Have aging on your mind? As each January 1st passes we are all reminded of how it physically and psychologically affects the aging process. As each of us reflects upon the previous year, we make resolutions for things we want to accomplish in the next 12 months. Weight loss tends to top the list of New Year resolutions, and illustrates the physical and psychological aspects of entering a new calendar year. Thoughts of health, and at times, vanity enter the minds of many. Let’s look at the impact of men.

In the minds of many, there is a Norman Rockwell picture painted of men aging gracefully, growing more distinguished and wiser with age. For millions of men over 35, they find themselves a silent victim of declining hormone levels and too often feel like shadows of their youth. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Low testosterone in men has a similar effect on the body and the psyche as low estrogen levels do in women. Society has known about the impact of low estrogen levels on women and the official diagnosis of a ‘menopause,’ for decades, but not until recent years has the term ‘male menopause,’ or as it is more medically known as, ‘andropause’ been a word in the American vernacular.

If you’re not familiar with it yet, let me introduce you to andropause.

Andropause is caused by declining male hormones levels -- in particular with testosterone levels, which peaks in a man’s 20’s and around ages 26-28 starts a lifelong decline. By age 35 most men can notice a decrease in testosterone levels. Most estimates concur that 4 out of 5 men over the age of 40 have low testosterone levels.

For years men have considered the hormone-related changes in their body as normal, and to an extent these declining male hormone levels are normal because no man avoids it. So many things can be tied back to hormones that impact daily life. Consider this, what if you could safely restore your hormone levels to ones similar to your youth? Think about it, testosterone levels impact so many of the things you do and experience on a daily basis. From your overall energy and mood, to the ‘age related’ weight around your tummy, to decreased desire for intimacy with your partner at night. Just like hormones affect women, hormones affect men.

Think about the question, what is male menopause? There’s over a dozen symptoms of andropause and maybe a few are a little too close for comfort for most men over 35. Most men can dismiss irritability and mood swings to stress and memory loss to age. Maybe increased body fat, low energy and muscle loss can be attributed to more sedentary lifestyles on the job. Speaking of your job, lost some of that spark in your career? Don’t have the passion to complete just one more proposal before you go home at night? Speaking of passion, what about your partner? Is your sexual passion still there physically? How about mentally? Staying in the bedroom, when you’re in bed at night have you noticed night sweats? Worst, is your passion for life diminished, or feel like you have the signs of depression?

Have just a few of the above symptoms and you might very well be experiencing decreases in hormone levels. It doesn’t have to be this way and it is reversible through male hormone therapy. Male hormone therapy is safe when conducted in a controlled environment. Specifically you should be under a doctor’s care that specializes in hormone levels and treating imbalances. The first step to treat male hormone deficiencies is to get your hormone levels tested by a doctor. If you are a candidate for treatment the doctor will help you create a program designed to safely replenish your hormone levels. To ensure the program is effective and safe, periodic hormone level testing will need to occur.

What’s your resolution going to be this year? If you have the ability and the interest, learning more about male hormone treatment might be the best resolution you’ll ever make.