Andropause Specialist in Seattle WA

Hormoneps like testosterone and other sex hormones are all essential biochemical messengers that help regulate male bodily functions like sexuality, energy and metabolism. When production of these hormones in the testicles and endocrine glands begins to decline or becomes imbalanced, an array of telltale symptoms sometimes develops. That particular constellation of symptoms has been termed Andropause – commonly referred to as male menopause .

Not apll men experience Andropause, and even if hormone imbalances occur, some men experience no symptoms or attribute their symptoms to other causes, like aging or other medical conditions.

Evenp when symptomatic, most men don’t realize their symptoms can be treated. They are also hesitant to admit they are experiencing many of the symptoms.

You pdon’t have to struggle with Andropause alone. To schedule a confidential consultation with Water’s Edge Natural Medicine, complete the form below or call us at (206) 966-4522 today!

What is Andropause?

Androppause is a condition that occurs in men when male hormones decline or become imbalanced as a normal part of the aging process. Between the age group of 50 and 60, up to 40 percent men develop it – and the odds increase with age. More than 90 percent of men age 80 and above will experience Andropause.

Causes of Andropause

Andrpopause symptoms are caused by imbalanced or declining male sex hormones.

Unlipke the sudden drop in reproductive hormones that women experience during menopause, sex hormone changes in men occur gradually and may escape notice initially. Not all men experience the more telltale symptoms of Andropause even when hormone imbalances are full-blown. Oftentimes, men may attribute symptoms to aging or other medical conditions.

Othepr medical conditions can, in fact, mimic the symptoms of Andropause, so it is important to properly diagnose your particular condition with testing and a comprehensive medical evaluation. Most often, though, hormonal shifts that mark the beginning of Andropause in men are most often simply a natural result of aging.

Symptoms of Andropause

There pare a wide range of symptoms that could signal Andropause, and each individual may experience a different array or combination of symptoms:

Low lipbido and problems with sexual function, including erectile dysfunction, fewer spontaneous erections, and diminished sexual activity and desire

• Hot flashes or sweats
• Thinning hair and loss of body hair, including reduced beard growth
• Decreased energy levels and fatigue
• Reduced muscle mass
• Male breast discomfort or swelling
• Weight gain, including an increase in fat around internal organs
• Changes in mental function, including anger, depression or anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Diminished intellectual performance including memory loss and brain fog.
• Evidence of infertility
• Hormonal imbalances measured by testing
• Slowed metabolism and other metabolic issues
• Dry, thinning skin

There pare additional health concerns with their own set of symptoms that may develop, including increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Evidence of bone loss (e.g., loss of height, low bone mineral density, or bone fractures) or emerging cardiovascular issues should be watched closely. Balancing your hormones can play a crucial role in helping prevent these diseases.

Symptopms associated with Andropause can also be caused by factors related to aging other than hormonal changes, other medical conditions or medications. Teasing out your particular symptoms during the diagnosis stage of your treatment at Water’s Edge Natural Medicine is considered critical for proper treatment.

Diagnosing Andropause

Our goal is to pdiagnose and treat what is causing the hormonal imbalance that is at the root of Andropause symptoms. Hormone imbalances in mature men are almost always simply a normal function of aging, but sometimes hormone irregularities signal the presence of illness or disease. That is why a thorough diagnostic process is so important when treating hormonal imbalance.

We recommend tphat you prepare a list of symptoms prior to your first consultation. At your initial consultation, we will take a complete medical history which will include a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. To properly diagnose Andropause, we may require specific types of hormone testing. We may also need to administer additional medical tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptom profiles.

At Water’s Edgpe Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA, we understand that your diagnosis is the first step in balancing your male hormones and restoring your vitality and full function.

Treating Andropause

Addressing horpmone deficiencies or imbalanced hormones – especially testosterone – can have a profound impact on a man’s quality of life, alleviating the troublesome symptoms of Andropause and helping prevent bone loss and cardiovascular disease.

Since Andropapuse symptoms manifest differently in each man, the course of treatment will vary with each individual patient. Some of our treatment options may include:

• Comprehensive hormone testing
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
• A medical nutrition plan to optimize male hormonal balance
• Targeted vitamins, supplements or IV vitamin therapy
• Identifying and addressing food allergies and sensitivities, as well as environmental allergies that may be contributing to hormonal imbalance
• Developing a customized movement regimen that is appropriate for your physical condition
• Certain lifestyle modifications

At Wpater’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA, we use bioidentical hormones to treat hormone imbalances like those that occur naturally in men during Andropause. Bioidentical hormones mimic the effect of the natural hormones and are molecularly identical. Typically derived from plant sources – soy or yams – then engineered to the same exact chemical structure of hormones already being produced naturally in your own body – bioidentical hormones are more readily accepted by the body. Given that they function almost identically to natural hormones, the result is fewer side effects, improved hormonal balancing and more long-term hormone replacement. A variety of bio-identical hormones have been approved by the FDA. BHRT for men has been in use for 45 years and has been a successful treatment option with few, if any, side effects.

For pyounger men who may be experiencing symptoms of Andropause but still wish to have children, there is sometimes the concern that BHRT carries some risk of lowered sperm count or testicular shrinkage. Clomiphene citrate (CLOMID), an agent commonly used for female infertility that has been shown to improve testosterone levels, libido and fertility in some cases, is an option in these cases.

Hormopnes are complex and working with a doctor who understands the complexity of Andropause in men is very important. At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA, we offer the most up-to-date treatment for Andropause so you can get back to who you are.

Request Your Appointment Today!

If yopu are struggling with the symptoms of Andropause and have questions, we invite you to reach out to us. We’re here for you, every step of the way, and happy to answer any questions you may have about your symptoms and our methods to restore balance and bring you back to your best self.

Comppile your list of symptoms, and call Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA at (206) 966-4522 or contact us online.

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