- How the treatment is done
- What remedies are used
- Who should not do hormone replacement
- Natural treatment option for andropause
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. For this reason, andropause is also often referred to as Androgenic Deficiency in Male Aging (DAEM).
Generally, andropause appears around the age of 50 and is similar to menopause in women, causing symptoms such as reduced sexual desire, loss of muscle mass and mood swings, for example. Check out a more complete list of symptoms and take our test online.
Although andropause is a normal stage of aging for men, it can be controlled by replacing testosterone using drugs prescribed by the endocrinologist or urologist
How the treatment is done
Treatment for andropause is usually done with hormone replacement to normalize testosterone levels, which are reduced at this stage in a man's life.
Hormone replacement is indicated for men who, in addition to the typical symptoms of andropause, such as decreased sexual desire and body hair, for example, show total testosterone levels below 300 mg / dl or 6 through blood tests., 5 mg / dl³.
What remedies are used
Hormone replacement in andropause is usually done in two main ways:
- Testosterone tablets: these are used to increase 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: they are the most economical and used in Brazil, used to increase testosterone levels and reduce symptoms. Generally, 1 injection dose is applied per month.
The treatment must be guided by the endocrinologist and, before starting and shortly after its beginning, the man must have a blood test to check the total testosterone levels.
In addition, three and six months after the start of treatment, the digital rectal exam and PSA dosage should also be performed, which are tests that are used to diagnose if there was any type of important alteration in the prostate caused by the treatment. If this is found, the man should be referred to a urologist.
See which tests are most used to identify changes in the prostate.
Who should not do hormone replacement
Hormone replacement in andropause is contraindicated in men with breast, 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 increases blood testosterone levels and is also an excellent home remedy for impotence, one of the symptoms of andropause. Another solution is the tribulus terrestris capsules marketed under the name of Tribulus. Learn more about this medicinal plant and how to use it.
To make tribulus terrestris tea, simply put 1 teaspoon of dried tribulus terrestris leaves in a cup and then cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Then, let it cool, strain and drink 2 to 3 cups of tea a day. This natural treatment is contraindicated for men with high blood pressure or heart problems.
