Publication date: January 27, 2024 12:27 (EAT)
Age-related declines in testosterone can have a significant impact on a man's sexual function and physical characteristics as he ages. Photo/Courtesy: CNN
Just like women, men experience significant hormonal changes as they age, especially in their testosterone levels. Understanding andropause is the key to maintaining health and vitality for years to come.
Testosterone, which is essential for the development of male sexual characteristics, increases with age and then naturally decreases.
Testosterone production spikes during puberty and increases gradually until age 30. After age 30, levels may begin to decline at a rate of 1% per year.
By age 70, some men experience up to a 50% reduction in testosterone levels compared to when they were at peak levels.
Testosterone affects men and women differently because its levels and roles differ between sexes.
For men, this is the main hormone, and its decline with age has a significant impact on sexual function and physical characteristics.
Women with naturally low testosterone experience the effects of reduced testosterone more modestly as their bodies adapt to hormonal changes during life events such as menstruation and menopause.
Despite lower levels, testosterone in women is essential for bone health, muscle maintenance, and energy.
Andropause, or andropause, is not just a myth. According to the American Urological Association, about 2 in 10 men over the age of 60 suffer from low testosterone levels.
This number increases to 3 in 10 for men in their 70s and 80s. Symptoms such as decreased sex drive, fatigue, mood changes, erectile dysfunction, and physical changes can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
The new year is the perfect time for a health check. If you're over 40 and experiencing symptoms such as low energy or low sex drive, consider getting your testosterone levels checked.
A 2018 study by the New England Institute found that only about 5% of men with low testosterone receive treatment.
The main reason for this low number is that most men do not have annual exams and essential health conditions are undertreated and underdiagnosed.
Treatment for low testosterone, also known as Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), aims to improve symptoms such as low sex drive, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass.
Topical gels and creams can be applied to the skin to stabilize hormone levels, but care must be taken to prevent skin-to-skin transfer.
Testosterone injections given every few weeks are effective, but can cause fluctuations in hormone levels.
Patches provide a fixed daily dose and are an alternative for people who don't want to use gels or injections.
When implanted under the skin, testosterone pellets release a constant dose over several months, providing a long-term solution.
Recently, new oral testosterone medications have also been introduced to the market as an alternative to TRT.
Choosing the right type of TRT requires consideration of your personal preferences, medical history, and lifestyle, and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
A doctor's supervision is essential during TRT to adjust the dose and monitor for potential side effects such as acne, sleep apnea, blood clots, and increased risk of heart disease.
It is usually recommended that men with a history of prostate or breast cancer not take TRT.
Hormone therapy is not the only treatment for low testosterone. Lifestyle plays an important role. Obesity is associated with decreased testosterone levels.
A 2015 review found that overweight men are more likely to suffer from low testosterone, and losing weight can increase your testosterone levels.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep are not only good for your body. These habits also help maintain healthy testosterone levels.
Ring in 2024 with more than just fitness goals, but a holistic approach to health that starts with checking your hormone levels.
