Andropause, also known as male menopause, is the slow decrease in testosterone in the blood, which is the hormone responsible for controlling sexual desire, erection, sperm production, and muscle strength.
Andropause usually appears around age 50 and is similar to menopause in women, causing symptoms such as reduced sex drive, loss of muscle mass and mood swings, for example. Check out a more complete list of symptoms and take our online test.
Although, andropause is a normal stage of man's aging, it can be controlled by replacing testosterone through remedies prescribed by the endocrinologist or urologist
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for andropause is usually done with hormone replacement to normalize testosterone levels, which are diminished at this stage of man's life.
Hormone replacement is indicated for men who, in addition to the typical symptoms of andropause, such as decreased sex drive and body hair, for example, have blood test levels of total testosterone below 300 mg / dL or 6, 5 mg / dl³.
Which medicines are used
The hormone replacement in andropause is usually done in two main ways:
- Testosterone tablets: serve to raise testosterone levels and, in this way, decrease symptoms. An example of a remedy for andropause is Testosterone Undecanoate, which has few side effects;
- Testosterone injections are the most economical and used in Brazil, used to increase testosterone levels and reduce symptoms. Usually, 1 dose of the injection is applied per month.
Treatment should be guided by the endocrinologist, and before starting and shortly after starting, the man should have a blood test to check total testosterone levels.
In addition, three to six months after the start of treatment, rectal examination and PSA dosing should also be done, which are tests to diagnose any significant changes in the prostate gland caused by the treatment. If this is verified, the man should be referred to a urologist.
See which tests are most commonly used to identify changes in the prostate.
Who should not take hormone replacement
The hormone replacement in andropause is contraindicated in men with breast cancer, prostate cancer or who have close family members who have developed these diseases.
Natural treatment option for andropause
A natural treatment option for andropause is tribulus terrestris tea, as this medicinal plant boosts testosterone levels in the blood and is also an excellent home remedy for impotence, one of the symptoms of andropause. Another solution is the capsules of tribulus terrestris marketed by the name Tribulus. Learn more about this medicinal plant and how to use it.
To make tea from tribulus terrestris, simply put 1 teaspoon of dried leaves of tribulus terrestris in a cup and then cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Next, let cool, strain and drink 2 to 3 cups of tea per day. This natural treatment is contraindicated for men with high blood pressure or heart problems.
