Features of "velvet age" in men

The decrease in the level of sex hormones with age occurs not only in women, but also in men. In this case, you should not write off the fact that the decrease in testosterone levels that occurs in the body of a man can lead to rather unpleasant consequences for males. In this article, Estet-portal will tell you about the features of the "velvet age" in men, which affect both the physiological and psychological health of the stronger sex and are caused by testosterone deficiency. 

Age-related decrease in the level of sex hormones is typical not only for women, but also for men. Symptoms of andropause – when the production of testosterone in the body of a man gradually decreases – can be quite painful. However, they should not be attributed to the inevitable approach of old age, since modern hormone therapy is quite capable of returning a man the joy of life and self-confidence.

Why testosterone is important for men

Testosterone – main male hormone. Its blood level exceeds the concentration of any other androgenic compounds.

The main effects of testosterone in the male body are as follows:

• stimulating effect on the genitals (prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis, penis);
• masculinizing effect on the development and severity of secondary sexual characteristics (skeletal structure, condition of the muscular and skeletal systems, hair growth, vocal apparatus, skin);
• activation of metabolic processes (influence on the metabolism of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, cholesterol, trace elements, as well as erythropoiesis);
• activation of spermatogenesis;
• stimulation of sexual behavior, sexual desire, erectile and ejaculatory abilities, sperm production.

It is known that in men with age, the process of formation of sex hormones, primarily testosterone, gradually decreases. It is noted that after 30-40 years, testosterone levels decrease by about 1-2% per year. In men at the age of 80, testosterone levels average about 40% of the normal levels of the hormone for a man of 25 years of age. Testosterone levels vary from person to person of the same age. This is influenced by factors such as lifestyle, bad habits, genetic and constitutional features. The presence of most chronic somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease) exacerbates existing problems and reduces the total production of testosterone or its free (active) fraction.

Signs of testosterone deficiency in men

Testosterone deficiency can lead to a range of disorders affecting all aspects of men's health. All symptoms can be divided into several groups:
Urinary disorders:

• decreased libido;
• erectile dysfunction;
• orgasmic disorders;
• decrease in the fertility of the ejaculate;
• frequent urination.

Vegetovascular disorders:

• sudden redness of the face, neck, upper body;
• feeling hot ("hot flashes");
• fluctuations in blood pressure;
• pain in the heart;
• headaches;
• dizziness;
• feeling short of breath.

Psycho-emotional disorders:

• increased irritability;
• quick fatigue;
• weakening of memory and attention;
• insomnia;
• depressive conditions;
• decrease in general well-being and performance.

Somatic disorders:

• decrease in muscle mass and strength;
• decrease in bone density;
• breast enlargement;
• increase in adipose tissue mass;
• reduction of hair on the head, body, pubis;
• thinning and atrophy of the skin.

Testosterone and erectile dysfunction

During the onset of androgen deficiency, one of the most common complaints of patients is a decrease in libido. The term "libido" means sexual desire and desire. In both men and women, it directly depends on the level of testosterone. Therefore, it is not surprising that with a decrease in the level of the latter, a decrease in libido occurs. This often happens over several months or even years, as testosterone levels drop gradually. A decrease in libido leads to a deterioration in all aspects of a man's sex life, reducing the frequency of thoughts about sex, sexual fantasies, and even dreams. All this causes problems in the relationship with the partner.

One of the most unpleasant symptoms of age-related hypogonadism is a decrease in potency, or a reduced ability to achieve and maintain an erection. The word "potent" itself comes from the Latin "having strength, power, ability and influence" or "capable of achieving an erection necessary for penetration and childbearing".

Since potency is an integral indicator of masculinity, its decline or loss leads to the fact that a man feels deeply unhappy in all areas of his life. Fearing failure in bed, the man begins to abstain from sex. And this, in turn, further inhibits the production of hormones. It turns out a vicious circle – a man, still capable of a full-fledged sexual life, deprives himself of it.

Many men are subconsciously afraid of a possible decrease in their sexual capabilities and begin to prove their worth to themselves and others by starting new novels. It is about such that they say – "gray hair in the head – devil in the ribs".

