Is Low Testosterone Causing You to be a “Grumpy Old Man?”

Is Low Testosterone Main Cause of IMS?

If you are over 40 and find yourself irritable all of the time, low testosterone could be to blame.

“Hey, you kids, get off of my lawn!” The iconic “grumpy old man” has been a staple of comedy movies and TV for decades.

But the truth is feeling irritable and annoyed often is no laughing matter, and it could be a sign of an actual medical condition known as “irritable male syndrome,” or IMS.

Like “PMS” in women, irritable male syndrome is related to hormones, in this case, low testosterone levels. Irritable male syndrome not only shares similarities with PMS, but it also shares the hormonally caused mood swings and depression typical of menopause. This is why it is also referred to as andropause or “male menopause.”

How Do I Know if I Have Irritable Male Syndrome?

As you can surely glean from its name, the main symptom of irritable male syndrome is feeling grump or irritable. Other mood swings such as depression and anxiety are also symptoms. It can also lead to difficulty in focusing on tasks, mental fog, trouble sleeping, reduced energy, and even erectile dysfunction.

What is it that can cause all of these symptoms and more? The drop of testosterone occurs as men age. Testosterone levels in men peak at just about the age of 20. After that, testosterone production starts a steady decline. Once a man is over 30, he can expect his testosterone level to drop about 1% to 2% per year. In some men, that hardly makes a difference, but in many men, it leads to irritable male syndrome or andropause. By the time most men are between the ages of 45 and 65, they will likely be feeling the effects of low testosterone to some degree. In addition to negatively impacting your moods, low testosterone can

• Lower your sex drive
• Cause weakness and fatigue
• Make you gain weight, particularly belly fat
• Sap you of energy and motivation
• Cause disrupted sleep
• Make it challenging to build muscle, even when working out

How Do I Know If I Have Irritable Male Syndrome?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, low testosterone affects almost 40 percent of men who are 45 and older. If you are over 40, moody, and experiencing any of the other symptoms mentioned above, there is an exceptionally good chance you may be suffering from the irritable male syndrome or low testosterone.  However, the only way to know for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested. After a complete medical exam that would be designed to rule out any other cause for your symptoms, your doctor would want to check your testosterone level.

A large percentage of the testosterone in your bloodstream is what doctors call “bound” testosterone, and a smaller amount exists in your blood s “free” testosterone. “Total testosterone” refers to all of the testosterone in your blood at a given time. “Free testosterone” is the amount of testosterone that is actually available for use by your cells. A simple blood test is used to test for the total testosterone in your blood. A total testosterone test is usually enough to make a diagnosis of low testosterone.

Sometimes, depending on your initial testosterone test results, as a follow-up to a total testosterone test, your doctor may order a free testosterone test.

How is Irritable Male Syndrome Treated?

Irritable male syndrome or low testosterone is treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy is designed to bring your testosterone levels into the optimal range for you.

Testosterone therapy is available in several forms. Testosterone injections are most often prescribed to treat men with the symptoms of the irritable male syndrome.

For most men, testosterone injections are well tolerated. Testosterone replacement is usually prescribed for a program of six-months. Most patients on testosterone replacement therapy start to see an improvement in their irritable male syndrome symptoms within a few weeks.

What Every Man Needs to Know Testosterone Replacement and Irritable Male Syndrome

Irritable male syndrome, or andropause, is also known as hypogonadism, or more simply, “low testosterone.” But, no matter what you call it, the condition involves a drop in testosterone production that becomes more dramatic in men over the age of 45.

It doesn’t matter if you call it “irritable male syndrome” or “low testosterone,” doctors treat age-related testosterone deficiency with testosterone replacement therapy. Prescription hormone replacement therapy for men is available via injection, topical creams or gels, skin patches, subdermal pellets, or oral medication. Most doctors agree that testosterone injections are the safest and most effective form of testosterone therapy.

Testosterone replacement therapy is only available with a doctor’s prescription. You cannot buy testosterone online or anywhere without a doctor’s prescription. While any doctor can write you a prescription for testosterone replacement therapy, you should work with a clinic like the NuLife Institute specializing in age-related hormone decline.

At NuLife Institute, we realize that not all men with low testosterone have the same set of symptoms or the same health and wellness goals. We will tailor your testosterone therapy program to your unique needs and lifestyle to maximize your benefits and optimize your results.

Our medical director, Dr. Luis Dominguez, has used his unique, customized approach to help thousands of patients reverse the clock on aging and enjoy a whole new lease on life.  Dr. Luis Dominguez has applied his inquisitive mind and passion for evidence-based Integrative Medicine to focus on utilizing a whole-body approach that provides life-changing results.

“Since working with Dr. Dominguez and his staff at NuLife, I feel great. I am stronger, fitter, and far less irritable. Almost every day, I wake up in a good mood and full of energy, and my sex life has never been better! Thank you, Dr. D” – Stan P. Pembroke Pines, Fl.

If you would like to learn a little bit more about the many life-changing benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, please contact us today by calling (305) 400-0005.

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