Although Central Texas is generally considered to be have a relatively young population, it is gradually aging as baby boomers move through their 40s and beyond. Most people know that menopause is the time in a womens life where changes in hormone production from the ovaries lead to changes in body and mind. The most common signs and symptoms of female menopause are: hot flashes, diminished libido, changes in mood, osteoporosis, insomnia, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. Menopause is a well recognized aspect to aging and, as a result, women can be identified and treated when symptoms begin. Men, however, often do not know what changes in their body are normal as they age and which symptoms may improve with treatment.

"Andropause is a medical condition in men caused by changes in hormone levels as they age. It begins to affect men in their mid-forties and is estimated to affect more than 25 million men in the United States," says urologist Sandeep G. Mistry, MD, MPH, of North Austin Urology. "Andropause can have a slow onset and most men believe that its symptoms are a normal part of aging."

Symptoms Of Andropause

According to Dr. Mistry, the most common symptoms of ANDROPAUSE include:

• Decline in energy
• Diminished strength
• Decreased sexual desire
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased lean muscle mass
• Altered mood
• Hot Flashes
• Osteoporosis
• Insomnia

Unlike menopause in women, not every man will experience andropause and many of the symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions, such as diabetes. Dr. Mistry recommends that men with any of the symptoms listed above undergo a thorough medical and symptom history along with a careful physical exam. Checking the blood level of testosterone can be the easiest way to identify men who may be experiencing andropause.

Treating Low Hormones in Men

"Treating symptoms of andropause most commonly involves testosterone replacement therapy which can be accomplished in a variety of ways," adds Dr. Mistry. "Most men begin feeling better physically and mentally within weeks of starting treatment and their hormone levels are monitored closely."

Some men will have the classic symptoms of andropause but have a normal testosterone level. Most men in this situation will have a testosterone level at the lower end of the normal range and it may be important to check the level of other hormones to diagnose andropause.

"Diagnosing and treating andropause is about more than making men feel better as they age. It can also have an impact on how long a man lives. Andropause has been identified as a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease, Alzheimers disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Early identification of men with andropause can lessen the heath impacts of these associated diseases. Replacing testosterone in patients with andropause has been shown to improve their overall sense of well-being, improve the symptoms of Alzheimers, improve control of blood sugar in diabetics, improve control of cholesterol levels, and improve overall metabolism," advises Dr. Mistry.

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of andropause talk to your primary care doctor or a urologist. Careful monitoring of testosterone levels is very important to avoid side effects of too much testosterone.

"Hopefully, more men and physicians will become familiar with this condition to help men enjoy life to its fullest as they grow older," says Dr. Mistry.

Sandeep G. Mistry, MD, MPH
Urology

North Austin Urology
1000 Hesters Crossing Ste 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: (512) 238-0762

Dr. Mistry is a graduate of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX where he also completed his residency in Urologic Surgery. He is currently in private practice in Austin and Round Rock.