Gradually, there is a weakening of the erection. It starts with the fact that there are fewer and fewer morning erections. These spontaneous erections, which appear in the morning due to the rise in testosterone levels upon awakening, are very important, because they show that the erectile mechanism is in order. The loss of such erections during the period of androgen deficiency occurs due to a drop in the total level of free active testosterone. This is confirmed by the fact that often against the background of testosterone replacement therapy, morning erections appear again.

But during this period, other problems arise: an erection occurs much more slowly, it is much more difficult to maintain it, and it lasts for a shorter time. A man begins to act too hastily, does not give pleasure to a woman who is much slower than him, especially in the period after menopause. Excessive haste, in turn, leads to premature ejaculation. Due to the low level of testosterone, the tone of the pubococcygeal muscles around the urethra and at the base of the bladder decreases. These muscles, as well as the corresponding paravaginal muscles in women, contract during orgasm. Due to insufficient testosterone levels, they contract more and more slowly, lowering the "brightness" and "depth" of orgasm.

An unpleasant problem for both partners with a lack of testosterone in a man can be a decrease in the size of the erect penis, and partners who have had harmonious sexual relations cease to satisfy each other.

The impact of testosterone on mental health

Irritability is one of the most distressing symptoms of testosterone deficiency for both men and their loved ones. A man gets irritated over trifles, he has frequent mood swings. As the patients themselves say, life "loses its colors", interest in life and love gradually disappears. The man of action becomes the man of inaction. He begins to be overcome by mental and physical fatigue. Testosterone – just what drives men, determining their public and private life. It can be said that it is the "male hormone of success".

Depression is a characteristic feature of the age-related decline in androgen levels. Depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated, leading to reduced work capacity, increased morbidity and mortality. Such a depressive state, nervousness, anxiety for any reason deprive a man of self-confidence. This may be accompanied by sleep disturbances due to various unpleasant, disturbing thoughts. Sleeping pills prescribed in such cases only aggravate the situation, causing excessive fatigue and drowsiness during the day and worsening erectile function at night.

Most men chalk it up to a simple bout of depression, trying antidepressants, but usually to no avail, and sometimes worsening, as most antidepressants increase fatigue and negatively affect erectile function. Testosterone replacement therapy gradually eliminates depression, while reducing other signs of androgen deficiency.

Androgen deficiency impairs overall health

Age-related androgen deficiency leads to osteoporosis, reducing bone density, reduced growth and shrinkage of bones, which is a risk factor for fractures. A decrease in the level of sex hormones increases the likelihood of fractures even with minor injuries. Age significantly affects the formation of osteoporosis in both men and women. Currently, in countries where patients widely use hormone replacement therapy, it was possible to slow down the development of osteoporosis and thereby reduce the incidence of fractures.

Cardiovascular disorders are manifested by hot flushes of blood to the face and head, sudden reddening of the face, neck and upper body, sweating, feeling hot, feeling short of breath, dizziness, darkening of the eyes. There may be pain in the region of the heart, palpitations. Arterial pressure is unstable, easily rises, development of crises is possible. The risk of myocardial infarction increases.

Age-related decline in testosterone levels is accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass and strength, excessive accumulation of fat, mainly in the upper and middle parts of the body. In men with androgen deficiency, a positive effect of testosterone replacement therapy on an increase in muscle mass, muscle strength of the arms and legs and a decrease in adipose tissue was noted.

Testosterone has an effect on the condition of the hair and scalp. In a man during the onset of androgen deficiency, the hair becomes dull, brittle and lifeless, prone to dandruff. During testosterone therapy, the hair begins to regain its original color. Many men note an improvement in the condition of their hair and scalp. Also, more hair appears on the chest, on the back and in the pubic area, which further strengthens the man in his own strength and courage.

Like hair, skin is very sensitive to testosterone activity. During the period of age-related hypogonadism, collagen production decreases, the skin loses its smoothness and elasticity, and becomes drier. There may also be thinning of the skin, causing the skin to look more wrinkled. With testosterone replacement therapy, a man's skin becomes less dry, more hydrated, and his hair is not as brittle.

Thus, age-related hormonal changes in a man's body need appropriate therapy, because when testosterone levels rise to normal with the help of treatment, a man becomes a more confident, calm, happy and contented person.