Are You a ‘Grumpy Old Man’? – How Hormone Optimisation Therapy Can Help Change Your Life!

Anecdotally, the middle-aged male is often described as the ‘grumpy old man’; with people describing a change in their partner, friend or loved one from once a fun-loving individual to someone who is tired and depressed once they surpass 40 years of age. However, this stereotype actually has its roots in the male andropause (often called the male menopause). Just as women have hormonal changes with age, men do too when their androgen (male sex hormones) levels drop. The male andropause includes physical and emotional changes that correspond to a decline in male hormone levels with age.

As the symptoms of the male andropause are not as abrupt as the female menopause and the drop in hormones happens over a few years, it has historically been ignored or shrugged off as just being ‘part of life’. Many men are ignored when seeking medical advice, or just prescribed antidepressants rather than addressing the root cause of the problem! 

The typical age that andropause symptoms become noticeable are between 40-55, however symptom onset can be earlier or later than this as a normal variant. The symptoms of andropause can include low libido and erectile dysfunction, lack of energy, memory deterioration, irritability, low mood, weight gain, loss of muscle mass and loss of body hair. Most men suffering from andropause symptoms are in the prime of their careers and life choices, with the symptoms being experienced significantly impacting their quality of life.

Males experiencing the andropause also have a significant risk to their health. Low testosterone is scientifically found to increase the risk of cardiovascular death and increase all-cause mortality. The male andropause also reduces bone density, increasing risks of osteoporosis.

It is not just testosterone which decreases in age, but hormones such as DHEA (Dehydropiandrosterone) which plays a role in testosterone production, also decrease. Other physiological effects of andropause can include an increase in the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which reduces the amount of bioavailable testosterone.

How can Valens Health help me?

There are many factors to take into consideration with the male andropause and there is a huge difference between regular testosterone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone optimisation therapy, with the latter being preferable to optimise not only health but decrease any side effects. Our Medical Doctors at Valens Health are specialists in their field. We take both your symptoms and blood markers into account to tailor a specific bioidentical hormone optimisation therapy medication program for your specific needs. Our belief is that no two men are identical, so no two therapy packages should be either.

Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas.