Men also lose hormones as they as age. The effects of declining hormones such as testosterone, thyroid, growth hormone, and DHEA in men are much more gradual than in women, and many men adapt to the change, often not even recognizing they need help. The changes, however, are very real and can include the following symptoms:

o Decreased Mental Sharpness

o Decreased Energy, Strength, Endurance

o Decreased Muscle and Increased Body Fat

o Lessened Desire for Activity and Exercise

o Mild to Moderate Depression and Irritability

o Loss of Enthusiasm for Daily Life

o Decreased Sex Drive

o Impaired Sexual Functioning

o Muscle weakness and aches

o Inability to sleep

o Hypertension and increased risk of heart disease

o Thinning bones and joint degeneration

People maintain fairly healthy hormone levels until age 35-40, which was the human life expectancy before the advancement of medical science. Declining hormones, coupled with poor lifestyle, improper diet, lack of exercise and stress are largely responsible for the health problems and frailties of later years. The good news is that andropause and other signs of aging can be minimized with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).  

BHRT is about restoring hormone levels to the optimal ranges people have in their twenties. Age 35 is a good time to begin BHRT, but you are never too old to start.  

Because BHRT uses natural, bioidentical hormones, the body is able to tolerate them without many of the negative side effects associated with synthetic hormones. An example of a male BHRT program might include testosterone, thyroid, and DHEA supplementation.

To determine what is right for you,

Dr. Welchner will consult with you and perform a series of blood tests. Based on your blood tests and what you want to achieve, you and Dr. Welchner will then develop a BHRT program designed specifically for your individual needs.  

Andropause Questionnaire

Take the AndropauseTest

1. Do you have a decrease in libido?

2. Do you have a lack of energy?

3. Do you have a decrease in strength or endurance? 

4. Have you lost height?

5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life"?

6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?

7. Are your erections less strong?

8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?

9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?

10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?   

If you answered yes to questions 1 or 7, or to any three questions, you may be suffering from Andropause.