Medicines to Treat Andropause

Definition

Just as menopause is defined as the sunset of the woman's fertile period, andropause marks the physiological exhaustion of reproductive abilities in the elderly man. However, unlike the female condition - a very specific and defined phase of a woman's life - the "andropause is not always characterized by a real stalemate in procreative potential: every man reacts subjectively to the delicate period he is going through, and only some completely lose fertility.

Rather than andropause, it would be more correct to speak of "partial androgen deficiency syndrome in old age"

Causes

The cause of andropause lies essentially in the physiological decrease of testosterone levels in the blood; however gradual and slow, the hormonal decline is all the more important the greater the weight of the man. The decrease in serum levels of the male hormone par excellence drops by 1-2% per year, starting from 25-30 years; by calculating quickly, it is observed that a 70-year-old man has half the testosterone he possessed at 20 years. Andropause is also correlated with the drop in other hormones: DHT (dihydrotestosterone), DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and androstenedione, all androgens.

Symptoms

As can be guessed, the andropause triggers a series of rather problematic sexual alterations in man, which materialize in anorgasmia, muscle atrophy, decreased libido, weakness, depression, erectile dysfunction, reduction of ejaculate volume, anxious syndrome. "Andropause also involves a series of physical consequences: anemia, arrest of hair growth, thinning of the skin, increase in fat deposits, gynecomastia, reduction in bone density.
Elements such as smoking, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension can exacerbate the symptoms listed above, particularly those of a sexual nature.

The information on Andropause - Medicines for the Treatment of Andropause is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Andropause - Medicines for the Treatment of Andropause.

Medicines

We have analyzed that some pathological factors can weigh heavily on the symptoms that distinguish andropause; for example, obesity, in itself, can reduce the physiological levels of testosterone in men; consequently, the associated advanced age the exaggerated weight gain certainly does not help to maintain male sexual abilities. In such situations, just to remedy this inconvenience, it is recommended to follow a low-calorie diet and to practice constant physical exercise.

To understand: why does obesity negatively affect sexual activity?
An enzyme (aromatase) is concentrated in the adipose tissue and is involved in the conversion of testosterone into estradiol. The activity of this enzyme is then influenced by alcoholism and diabetes (type 2)

The same goes for hyperglycemia: let's briefly remember that erection is favored by the synthesis of nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator that promotes male sexual arousal. Hyperglycemia, predisposing to atherosclerotic diseases, negatively affects erection control, as it drastically reduces the production of nitric oxide. According to this, it is well understood how the treatment for hyperglycemia is useful not only for the control of symptoms related to diabetes, but also to avoid the worsening of symptoms related to andropause.
Estrogen replacement treatment (first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms in women) is not indicated in men, since similar therapy can increase the risk of prostate cancer and aggravate the symptoms of andropause.
However, the administration of testosterone by transdermal or intramuscular route can be very useful for treating the symptoms of andropause, since this hormone increases lean mass to the detriment of fat mass, and prevents anemia and bone fragility.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in therapy against andropause, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

In the case of hormonal replacement therapy for the prevention of andropause symptoms, it is recommended to periodically undergo routine medical examinations to check the integrity of the prostate and testosterone, cholesterol and hemoglobin values.

Testosterone (eg. Testovis, Nebid, Androgel, Striant, Testogel, Androderm, Testoviron): testosterone is used in sexual dysfunctions related to hypogonadism (eg impotence, hyposexuality, decreased sexual desire, andropause in general), as well as for the control of osteoporosis. It is recommended to administer testosterone intramuscularly, to be repeated every 10-14 days: the drug is also available in the form of slow-release transdermal patches. The drug is available in a 50-100 mg intramuscular solution for injection (of testosterone dissolved in sesame oil). The dosage must be carefully established by the doctor, based on the severity of the patient's symptoms. Also available in the form of a 5 gram gel (with 50 mg of testosterone), to be applied in the morning after cleansing and careful drying of the skin of the shoulders, arms, abdomen.Consult your doctor for further information.

Androgenic derivatives: block the activity of the aromatase enzyme, thus avoiding the transformation of testosterone into estradiol. Some androgenic derivative drugs are used for the prevention of alopecia in the context of andropause.

Mesterolone or 1 methyl-dihydrotestosterone (eg Proviron): it is a hormonal drug with an anabolic effect, indicated in therapy for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions caused by a deficiency in the production of testosterone, a distinctive element of andropause. Indicatively, the posology suggests taking 50-100 mg of the drug in 2-3 daily doses It is the doctor's duty to establish the most appropriate dosage for the patient and the duration of therapy.
Finasteride (ES. Prostide, Proscar, Propecia, Sitas, Finerid): this drug is authorized for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males, also in the context of andropause. The drug works by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (type 2), involved in the miniaturization of the hair (which becomes thin and brittle). The recommended dose is 1 mg orally, to be taken once a day. it must be emphasized that the therapeutic efficacy of the active principle is not immediate: the effect is generally observed after 3-6 months from the first intake, and at the end of the therapy the problem reappears after 6-12 months. We remind you that androgenetic alopecia is irreversible.

Selective modulators for androgen receptors: these innovative drugs, still under study, can preserve the benefits derived from estrogen therapy, minimizing its undesirable effects on prostate tissue.

Yohimbine: is now known as the extract of Pausinystalia yohimbe can improve sexual performance and increase desire. It should not be forgotten, however, that the administration of a similar drug can generate not negligible repercussions in man in advanced age. The active ingredient is an alkaloid molecule, with aphrodisiac activity. It is recommended to take a drug dose equal to 5, 4 mg, orally, 3 times a day You can reduce the dose to 2.7 mg, three times a day, or gradually increase it to 5.4 mg three times a day.

Drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: indicated for the man who complains of symptoms of andropause, including erectile dysfunction.
For drugs and posology. See the article on drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

In addition to drugs, for the control of symptoms related to andropause it is good to follow some preventive-behavioral rules:

Treat pathologies that could exacerbate the symptoms of andropause (alcoholism, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity) → maintain good metabolic control
Practice constant physical exercise
Prevent osteoporosis
Eating a balanced, low-calorie diet (when necessary) deprives you of excesses