Sorry, laughter: Information can be the best medicine.
Knowledge. It’s essential and powerful in feeling and being our healthiest, avoiding chronic illness, and maintaining vitality and energy as we age. But when it comes to one topic about something every man experiences and many eventually feel the drag from, information has been difficult to come by or, at best, riddled with myths. The topic, testosterone and, more specifically andropause—the gradual decline of testosterone in men as they age, as well as a group of associated effects—is about a universal part of men’s lives. An estimated 4 million men are living with Testosterone Deficiency[i]—whether through andropause and/or other causes—which means their lowered hormone level has caused one or often several bothersome symptoms. Yet only about 5 percent seek or receive treatment and for those that do, the treatment isn’t always medically sound.Of an estimated 4 million men living with Testosterone Deficiency, only ~5% seek or receive treatment. For those that do, the treatment isn’t always medically sound.
Through WINPowerPause—the market-leading solution designed to support those navigating menopause, andropause, and Testosterone Deficiency—we’re here to clear the fog of myths and silence that shrouds this universally important aspect of men’s healthcare. With easy access to reliable vetted medical information and one-on-one expert support, PowerPause is a big step towards a more vital, energetic, and healthy life.The Nitty Gritty
Let’s start with the technical stuff: What are we talking about exactly? A few definitions can help.- Testosterone is a hormone—or, chemical messenger—made mostly by the testicles in men. Testosterone is “thought of” as only a sex hormone but more it’s more than that. Testosterone plays an important role in broader health and function. It supports making new red blood cells, increasing muscle mass and strength, maintaining sperm production, helping maintain normal mood, and supporting bone density.
- Low Testosterone is a morning-checked total Testosterone level less than 300 nanograms (ng) per deciliter (dL)[ii]—as defined by several leading physician groups like the American Urological Association.
- Andropause, often used synonymously with “late-onset hypogonadism,” broadly refers to the gradual decline of Testosterone in men as they age, as well as a group of associated effects.
- Testosterone Deficiency is a medical diagnosis made when individuals have both low Testosterone and one or more symptoms and/or signs.
Myth: “I feel great and I’m only 35. I don’t need to know about this stuff.”
Fact:
Good energy, drive, and health are a gift, especially when you’re young. But the seemingly slow dropping of testosterone over time can lead to complacency. By the time they’re 45, more than a third of men may have Low Testosterone (defined above) which, by itself, isn’t necessarily a problem. But Testosterone Deficiency—low testosterone accompanied by other symptoms and issues—can sneak in unnoticed at first. [iii] The symptoms can be subtle and are frequently (and easily) explained away by things like work-life grind or a busy family life. But they can point to low testosterone-related comorbidities like diabetes, bone density loss, metabolic syndrome, and more. Researchers are even studying a connection to heart attack and stroke. If you feel good now, that’s great! The key is building awareness and knowledge about andropause, asking the right questions—if and when symptoms crop up in life.Myth: “Those symptoms sound inevitable so I don’t need to bother.”
Fact:
Very few people avoid challenges as they age; however, wide-ranging symptoms may be anything but inevitable. There are resources available to help you assess your emerging symptoms and whether they are related to low testosterone. Testing is also simple and convenient. Chalking up symptoms as “just getting older” could put you at higher risk for more serious health problems. As we talked about in the definition above, testosterone is more than just a sex hormone. It’s vital in maintaining broader health and body function, which means that Testosterone Deficiency can lead to bigger problems like depression, increased cardiovascular events, stroke, bone density loss/low-trauma bone breaks, and more—check out the comprehensive list of symptoms that can be related to Testosterone Deficiency below. Again, it’s about awareness and getting tested, as well as knowing what questions to ask when talking with your doctor or an expert. Low testosterone can be addressable in a safe, clinically sound manner if you follow the right pathway.- Reduced Endurance
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Decreased Energy
- Diminished Work Performance
- Diminished Physical Performance
- Body Hair Loss
- Reduced Beard Growth
- Loss of Muscle Mass
- Abnormal Weight Gain
- Reduced Motivation
- Memory Difficulty
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Increased Irritability
- Feelings of Depression
Myth: “I heard testosterone therapy is the same as weightlifters taking steroids. No thanks.”
