Between the ages of 35 and 40 a man may notice that his energy isn’t quite what it used to be and he isn’t feeling as “sharp” as he used to. Maybe his libido and performance have changed, and he just isn’t as happy as he once was. He feels achy and less strong. Just part of aging? Yes and no.

Testosterone levels in men naturally begin to drop around age 35 and drop significantly around age 50. Stress can accelerate the drop in testosterone, and most men are faced with multiple stressors nowadays.

Testosterone deficiency is frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed in men. The symptoms can be somewhat vague and subtle in their onset: fatigue, lack of “drive” in work and life, depression, increased joint pain and muscle aches, decreased libido and sexual performance, mental fogginess, decreased physical strength and stamina, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and changes in blood sugar levels. Oftentimes, because of these symptoms, a man is started on an antidepressant and told he’s “just getting older” or “too stressed.”

The reality is that he is getting older and he probably is stressed, but there is actually something he can do about it. Testosterone replacement is safe and easy, with almost guaranteed results.

“I have yet to find a man who did not feel better on testosterone replacement,” said Christine Farrell, a family nurse practitioner. “It is also important to remember that testosterone plays one of the largest parts in promoting overall health in men as well as maintaining quality of life.”

Testosterone does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, but patients are monitored closely for the disease as testosterone could accelerate the growth of the cancer if it should occur.

Newer research has shown that the use of testosterone in men will help to decrease the risks of dementia and Parkinson’s disease as well as lower the risk of an enlarged prostate, lower cholesterol, stabilize insulin levels and fight osteoporosis.

There are different types of testosterone treatment, including injections, topical creams and a hormone pellet under the skin. Farrell specializes in the Vitapel hormone therapy (testosterone pellet).

“There are many methods of treating testosterone, but I find the pellet to be the most effective and easy form of hormone therapy there is,” she said.

The testosterone pellet has actually been around since the 1930s and is an effective and “user friendly” method of hormone therapy. The FDA granted recent approval for the use of testosterone pellets in men. The testosterone is placed under the skin and is absorbed on a continuous basis throughout the day or night. When the need is higher, the hormone output is higher and vice versa. Pellets are replaced every five to six months as needed and dissolve completely on their own.

Gels and creams are also popular and effective, but more labor intensive and sometimes messy.

Aging is unavoidable, but feeling good and being healthy shouldn’t suffer in the process. Testosterone levels can easily be checked with a simple blood test and treatment can be started immediately.

Christine Farrell specializes in hormone therapy for men and women and has a practice at 3180 Willow Lane, Ste. 102, Westlake Village. For more information, call (805) 494-8520 or go to www.bioidenticalwellness.com.