If you’re like most men, the “Dad Bod” trend of being a little softer in the middle suits you just fine.
But now that you’re well into middle age, you may look back on the days when you ate what you wanted without gaining weight and worked out without warming up or feeling sore after with a little longing.
Let’s face it, something has changed in the last decade (or two, or three…). What you may not realize is that your hormones are partly to blame.
A Crash Course on Men & Hormones
Testosterone is the main sex hormone found in men’s bodies. Made in the testes, testosterone is responsible for the physical changes boys experience during puberty. It is responsible for muscle growth, bone density, hair growth, and energy levels as wells as the quality of a man’s sex life.
Typically, testosterone levels begin to spike at the outset of puberty and are at their highest levels in a man’s 20’s. However, sometime after the age of 30, a man’s testosterone levels begin to decline, sometimes as much as 1 percent per year. Just as they are settling into their family life and careers, men in their 40’s and 50’s often experience symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, sometimes without even realizing it.
Symptoms of Hormonal Decline
It is easy to blame many of the symptoms of hormonal decline on high-stress lifestyles, poor diet or other lifestyle changes that often go hand-in-hand as men age. However, a hormonal decline can be the root cause of:
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Weight gain
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Muscle loss
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Fatigue
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Changes in sleep patterns
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Changes in sexual function
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Emotional changes such as sadness or depression
So, how do you know whether the symptoms you are experiencing are due to hormonal change or something else?
Putting the Pause on Hormonal Changes
Many physicians use the term “andropause” to describe the hormonal changes men go through as they age.
Fortunately, many of the symptoms of andropause can be alleviated by rebalancing the hormones in a man’s body. However, not all supplements are created equal. Only bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), administered by a qualified health professional, can give you the results you are hoping for in a safe, effective way.
First, a basic blood test will give your doctor a picture of your current hormone levels. Armed with this information, they can prescribe the right combination of bioidentical hormones to meet your needs.
Next, they will configure your therapy for your body, your symptoms, and your needs. Many BHRT patient report feeling stronger, happier and more energetic in just a few days.
Of course, over time, your BHRT may require adjustments as your body compensates for your new hormone levels. Imagine, losing your love handles, your lethargy and your need for an afternoon nap with one simple change.
Just because you are sporting a Dad Bod now doesn’t mean you have to live with fatigue, weight gain, lethargy, or a diminished sex drive forever.
Give yourself the best Father’s Day gift possible, whether you are a dad or just look like one.