May 1, 2008
Complexities Of Testosterone Treatment And Male Menopause
 |
When a man reaches his mid-fifties, he may begin to feel the effects of lower testosterone levels in his... |
When a man reaches his mid-fifties, he may begin to feel the effects of lower testosterone levels in his blood. He may feel weak, tired, depressed, and notice loss of hair, loss of muscle mass and bone strength, and encounter sexual problems. This is the time that is called male menopause or andropause. Some men enter this phase earlier or later, but the midfifties is the median time most men will feel it if, indeed, they feel it at all. Some men never do, while some others are emotionally devastated. Most men are in the median range. Most don't know exactly what is wrong, but having trouble with erections or sexual problems are enough to send the most doctor-phobic man straight to the clinic.
After a talk, and an examination, the doctor will usually run blood tests to make sure there is no other underlying reason for the symptoms. If the blood tests come back positive with the signs of male menopause, the doctor and patient will again assess what would be the most effective treatment. Some patients will elect to try lifestyle changes only: healthier diet, more exercise, etc. Some patients will want to try a natural route with herbs, massage, good water, etc. Some patients will take the course of lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The therapy will consist of the man going to the clinic at specified times set up by his doctor to get an injection of testosterone. This procedure takes relatively little time and then the man is out the door. He will need more blood tests periodically to assess his testosterone level and make sure nothing is being harmed by the testosterone, such as the liver. If the man feels improvement, he will likely be on the therapy for awhile. If there is no improvement, then the injections will be discontinued and some other therapy tried.
That's the way it's supposed to be, anyway. Even though many men make seeing their doctor the very last choice, the doctor should be your first choice. There are a number of problems that can produce the same symptoms. The first thing the doctor will do is rule those out.
Men may still have a few reservations about going to the clinic. Some think that everybody will know why there are there and that he will be publicly humiliated. This is not so! When schedules are being drawn up and printed, the reason for the visit will say "Injection". The receptionist and front office people will know only this. The back office nurse will know what you are in for, and as a good nurse she won't kick the door open and yell "Time for your testosterone shot, Mister Patient!" If she does talk about your private business in the earshot of any patient, that is a serious breach of medical ethics and you should certainly bring it up to the office manager, the doctor, or failing satisfaction, the nearest medical board. You can find them in your phone book or online.
HRT, for those who respond to it, is quick, relatively painless, and carried out under strictest confidentiality. Perhaps you'd like to talk to your physician and give it a try.