A man's testosterone levels drop as he ages; it's a given. However the condition is treatable, with testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT. There are several options for TRT, including gels to be applied on to the skin, injections, oral capsules and skin patches. After TRT, patients have reported improvements in their:
- Attitude
- Mood
- Sense of well-being
- Self-esteem
- Bone density (in most cases it was at least maintained and did not decline)
- Concentration
- Cognition
- Energy levels at home and work
- Body composition (ratio of fat to lean muscle mass falls)
- Muscle mass and strength
- Visual-spatial skills
- Libido and sexual performance
Studies say high cholesterol levels and smoking can raise the risk for the early onset of andropause. With or without TRT, patients have coped with some of the condition's worst effects through lifestyle changes, like:
- Quitting smoking
- Cutting alcohol intake
- Stress management
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise
