Sexual Vitality for Men


Sexual Vitality for Men: Body, Mind and Emotions

It is not unusual for former athletes to lose their gusto and gain a gut as they get older.  Testosterone plays a key role in body composition and fat cell metabolism.  When levels begin to drop, men lose lean muscle mass and add on the pounds, particularly around the abdomen. 

The change in body composition is more than cosmetic.  Multiple studies show that men with low testosterone are at increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.  Lower testosterone levels are also associated with a loss of muscle mass and strength.  The impact is much greater than simply a deterioration of a once muscle-bound physique.  A 2006 report in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that men aged 65 to 99 with lower testosterone levels were more likely to fall and to fall multiple times more than their counterparts with higher testosterone levels.  While physical changes are obvious, testosterone’s influence on emotional stability and cognition are subtle yet insidious.  A 2008 study of approximately four thousand older men in Australia found that those with depression had significantly lower testosterone levels.  In addition, several studies have shown that declining testosterone levels adversely affect memory and problem-solving. 

When questioned about day-to-day life, many men report a loss of enthusiasm for simple joys, including family and hobbies.  Others find it difficult to fully concentrate on tasks at work or at home. When combined with decreased libido and/or sexual performance issues, it is not uncommon for men to begin to question their manhood and identity in mid-life.  When a man comes into our practice complaining of fatigue, “feeling low”, and a decreased sex drive, we see red flags waving.  This man is in andropause.