When men enter the period of the age of 30 years and above, the level of the hormone testosterone gradually decreases continuously, which may affect energy, mood, sexual capability, muscle mass, and the quality of sleep. These changes are usually understood as a matter of "age", making a large number of men not receive an assessment of the level of the hormones and of the health of the metabolism suitably. This article summarises the overall picture of the state of the male age of change (Andropause), from the mechanism of the hormone testosterone, the signals that should be observed, and the approach to the examination and diagnosis, through to caring for the male hormone suitably, referring to the framework of clinical assessment of the medical team at PYONG MEN

What is the male age of change medically

The male age of change, or what is called in medicine Late-Onset Hypogonadism, is a state in which the level of the hormone testosterone (Testosterone) decreases lower than the level it should be, together with having symptoms related to the deficiency of the hormone. Testosterone is the main hormone that controls the male sexual characteristics, the muscle mass, the density of the bones, and sexual capability. This decrease therefore has a wide-ranging effect on the various systems of the body, not limited merely to the matter of sexual capability

The mechanism of the decrease of the male hormone

When men enter the age of 30–40 years, the level of the hormone testosterone decreases by an average of about 1–2% per year, gradually. This process is hastened and becomes more severe when there are other accompanying factors, such as accumulated stress, a state of chronic inflammation at the level of the cell, and a state of degeneration of the capillary blood vessels (Microvascular degeneration). When the capillary blood vessels perform the duty of delivering oxygen and nutrients less well, the tissue and the reproductive organs are in an environment that does not favour normal working. The result that follows is the decline of sexual capability, the shrinking of the muscles, and the systematically reduced working of the nervous system

The signals that men usually observe

The symptoms of the male age of change have several dimensions, and usually do not all appear at the same time, but gradually accumulate until they begin to affect the quality of life

Reduced sexual desire and declining capability: the sexual organ does not become fully erect, the erection cannot be maintained for long, or the response to stimuli reduces
Chronic exhaustion and a tired brain: feeling out of energy, with reduced concentration, and beginning to have a problem in short-term memory
Reduced muscle mass and increased accumulated fat: muscle is built with more difficulty, but instead there is noticeably increased accumulated fat at the area of the abdomen and around the waist
Changeability of mood: becoming irritated easily, having a state of sadness, or losing confidence
Reduced quality of sleep: not sleeping soundly, waking often in the middle of the night, which further disturbs the cycle of the secretion of the hormones at night

These symptoms can arise from other causes as well, so a structural assessment should be received before concluding the cause

When a physician should be seen for an assessment

If the symptoms in the group above begin to accumulate continuously and affect the daily routine, the relationship, or the capability in working, seeing a physician for a structural assessment is a reasonable thing, particularly in a case where there are accompanying factors, such as the disease of diabetes, high blood pressure, a state of being overweight, or a history of abnormal sleep. Assessment from the first stage will help the physician be able to distinguish the cause clearly and design an approach to care that suits the specific context of each individual

The approach to the examination and diagnosis at PYONG MEN

The diagnosis of the state of the male age of change, or Andropause, should not rely on the symptoms alone, but should be assessed together with clinical information, the results of laboratory examinations, and specialised examinations that are detailed enough, so that the physician understands the overall picture of the hormones, the system of metabolism, the health of the blood vessels, and the factors that may be connected with male sexual capability comprehensively

The clinical assessment covers the analysis of the proportion of muscle mass and of abdominal fat (Visceral Fat) in order to assess the system of metabolism, the examination and assessment of the size of the testicles, and the testing of the strength of the deep muscles of the pelvic floor

The deep blood examination (Comprehensive Endocrine & Metabolic Panel), in order to analyse the level of the hormones deeply and comprehensively, not limited merely to the total Testosterone value

The ultrasound examination of the system of blood circulation (Scrotal Color Doppler Ultrasonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to scan the system of blood circulation at the area of the pelvic floor in order to assess a state of the blood vessels that may be connected as well

The approach to caring for and restoring the state of the male age of change at PYONG MEN

The approach to caring for the state of the male age of change at PYONG MEN is designed to cover the several systems that may be connected with the symptoms, namely the environment at the level of the cell, the system of the blood vessels, the system of the hormones, and the muscles of the pelvic floor, with the physician considering the technology and the procedures that are suitable according to the result of the assessment specific to the individual

The instruments that may be brought in to be used in the programme are the Superdose Activated Purified Growth Factor, in order to support the process of repairing the tissue and the restoration of the system of the blood vessels at a deep level; Transrectal QMR, which is a procedure that uses waves of energy without heat, in order to support the restoration of the prostate gland and of the deep structures of the reproductive system; High-Precision Focused Shockwave, in order to support the process of restoration of the blood vessels at the area of the penis and the pelvic floor; as well as the Advanced Pelvic Neuro-Vascular Protocol, for restoring the muscles of the pelvic floor, by using electromagnetic waves

The programme of care is designed according to the severity of the symptoms, the cause found on examination, and the specific context of each individual. It is not the choosing of procedures separately; the physician is the one who designs the plan after a complete assessment. The length of time in the restoration is generally about 2–3 months. In this, the response may differ in each case

In short summary

The male age of change is a state in which the level of the hormone testosterone decreases lower than the normal level together with related symptoms; it is not merely the result of increased age
The level of the hormone testosterone begins to decrease by an average of 1–2% per year when the period of the age of 30–40 years is entered
The symptoms met often are reduced sexual desire, chronic exhaustion, reduced muscle mass, changeable mood, and reduced quality of sleep
The diagnosis relies on a deep blood examination of the hormones together with a clinical assessment and a scan of the system of blood circulation
The approach to care at PYONG MEN is designed specific to the individual, covering the system of the hormones, of the blood vessels, and of the pelvic floor, using a length of time of restoration of about 2–3 months

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. At what age does the male age of change begin The level of the hormone testosterone begins to decrease by an average of 1–2% per year when men enter the period of the age of about 30–40 years, but the length of time at which the symptoms appear clearly differs in each individual, depending on heredity, factors of health, and the way of life

2. Are the symptoms of tiring easily and not wanting sex always the age of change or not Not always. These symptoms can arise from other factors, such as stress, a state of abnormal sleep, a chronic disease, or the side effects of medicine, so a systematic assessment should be received before concluding the cause

3. What blood tests must be taken to examine the male age of change A complete assessment needs the examination of several hormone values, not merely Total Testosterone alone. The physician considers the examinations according to the symptoms and the context of each person, in order to obtain a clear overall picture

4. Does the male age of change have choices of care without needing hormone replacement or not It may be considered, depending on the cause, the level of the hormones, and the suitability for each individual. At PYONG MEN there is an approach aimed at restoring the environment of the cells and the system of the blood vessels, which may help support the working of the systems concerned when it has been considered as suitable

5. How long is the length of time in caring for the state of the male age of change generally The programme designed usually covers a length of time of about 2–3 months, but the length of time in seeing the result of the response depends on the cause, the severity, and the specific conditions of each person