Have you ever heard of andropause, or menopause for men? It sounds like something made up but it is a real thing that happens to men as they get older. It is estimated that the condition affects 2 to 6 million men in the US. It is a serious issue that affects men from all walks of life at different ages. You may be reading this and not even realize that you have it. Well if you're looking to find out more and want to learn if there’s a solution, you've come to the right place. Spoilers ahead: there is a solution called hormone replacement therapy.

First of All, What Is Testosterone and How Does it Affect you?

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for deep voices, muscle mass, and facial and body hair patterns found in men. As men get older, the level of testosterone in the body and production of sperm gradually decreases, and they experience physical and psychological symptoms as a result of these low levels. This is part of the natural aging process and it is estimated that testosterone decreases about 10% every decade after men reach the age of 30.

What Is Andropause?

Andropause is a condition that is associated with the decrease in the male hormone testosterone. It is unlike menopause in that the decrease in testosterone and the development of symptoms is more gradual than what occurs in women. Approximately 30% of men in their 50s will experience symptoms of andropause caused by low testosterone levels. A person experiencing andropause may have a number of symptoms related to the condition and could be at risk of other serious health conditions such as osteoporosis without proper treatment.

Common Andropause Symptoms

There are many symptoms of andropause. Some include low libido or low sex drive. It can also potentially cause erectile dysfunction and a low sperm count. Depression is also a major symptom. You can also experience both low energy and insomnia simultaneously. You could also have a decrease in bone density and a potential for osteoporosis.

In some cases you even experience breast development, loss of body hair, abdominal fat, decreased motivation and self-confidence, difficulty concentrating, and increased anxiety. If you suffer from any of these (and are over 40 years old), you might have andropause.

Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help with Andropause Symptoms?

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a way to help men with unnaturally low levels of testosterone to get more testosterone in their body. Andropause can reduce the amount of testosterone in the body and as a result, affect men in the way mentioned above. There are a variety of different ways to try hormone replacement therapy or testosterone replacement therapy, but make sure you do the research and consult with your doctor before choosing. Like with any other health procedure, you want to know what you are getting into.

Learn About Types of HRT for Men

For men, there are a few different ways to get testosterone into your system. For one you can do testosterone injections a few times a month. If you don't like needles you can do testosterone patches that are placed on the body and are absorbed through the skin. You can also do a topical testosterone gel as well to rub on the body. There are even some tablets and gels you can get, but probably the best, most effective way is through injections, because they go directly into the bloodstream and affect you right away.

What are Testosterone Injections Like?

Usually testosterone levels are between 300 and 1000 ng/dl, if your blood test is below that, your doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy. These are injections that are administered by your doctors and are injected into the gluteal muscles in the buttocks. Your doctor may also allow you to administer injections yourself, these are usually done in the thigh muscle. The best may be to do it with trusted professionals in a safe environment.

Are Testosterone Injections Safe?

Although they can be helpful for many men, it is important to check with your doctor first, especially if you have any other health issues like liver and heart problems. You could increase the risk of these issues with testosterone shots. A relatively small number of men experience immediate side effects of testosterone supplementation, such as acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles. Doctors also watch out for high red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting. Men on long-term testosterone appear to have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, like heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. This is why it is best to work with a doctor to find out the best course of action.

Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Promote Youth and Vitality?

HRT can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, but it's unclear whether testosterone therapy would have any benefit for older men who are otherwise healthy. Hypogonadism is a disease in which the body is unable to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men. If you think you are suffering from hypogonadism and you want to feel younger, try testosterone therapy and you will see a difference.

Ready  to Try Hormone Replacement Therapy?

If you feel like you might be suffering from andropause or hypogonadism, then you might want to talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Some men might feel ashamed or guilty for not "being man enough" for those around you, but it is normal and there is nothing to be ashamed about. Lots of men are affected by this daily and can suffer the symptoms.

There are many options for you to choose from, but make sure you find the right course of action for you. You will definitely feel the benefits the most from injections and you will start to feel like your old, yet younger, self again. You will feel more energy, more passion, and more strength and be the best man you can be.