Low Testosterone And Male Impotence
Posted by tom sterling on April 25th, 2018
We all know that menopause is an age-dependent decline in the female reproductive hormones. Andropause, though a controversial concept is a gradual decrease in blood testosterone that occurs with advanced age in men. Andropause can be called male menopause. It is arguable whether this is the actual cause of consequent symptoms. Like menopause in women, andropause is caused due to low production of sex hormones in the body; mainly, testosterone in this case. But as compared to menopause, this process occurs slowly and can take at least 20 years before the full-flagged symptoms become apparent.
These symptoms are often vague and non-specific; thus, making correct diagnosis of the condition difficult. The potential underlying causes accountable for the reduction in testosterone levels in the blood include a degradation in testicular function with age (primary testicular failure) and a decrease in pituitary hormone function which can lead to decreased levels of sex hormones in males (secondary testicular failure). There may be more than one reason responsible for the reduction of testosterone in males. The signs and symptoms of andropause are weakness, fatigue, mood changes, osteopenia, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. In a clinical study done on 302 infertile men, 38% had significant andropause symptoms. Erectile dysfunction and low libido are commonly associated with low testosterone levels; however, these can still happen in a male who has normal testosterone levels in the blood. Having proper sexual arousal (libido) and adequate blood flow in the penile region are the two contributing factors that lead to a normal and sustained erection. Any abnormality in either or both of the factors can result in erectile dysfunction. An overall evaluation of the entire hormonal balance using a broad treatment plan which includes lifestyle elements, nutritional supplements, and hormonal balancing along with medical management is required to improve erectile dysfunction.
Andropause and erectile dysfunction or Impotence: What is the connection?
Testosterone is a male reproductive hormone produced in the testes and adrenal glands and is required for normal sexual function and getting and maintaining erections. Many metabolic activities like the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, bone formation, carbohydrate metabolism, liver function, and prostate gland growth are regulated by testosterone. In the human body, testosterone either circulates freely in the blood or is bound to other chemicals. One such chemical to which most of the binding of testosterone occurs is called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) which traps over 98% of available testosterone. Freely available testosterone in the body is only 2% of the total testosterone and is an actual functioning portion of the hormone. As age advances, SHBG levels in the blood increase leading to excessive testosterone trapping, making it unavailable for normal functioning elsewhere in the body. Hence, normal functions of freely available testosterone like promoting libido and sexual performance are degraded with a reduction in sleep quality, physical and mental energy, and low mood and sense of well-being. A significant effect of andropause is possibly the loss of bioavailable testosterone for many men leading to loss of libido, or sexual drive. This consequently leads to an increase in the time taken to achieve an erection and a decrease in the force and volume of ejaculation with a reduction in the rigidity of the erection. All these eventually lead to erectile dysfunction or impotence.
How is Andropause Treated?
A highly effective treatment for treating most of the signs and symptoms of andropause is testosterone replacement therapy. Clinical studies have reported very positive responses to testosterone replacement therapy in men who have low testosterone levels due to andropause. The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy are as follows:
• Enhanced libido and sexual performance
• High mood and sense of well-being
• Augmented physical and mental energy
• Diminished irritability, fatigue, and anxiety
• Better quality of sleep
• Bone density improvement
• Increased muscle strength
• Reduction in fat mass
Treatment strategies should also include lifestyle improvements like a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and the cessation of tobacco and alcohol intake. Certain medications like Viagra, Fildena 100, Cialis, and Levitra are successfully proven in the treatment of impotence caused by andropause.
