematic symptoms.
The Importance of Baseline Hormone Testing
Successful hormone replacement therapy depends on accurately identifying the levels of hormones produced naturally by the body before supplementing them with bioidentical replacement hormones. This treatment is a careful balancing act that ensures levels are maintained within ranges that provide optimal results and do not aggravate or cause other medical problems.
Please note that a simple testosterone prescription is not the optimal solution for most men. Rather, it is the balance of hormones that will achieve a comprehensive and sustainable result.
How the Male Hormone Panel is Performed
The Male Hormone Panel tests the levels of these six hormones:
- DHEA: A hormone precursor for both male and female hormones. Helps maintain hormone balance.
- Androstenedione: A weak male hormone and hormone precursor.
- Testosterone: Testicular androgen and precursor to the highly potent di-hydrotestosterone male hormone.
- Di-hydrotestosterone (DHT): The most active form of the male hormone testosterone.
- Estradiol: An estrogen produced in fat cells.
- Progesterone: Balances DHT production and counters the effects of excess estradiol.
Maintaining optimum male health in the face of fluctuating or declining hormone levels requires a careful balance between the hormones produced by your body and hormone replacements. Using oral supplements, patches, or injections, Dr. Burke can precisely control the amounts of replacement hormone to achieve an appropriate balance. Over time, adjustments of androgen hormone levels can restore alertness, vigor, sexual performance, memory, and lean muscle mass, while reducing hair loss, weight gain, and abdominal fat. When male hormone levels are appropriately balanced, the result is an overwhelming feeling of renewed energy, good health and overall well-being.