Testosterone in male menopause
We already explained that andropause (male menopause) owes to an increase testosterone level, that cause a sexual regression. But what is testosterone?
This steroid hormone belongs to the androgen group and it is secreted in the testes (by the Leydig cells), being the principal male sex hormone. It is an anabolic steroid that is responsible for health and mood, libido intensification, energy, immunity and protects the organism against osteoporosis. It is also responsible for the changes that appears during the puberty:
- - maturation of the sexual organs- penis, testicles, scrotum
- - growth of muscle mass and strength
- - increasing of the bone density and strength
- - increasing of the libido and the frequency of erections
- - growth of the pubic, facial and chest hair
- - changes of facial bones contours and voice
- - the development of spermatogenic tissue in testes
- - increasing of the tendency for violence behavior.
Normally, the testes produce 4–7 mg of testosterone daily.
The level of testosterone subside gradually with age, as resulting of diseases or damages of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or testicles. When this phenomenon becomes pathological, it is called “hypogonadism” (testosterone level is below the lower limit of healthy person).
The symptoms of this disease depends on age and duration of the deficiency, but usually they are:
- - absence of pubic and body hair
- - inchoating of penis and testes
- - absence of libido
- - erectile dysfunction
- - depression
- - psychical disorders
- - bad memory
- - obesity, diabetes or hypertension
- - abnormalities in muscles and bones development
In some cases, the hypogonadism goes to osteoporosis.
The treatment consists of injectable deposits, gels and oral therapy. It is recommended the administration under medical supervision, because the testosterone supplementation have some side effects, as:
- - skin problems- acne, oily skin
- - a sleepy mood
- - problems in the treatment for prostate cancer
- - infertility