Fact:
If you’re worried testosterone therapy will lead to unwanted body changes or a life of fighting other Dads at Little League—not to worry! Testosterone therapy is based on decades of research and clinical best practices. It’s imperative to work with physicians and qualified medical professionals when making any health-related moves. Testosterone therapy is prescribed by, and closely controlled by, medical professionals and is only done in conjunction with medically valid diagnostic tests. While testosterone is technically a steroid, and testosterone therapy uses some of the same or similar medications as illegal steroid abusers, it’s not at all the same. Dosing and administration are much different, and the methods of taking the medications are an important factor as well. Here, you are treating a deficiency and bringing it back to the normal range, as opposed to upping your testosterone to an unhealthy and dangerous level. The bottom line: You should have regular appointments with your healthcare provider when exploring andropause, low testosterone, Testosterone Deficiency, and testosterone therapy.Myth: “Testosterone is good for all men with low Testosterone and symptoms.”
Fact:
Testosterone therapy can have positive impacts, but needs to be managed by a qualified physician. Consider that a person who wants to conceive with a partner can be negatively affected by testosterone treatment. In fact, taking testosterone can lower sperm counts, many times to zero. With the appropriate medical guidance, there are options to address low testosterone or, possibly, implement a strategy that emphasizes natural solutions like weight loss and delaying pharmaceuticals for later. On average, for each 10-pound weight loss, there is a 75ng/dL increase in testosterone.[iv] We’re back on a common theme: The importance of working through a qualified benefit program and closely with your medical professional to develop a long-term pathway. The strategy should include follow-up and recommended testing when it comes to hormonal health and testosterone therapy.Myth: “I wish I could talk about this with my friends but it’s just too weird.”
Fact:
We get it. (The author here is a 50-year-old guy who’s hesitant too.) Social norms, cultural barriers, stigma, perception of professional risk, fear of vulnerability, and the “bro code” are real. That’s why WIN designed PowerPause to give men a credible and responsible outlet to talk confidentially with an expert Nurse Care Advocate who will listen and guide you to the resources you’re most comfortable with. WIN also provides an evidenced-backed resource to help clear the clutter of misinformation, “anti-aging,” and “Low T Centers”—much of which lack indications for treatment, appropriate testing, and follow-up.WINPowerPause for Andropause
WINPowerPause program for andropause was created to support men seeking guidance, information, and treatment for age-related testosterone decline, Testosterone Deficiency, and their associated symptoms. The solution is based on well-regarded American Urological Association Guidelines on Testosterone Deficiency, which includes criteria for testing, definition of low testosterone, symptoms and comorbidities, and treatment approaches. The central aspect of WINPowerPause is access to a dedicated Nurse Care Advocate who provides 1:1 support to members across the continuum of care:- Assessment: Explore your specific set of symptoms, discuss the causes of low testosterone as well as associated comorbidities and risks, and detail potential pathways to feeling better and more vital. While the symptoms associated with low testosterone are many and varied, it’s important to note that not all are necessarily related to the condition. WIN Nurse Care Advocates are here to help you sort things out.
- Workup: Access testing and vetted network providers who have a good understanding and experience in Testosterone Deficiency
- Treatment: Discuss treatment recommendations made by the physician and any ongoing concerns; facilitate initial prescriptions and renewals, as appropriate. Also discuss different testosterone delivery systems that can include: Subcutaneous (SQ) injections, intramuscular (IM) injections, oral agents (that are FDA-approved), implanted pellets, and skin gel applications
- Follow-up: Support you in obtaining follow-up testing and care, based on best-practice guidelines
[i] Sexual Medicine Society of America, https://www.smsna.org/patients/conditions/low-testosterone [ii] American Urological Association, “Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency” [iii] Harvard Medical School, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/testosterone–what-it-does-and-doesnt-do [iv] Camacho et al., Journal of Endocrinology (2013) 168 445-455
