Straight Talk for Gay Men about Testosterone
As testosterone levels decline with age, it can lead to some problems which are often attributed to age alone. Symptoms which have been associated with a deficiency of testosterone include:- Decreased sexual function
- Lower vitality
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increased fat mass
- Memory loss
- Mood changes and depression
- Loss of bone density
- Anemia
- Cardiovascular disease
These symptoms are sometimes associated with testosterone deficiency, but can be present with normal levels of testosterone, and in some cases, may not occur significantly even when testosterone levels are low.
Testosterone, sometimes referred to as “androgen,” is a hormone produced in large amounts in the testicles (testes) with smaller amounts produced in the adrenal glands. (In women, some is produced in the ovaries.)
As anyone who has been an adolescent boy knows, production peaks in the teens and early 20’s. (Remember the fear of getting an erection while reciting in front of the class or of having one during your football physical?)
The issue of “male menopause” is one which doctors debate. In women, menopause occurs when hormone production stops completely, but for men, hormone production falls, but it does not stop. Men don’t run out of testosterone, but it does decline with age. Levels of testosterone continue to remain high between ages 20 to 40, but somewhere about 45-50, levels begin to decline, with a fairly dramatic decline occurring after age 70. Testosterone and memory begin their decline at about the same time. Testosterone levels also can be reduced with some diseases like diabetes and liver disease, chronic alcohol use and some cancer treatments.
When we think about the characteristics of testosterone, we usually think about its sexual power rather than its potential impact on mental processes. All the body’s attributes change with age, unfortunately, and mental functions are no exception. As one gets older, new learning is slower, new information is processed less carefully and details often slip away. Memory is the most fragile of mental functioning. Research suggests that testosterone levels may affect men’s cognitive performance.
- The Marlboro Man
The promises that testosterone might be an anti-aging tonic are particularly appealing for men who are maturing and experiencing some decline in their sexual functioning, sagging muscles and energy. Still, the iconic image of the Marlboro man is fixed in our brains, Viagra is used like “poppers,” and the promotion of “sexual enhancement” products has exploded, as industry plays upon our fears. (This early Marlboro Man ad from 1955 features the slogan: “The filter doesn’t get between you and the flavor!”)
Talking about sexual function and gay men runs some risk because there are those who think that sex is all gay men think about and talk about. Although we do struggle to shed that stereotype, in some ways sex does define us. After all it is homo-SEXUALITY, not homo-PHILIA. Sometimes, even when the “philia” is functioning perfectly well, the sexual part does not.
Testosterone helps maintain sex drive and sperm production and most men are capable of impregnating well into late life. One of the interesting findings in my research of mature men who have sex with men is that although sexual function may decline with age, sexual satisfaction often does not decline.
In Part II, I will address the specific changes related to sexual functioning.
When you reach menopause, you may need some hormone replacement therapy just to stay in top shape.
you can also reduce the sypmtoms of menopause by having hormone replacement therapy.–”
menopause symptoms can be remedied by hormone replacement therapy~*`
I am on hormone replacement therapy for male menopause. The only noticeable side-effect is the loss of hair. This can be stopped but it means yet another drug. So I now have to be content with the hair loss.
Actually, some men experience hair growth, so the problem you are having isn’t something experienced by everyone. Thanks for you comment.
Everyone would come to an age of menoupause so just enjoy each day while you are young.”
This idea of male menopause has stirred up quite a discussion. I decided I wanted to add a couple of my own thoughts again.
There really is no male “menopause” as there is for women. By that, I mean that when women’s ovaries stop producing hormones, there are definite physiological changes that occur. No parallel exists for men; we continue to produce testosterone and remain fertile well into late life. For women, it closes a definite biological chapter in their lives.
I am also not real fond of the term — even for women — because it has come to mean decline, the beginning of old age. The term “mid-life crisis” has taken on a simlar meaning.
I prefer to think of this time in our lives as a new freedom. We do change physically, for certain, and we do begin to recongize our mortality. But when we realize there is limited time left in our lives we must not waste it on meaningless endeavors. It allows us to examine some of the things we have been socialized to do and to think. Do we really want to continue to think and believe those things?
As mature men who are attracted to men it may mean re-examining our sexuality in a new way. Have you put your life on hold for too long? Do you want to continue to do that? Have you been much too concerned about what others think of you?
Mid-life allows us to recognize that we can make choices, and there is limited time to make them. We may re-commit to the same values we’ve always held, but we have the freedom to let go of those things that no longer fit.
Thanks for your article. My spouse and i have always observed that a lot of people are desirous to lose weight since they wish to appear slim as well as attractive. On the other hand, they do not continually realize that there are more benefits to losing weight as well.
Doctors declare that over weight people suffer from a variety of disorders that can be perfectely attributed to their excess weight. The great news is that people that are overweight plus suffering from several diseases are able to reduce the severity of their particular illnesses by simply losing weight.
It’s possible to see a progressive but noticeable improvement in health whenever even a small amount of weight reduction is attained.
Thanks for your comment.
I am one of those people who’s struggled with weight through the years. The only time as a mature man that I reached my recommended weight was when I was running about 25 miles per week. Not only could I not sustain that life style because of the time it demanded, but as a big man, it was hard on my knees.
I agree with your comment about focusing on exercise rather than dieting alone. Not only does it lead to weight loss but it has a multitude of other benefits as well. Exercise may even act as an appetite suppressant.
Having had both a total knee replacement and a total shoulder replacement, exercising became a little complicated. About while back I discovered water aerobics at our local Y. I have been participating in it now for about a year now. I go three times per week.
I have lost weight and inches around the middle. Because of the buoyancy of the water, I could use my knee even within a couple of weeks following my surgery. What I have also found is that my shoulder and knee are both much stronger and I have increased the range of motion of both. I no longer need medications for high blood pressure.
My message is that even with compromised health, it is possible to find some exercise that can work for you. You may find that water aerobics is a good choice.
Loren Olson
I have experienced the effects, both good and bad of HRT. It did help me in many ways. The only problem is going through the skin problems when first starting. Acne, the most major one, and for a man well into his 80′s it takes some getting used to.
One other note of mention is while it does work, the method in which you get it will vary from man to man. I find that the IM injections are what work for me, but know some who use the patch and topical ointment, so talk with the doctor about the opption that works best for you.
John
Loren’s Comment:
I have been using the gel pump for my testosterone replacement and am satisfied with it. I have however considered switching to the injectable which is recommended by Dr. Abe Morgentaler in his book, Testosterone for Life: Recharge Your Vitality, Sex Drive, Muscle Mass, and Overall Health.
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It’s good to see someone else who thinks like I do. With so much ignorance in the world these days it’s nice to know there’s someone out there who isn’t an idiot.