October 2005

By Virginia J. Pillsbury

That’s right. The “change of life” believes in equal billing. Men go through the equivalent of female menopause and even have similar symptoms including lack of energy, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, irritability, and lowered sex drive. Erectile dysfunction is another symptom that men may deal with during this stage in their lives. And, if that’s not enough, blood pressure and blood sugar levels may also increase.

According to Gary C. Bernard, M.D., founder of BodyLogicMD in Orange Park, a physician who specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy, andropause occurs with a reduction of the testosterone hormone in men, and can first occur in men beginning in their 20s through their 70s, but most often in men in their 40s and 50s.

Generally, men lose approximately 1 percent of their testosterone a year after age 30. To properly diagnose andropause, testosterone levels, as well as free testosterone levels – which provides energy, reduces fat, enhances bone and muscle, relieves depression and increases sex drive – must be measured, explained Bernard. And, while, the dropping testosterone level can’t be stopped; it can be successfully treated and managed.

“Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a way of treating waning testosterone levels,” said Bernard. “These FDA approved hormones are chemically identical to what the body produces. The hormone can be replaced by a weekly injection of 100-200 milligrams, testosterone gels or creams applied to the skin.”

“The optimal daily dose is 75 milligrams,” said Bernard. “Some men may need 100 milligrams, while others may only require 50.” For some, it may be beneficial to “bi-dose” or divide the dose and apply twice daily instead of once, he added.

Bernard said men who accurately follow the regimen should expect some results within three to six months. “We’ve found that 75 percent of men will stay with the program and 25 percent will discontinue use.”

If you are experiencing andropausal symptoms, there is help. See your doctor for a recommendation to a specialist who offers bioidentical hormone replacement.

For more about testosterone replacement therapy, go to www.bodylogicmd.com.

Virginia J. Pillsbury is an Orange Park based freelance writer.