Andropause
Andropause symptoms are common in men as they age due to declining hormone levels, especially testosterone levels. Often, a modern lifestyle consisting of high stress levels combined with bad fitness habits, poor nutrition, and an increased life expectancy have a substantial effect on the male body. With your hormone-producing glands being forced to work harder and longer, it is no wonder that hormones become imbalanced throughout the aging process. While the decline in testosterone production can begin in men as early as their 20’s, andropause really ramps up after we hit the age of 30.
In men, this hormone imbalance often shows up in testosterone and cortisol (the stress hormone). With testosterone and cortisol levels out of proper range, men experience a range of andropause symptoms.
Andropause Night Sweats
Night sweats, which are characterized by excessive sweating at night, are one of the most prominent symptoms of menopause. Just like night sweats in women, night sweats in men are most often the result of hormonal imbalance. Andropause is a period of the male aging process that is defined by declining testosterone production. When testosterone levels are found to be inadequate, it leads to estrogen dominance. This kind of male hormonal imbalance leads to a host of debilitating symptoms, including night sweats. During this time, testosterone may also convert into estradiol due to an adverse reaction with the enzyme aromatase, which tends to be more plentiful in men with excess body fat (another common symptom of low testosterone levels). This conversion only exacerbates the problem, and all of these symptoms and conditions often make each other worse in a relationship known as a feedback loop.
As it pertains to night sweats in men, low testosterone levels actually trick the hypothalamus of the brain into thinking that the body is overheated. Since the hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, the body then reacts to get rid of the excess heat that isn’t really there, resulting in night sweats. Night sweats are just one issue that can interrupt a good night’s sleep and lead to more serious issues like insomnia.
How to Manage Andropause Night Sweats
Since hormonal imbalance is the most common culprit of andropause and all of its symptoms, fixing that imbalance is the best way to eliminate night sweats. Testosterone replacement therapy, in particular, offers the most promising results for men struggling with andropause. Adding small doses of testosterone to raise testosterone levels from low to adequate can correct estrogen dominance and its life-altering symptoms.
High levels of cortisol have also been associated with night sweats in men. Therefore, finding ways to reduce or eliminate stress can also help eliminate night sweats.
Other Andropause Symptoms
Of course, andropause and the ensuing hormonal imbalance can lead to a wide variety of negative symptoms. These male menopause symptoms include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Muscle loss (decreased muscle mass)
- Low libido or low sex drive
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Urinary problems
- Gynecomastia (male breasts)
- Hair Loss
- Sleep apnea
- Insomnia or difficulty getting a good night’s sleep
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
Abnormal levels of even one hormone cause imbalance in other hormones and lead to a domino effect of sorts. Men may not experience all of the above andropause symptoms, but they commonly experience a combination of these symptoms. While these symptoms are signs of andropause, they may also be symptoms of other conditions like adrenal fatigue or poor thyroid health.
There is Relief for Male Menopause Symptoms
Contrary to popular belief, none of the above male menopause symptoms are just signs of old age. These andropause symptoms may be correctable through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). It all starts with quick and simple testing that allows an expert anti-aging physician to prescribe a treatment plan consisting of individualized natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, supplement and fitness regimens designed to work specifically with your body to correct your symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Live better, longer.
Contact the BodyLogicMD-affiliated bioidentical hormone specialist nearest you to schedule an appointment and learn more about how these male menopause symptoms can be relieved through testosterone therapy and other types of BHRT. Treat night sweats, restore your quality of sleep, replenish your lost muscle strength, and jump-start your libido with BodyLogicMD!
