Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, has become a more prevalent problem in men. Society is becoming more aware of this disorder and the treatment options for it. At Creative Compounds, we have several treatment options including lozenges (for under the tongue or in the cheek), injection therapy and natural products that can be used to treat this disorder. We can work with you and your practitioner to come up with the right option for you.

Andropause:
Hormonal Imbalance In Men

What is Andropause?

By the time men are between the ages of 40 and 55, they can experience a phenomenon similar to the female menopause, called Andropause. Unlike women, men do not have a clear-cut external signpost such as the cessation of menstruation to mark this transition. Both, however, are distinguished by a drop in hormone levels. Estrogen in the female, testosterone in the male. The bodily changes occur very gradually in men and may be accompanied by changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, a loss of energy, sex drive and physical agility.

What's more, studies show that this decline in testosterone can actually put one at risk of other health problems like heart disease and weak bones. Since all this happens at a time of life when many men begin to question their values, accomplishments and direction in life, it's often difficult to realize that the changes occurring are related to more than just external conditions.

Unlike menopause, which generally occurs in women during their mid-forties to mid-fifties, men's "transition" may be much more gradual and expand over many decades. Attitude, psychological stress, alcohol, injuries or surgery, medications, obesity and infections can contribute to its onset.

Although with age, a decline in testosterone levels will occur in virtually all men, there is no way of predicting who will experience Andropausal symptoms of sufficient severity to seek medical help. Neither is it predictable at what age symptoms will occur in a particular individual. Each man's symptoms may be also different.

The Role of Testosterone

Starting at about age 30, testosterone levels drop by about 10 percent every decade. At the same time, another factor in the body called Sex Binding Hormone Globulin, or SHBG, is increasing. SHBG traps much of the testosterone that is still circulating and makes it unavailable to exert its effects in the body's tissues. What's left over does the beneficial work and is known as 'bioavailable' testosterone.

Andropause is associated with low ("bioavailable") testosterone levels. Every man experiences a decline of bioavailable testosterone but some men's levels dip lower than others. And when this happens these men can experience Andropausal symptoms.

These symptoms can impact their quality of life and may expose them to other, longer-term risks of low testosterone. It is estimated that 30% of men in their 50s will have testosterone levels low enough to be causing symptoms or putting them at risk.

Impact of Low Testosterone

When there is less testosterone available to do its work, the testosterone target-organ response decreases, bringing about many changes.

There is great variability in testosterone levels among healthy men so not all will experience the same changes to the same extent. But typical responses to low bioavailable testosterone levels include:

• Low sex drive
• Emotional, psychological and behavioral changes
• Decreased muscle mass
• Loss of muscle strength
• Increased upper and central body fat
• Osteoporosis or weak bones and back pain

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

In many instances, testosterone replacement in men with andropause can be highly effective and beneficial. However, it's not for every man and you should discuss with your doctor if you would be a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy.

In various clinical studies, very good responses to testosterone have been reported for men with low-testosterone and they include:

• Improvement in mood and sense of well-being
• Increased mental and physical energy
• Decreased anger, irritability, sadness, tiredness, nervousness
• Improved quality of sleep
• Improved libido and sexual performance
• An increase in lean body mass, a decline in fat mass
• An increase in muscle strength (hand grip, upper and lower extremities)
• Potentially, a decrease in the risk of heart disease

With testosterone therapy, one's attitude improves, reinforcing self-esteem and self-confidence at work, as well as an increased energy at home and in social activities. Most men will feel more vigorous, experience improved energy levels, mood, concentration, cognition, libido, sexual performance and an overall sense of well-being. These effects are usually noted within 3 to 6 weeks.

Other potential benefits include maintenance or improvement in bone density, improved body composition, muscle mass and muscle strength, as well as improvement in visual-spatial skills.

Of course, any ongoing strategy to reduce the symptoms and risks of Andropause should incorporate lifestyle approaches such as optimal diet, regular exercise, stress-management, and the reduction in tobacco and alcohol intake.

Management of Andropause

Testosterone is the therapeutic agent used for andropause. Creative Compounds Pharmacy uses only bio-identical testosterone U.S.P. and can help men restore a normal hormone balance and restore vitality and zest in their life, thus allowing men to enjoy their mature years more fully and healthily.

Testosterone can be administered in many different ways. Injections can be given every 2-3 weeks however most men prefer to take testosterone via a transdermal gel that is applied to the skin. Gels do not irritate the skin like testosterone patches.

We also have mini-lozenges which are dissolved in the mouth and come in many different flavours from mint to wild cherry. There are a variety of strengths available depending on what you require. Our pharmacists can assist you and your doctor in choosing the right product and strength for you. Men with a history of prostate or breast cancer should not take testosterone therapy.

When combined with a healthy lifestyle composed of appropriate exercise, good eating habits, and vitamin-mineral supplements, testosterone therapy can help achieve optimal results for the man impacted by Andropause.

Return to Top