(Jrt)
Andropause
Andropause is a medical phenomenon, similar to menopause in women, which may affect men between forty and fifty-five years. Unlike women, men have no net milestone as the cessation of menstruation to mark the transition. Both, however, are characterized by a decline in hormone levels. The estrogen in women, testosterone in men. The bodily changes occur very gradually in humans and may be accompanied by changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, loss of energy, appetite, sexual and physical agility.
Studies show that the decline in testosterone may weaken men for health problems such as heart disease and fragile bones.
History
Andropause was described in medical literature for the first time in the 1940's, but our ability to diagnose is relatively recent. The diagnostic tests, unavailable until the last decade, have enabled andropause remain a subject of debate among endocrinologists and health professionals men. The idea that older people, like women, can be subject to fluctuations of sex hormones has been difficult to accept. Today, the growing interest among medical researchers specializing in gerontology. Although the phenomenon seems obvious to many, universal acceptance requires further investigation.
Diagnosis and treatment
Their quality of life diminished, men over fifty years consult more and more frequently, complaining of "no longer be the man they were." It is estimated that 30% of the fifties, and up to 50% of more than 65 years are concerned.
Usually, andropause is poorly identified: the symptoms are vague (erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, irritability, fatigue and even widespread problems with memory and attention) and vary greatly from person to another. In addition, declining production of the male hormone is very progressive: it comes from thirty years and spread over three, four or five decades until death. Therefore, the patient and the professional come to associate "hypogonadism" premature aging and wrong diagnosis.
The process of replacing testosterone, however, is simple (but sensitive): injection, gel, patch or cartridge located. The difficulty is the dosage. Any man can live in an optimal way to a third or half the blood of another. Too much testosterone can cause unpleasant and even dangerous. This makes it necessary medical supervision.
Causes
Beginning in thirty years, the level of testosterone decreases by 10% each decade. In the normal functioning of the male hormone system, the vast majority of testosterone is linked to two blood components. The globulin and albumin carry and participate in its regulation. They share of 97 to 98%, depriving tissue. As for 2 to 3%, they are so-called "bio" or "testosterone free." In addition, sites where testosterone must be bound to be effective can be occupied by estradiol, estrogen also present in humans increases with age and weight. Beyond sixty years, a testosterone deficiency is common.
Andropause is linked to low levels of testosterone. Every man actually experience some more. While the concept of "normal" testosterone is subject to interpretation, a total level of testosterone in the blood serum fell below 350 nanograms per deciliter is critical. A free testosterone levels to below 6.0 picograms per milliliter the east as well.
Read also Menopause
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