Men's Hormones
Feel like your energy and vitality are slipping away? Let us help you take control of your hormones with confidence.
Functional Medicine Approach
What is Andropause?
Welcome to the world of andropause—often dubbed the “male menopause.” Unlike the dramatic hormonal rollercoaster women face during menopause, andropause sneaks up on you slowly, typically starting in your late 40s or early 50s. It’s like a dimmer switch, gradually turning down your testosterone levels. This sneaky drop can lead to all sorts of annoying symptoms like losing muscle mass, gaining that stubborn belly fat, feeling bone-tired, and facing those infamous sleep problems. Not to mention the lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and overall dissatisfaction in the bedroom. And let’s not forget the emotional and psychological rollercoaster, which can bring the onset of depression, irritability, and a lack of motivation or focus. To diagnose andropause, doctors typically start by evaluating your symptoms and running blood tests to check your testosterone levels. If andropause is the culprit, the common treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), like testosterone shots. For those mood-related symptoms, doctors might also recommend specific interventions such as antidepressants. It’s all about finding the right balance to get you back to feeling like yourself again.
How Can We Help?
Here’s the thing about andropause: it doesn’t play by the same rules for everyone. Lifestyle, diet, environment, genetics—they all throw their hats into the ring, making each man’s experience unique. That’s why it’s crucial to look at the big picture. We’re not just talking about checking your testosterone levels and calling it a day. Functional medicine practitioners dig deeper, considering the interconnectedness of your body systems, social situations, and symptoms. It’s a bit like being a detective—only with fewer trench coats and more lab coats.
Our Approach
At Vitality, we approach andropause as a holistic process, not just a “low testosterone” issue. Our comprehensive evaluation doesn’t just stop at testing your testosterone levels. We also check out other key hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, and DHEA. Nutrient deficiencies, inflammation markers, and metabolic health? Yep, we cover those too. Our treatment plan is all-encompassing, touching on lifestyle, diet, exercise, and stress management.
We manage declining testosterone levels with nutraceuticals and supplements, including adaptogenic herbs that not only help balance your hormones but also boost your overall health. In some cases, we might recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Our approach is personalized and collaborative, aiming for sustainable and comprehensive improvements in your health and well-being.
Consider This!
Before you consider jumping on the testosterone shots bandwagon, here’s a heads-up: once you start taking exogenous testosterone, your body decides to hit the snooze button on its own production. Coming off testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t a walk in the park; it’s more like climbing a mountain. Your natural testosterone production might take months to resume, if it does at all. Meanwhile, those low testosterone symptoms—like fatigue and low libido—could make an unwelcome comeback, and you might even experience withdrawal effects like mood swings and decreased energy.
It’s best to taper off TRT gradually, under the watchful eye of a healthcare provider. Regular monitoring is essential, and sometimes post-cycle therapy (PCT) or lifestyle changes can help support your natural testosterone production and overall well-being. Consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is crucial for personalized advice and support during this process.
And while we’re on the subject, let’s clear up a common misconception: unlike the sudden changes in menopause, the hormonal shifts in andropause are more like a slow burn. Testosterone levels in men decline by about 1% per year after age 30. This gradual decrease means symptoms can be subtle and sneak up over many years, making them harder to spot. By using adaptogenic herbs that naturally support testosterone production, we can help blunt this decline and keep those pesky symptoms at bay.
So, if you’re feeling the effects of andropause, don’t just chalk it up to getting older. There’s a lot you can do to take control of your health and well-being. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Vitality Functional Family Medicine Principles
Vitality Functional Family Medicine Team...
Amrit Dockery, DO
Heather Thornton
My experiences for the last 30 years in both helping and healthcare roles have naturally converged, taking that wisdom, heart and hope and now devoting the second half of my life wholeheartedly to people who are on their own journey of finding balance and fulfilment. My goal is to compassionately and fervently help you reach your goals!
I am currently completing my accreditation through the International Coaching Federation, and if you are a patient of Vitality, you'll get the added benefit of our work together including a health plan and goals designed and refined at every visit with your personal physician. It's absolutely within reach to experience meaningful change, so let's get started!
Testimonials
Vitality Functional Family Medicine
Clients Feedback
I have never had a doctor explain things to me so clearly and in as much depth as Doctor Dockery. She is thorough in her assessment and explanation while providing ample ways to improve your overall health. She is effective in treating acute problems and proactive by implementing preventative measures to help optimize your health. I appreciate the amount of time she spends with me in the room and am impressed by her knowledge of new medical research.
Dr. Amrit Dockery is incredibly knowledgeable in her field, especially in regards to health and wellness. She took the time and care to walk me through my results, as well as giving me a practical game plan on how I could work towards my health goals. She cares about true healing and getting to the root of the issue, not just putting a band aid on things. I have been incredibly blessed by her care.