Just as women go through important hormonal changes in midlife, male hormone levels begin to drop over time as well. In fact, men’s testosterone levels peak at age 17 and begin to decline about 1 percent every year starting at age 30. By the time a man reaches age 80, his testosterone levels will have fallen to about half that of a younger male.
In all actuality, only about one-half of a man’s testosterone is active biologically, at any given time as well. The other half is bound to the sex hormone-binding globulin that transports sex hormones, making it unavailable to the body for activity. This means that while testosterone may be produced, it is not actually viable for growth, sexual function, reproduction, or the building of muscle mass.
When a man reaches middle age a process known as, Aromatase begins to take place in the body, causing more and more testosterone to begin to convert to estrogen. Men also experience an increase in elevation of the sex hormone-binding globulin. Together, these changes result in a net increase in the ratio of estrogen to testosterone and a decrease in total and free testosterone levels.
Male fetus
Just seven weeks after conception, a male fetus begins to produce testosterone. This works to develop the male reproductive system, as well as masculinize the male brain.
Teenage adolescent testosterone hormone levels surge causing changes including:
In adult men testosterone helps maintain:
In younger men,
In older men,
Many men are concerned about the possible need for hormone therapy as they age. Because the hormone testosterone is necessary for sexual function, bone density, healthy red blood cell levels, and muscle bulk, many men struggle with natural declining levels produced in the testicles.
The benefits of testosterone treatment can renew free levels of testosterone to stimulate sexual interest once again and help with erectile dysfunction. By raising testosterone through testosterone supplementation, health issues such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis may be addressed as well.
Higher testosterone levels can also strengthen a man’s bones and help control blood sugar levels. In addition to the ability to improve mood, energy level, and reduce irritability and anger, raising testosterone may improve cardiovascular health as well.
For the past several years, many physicians have used the synthetic hormone testosterone to help treat low male hormone levels to reverse the age-related consequences that cause “Andropause”. Prescription sales have reached about $400 million a year now, tripling the number of prescriptions in recent years. Though this pales in comparison to the $12.5 billion spent on medication to lower cholesterol in this country, numbers are still impressive.
Modalities for testosterone replacement therapy include:
Because testosterone can be toxic to the liver if taken in pill form it is not available this way. It can be easily absorbed into the skin however, so is available in gel form to be spread daily on the upper arms, abdomen, and shoulders. This can be done after a morning shower when the skin is clean and dry. Gel may also take the place of the more traditional patch, used for hormone replacement treatment.
The product, Striant is a gel specifically designed for application to the gums. The FDA regulates this as a controlled substance, however.
Urologists and other health practitioners have differing opinions about what constitutes low testosterone levels in males, and when hormone replacement therapy should be explored. Some take a more conservative approach and consider the following:
Some physicians take a broader approach to hormone replacement therapy for males.
Answer
Fewer spontaneous erections, more naps, and a belly that’s threatening to hang over the belt line…Yes, men experience physical and psychological changes in midlife that can in some ways mirror the menopause that women go through.
The proper term, “andropause”, from the Greek word andro (male) and pausis (stop) involves the gradual process of slowing down as hormone levels diminish or change in noticeable ways by middle age.
As hormones (known as androgens) necessary for strength, vitality, health and well being taper off, a subtle, downward shift in energy level and virility is felt.
Testosterone: Considered the most potent of all androgens and the foundation for male characteristics, testosterone is created in the testes and responsible for facial hair, the deepening of the voice, muscle mass and bone density, sexual function, stamina and competitive drive in males.
DHEA: (dehydroepiandrosterone) produced in the adrenal glands builds protein and helps with immune function in the body. It is also considered a precursor to other hormones like testosterone and estrogen, meaning that it can be converted to these hormones if levels in the blood are insufficient. The hormones cortisol and DHEA balance each other to maintain the immune system as well.
There are several reasons that the natural aging process may cause the overproduction or reduction of certain hormones in the male body. One of the important reasons involves the enzyme, aromatase. This essentially converts testosterone to estrogen in the male body, causing free testosterone levels to decline, as estrogen rises.
Other factors include:
Some men explore hormone replacement therapy in response to difficult symptoms that negatively impact their life.