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LONG-TERM EFFECTS
The long-term effects of hypogonadotropinism include:
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Erectile dysfunction
- Muscle loss
Osteoporosis
In healthy individuals, bone tissue is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. People who have osteoporosis do not rebuild bone tissue as fast as it is broken down. Bone density in men between the ages of 40 to 70 decreases by up to 15%. This is a concern, as a person with low bone density is at risk for bone fractures. Common fracture sites are the hips, wrists, spine and ribs.
Testosterone affects many metabolic functions within the body. It assists with the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, as well as bone production. Decreasing levels of testosterone play a role in diminished bone rejuvenation and diminished production of blood cells.
With advancing age and declining testosterone levels, a man's risk level is similar to women. One in eight men over the age of fifty has osteoporosis.
Who will develop osteoporosis cannot be predetermined, but there are risk factors that will predispose a person to developing osteoporosis. The risks include:
- Age
- Low testosterone levels
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Thin and/or small frame
- Use of corticosteroids, anticonvulsants or drugs used to combat tissue rejection
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Lack of weight-bearing exercise
How Do You Find Out If You Are In Andropause?
The only way to find out for sure, is to have a blood test that measures the bioavailable testosterone. The best time for this test is in the morning, due to the night and day cycle peaks of testosterone.
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