Male-Menopause Books

This book helps to explain why men start getting physical and mental symptoms, sometimes as early as their late 30's or early 40's. Its really not how long we live, but how well we live that matters most. The book doesn't give empty promises about "turning back the clock" but instead, explains how aging doesnt' have to include the typical symptoms that go along with it. Research is just starting to understand male menopause ("andropause") and why each man's situation is so unique vs. the general cycles experienced by women as they age.

You don't have to be embarrassed if you have symptoms like fatique, depression, weight gain, achy muscles and slow recovery times after work outs. Maybe you just need to get your hormones checked to find out if your testosterone is low. There are several ways to go about determining whether you need hormone replacement. This book will get you started the right direction.

This is the best book on male TRT that I have read. It gets down and dirty with the details to make TRT/HRT understandable. It does this while remaining easy to read. Medical names and terms do not get in the way.

The author thinks that T injections are not very good. The problem is that practice, when the book was published in 1998, was to inject every 2,3 or 4 weeks. The author concluded that injections were a poor delivery method. With guys self injecting [at home] today once a week, or twice a week or even every other day, the problems cited by the author do not exist.

The book, lacks information* on how to find a TRT/HRT competent doctor and what to ask for. Sadly, one can easily know more about these things than most doctors. Finding a good TRT/HRT doctor is close to impossible for many.

* This seems to be common fault with Doctor written TRT related books.

Excellent hormone replacement book for both men and women. Easy to read and relate to. Real eye opener.

This is my favorite hormone book.
I have read many Hormonal books, and Dr. Shippen has tons of good information for us older men.
Fun, easy to read and full of usefull information to get the best out of your hormones.
Great book

The Testosterone Syndrome, Reversing the Male Menopause by Eugene Shippen, M.D. is a book about testosterone replacement for aging males. Dr. Shippen is a popular lecturer on the medical meeting circuit where he covers testosterone replacement. Not only is he an expert on testosterone medical research, he also draws on his experience of many years using testosterone in clinical practice.

It is well known that institutional medicine has been staunchly opposed to the idea of testosterone for aging males. In spite of this opposition, national sales of testosterone has been increasing yearly, suggesting that consumer demand is now the driving force. For the medical consumer, since this information isn't available from your doctor or in the media, Shippen's book is the first step to learn about signs and symptoms of low testosterone, and whether testosterone supplementation is right for you. Although some areas of the book contain language suitable for health care professionals, the book is actually written for the lay reader.

According to Shippen, age related decline in testosterone levels cause muscle weakness, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, and the onset of a host of degenerative diseases. However, merely replenishing testosterone is not the whole solution. The missing piece of the puzzle is the male estrogen level which can go up with testosterone treatment because of the aromatase conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Shippen found that this aromatase conversion of testosterone to estradiol. was aggravated if testosterone blood levels fluctuated between high and low extremes. Shippen advocates the gradual release of testosterone with subcutaneous pellets to avoid this problem. I found it puzzling that Shippen did not mention aromatase inhibitor medication which is the current solution. Also, many other experts suggest daily topical testosterone creams, since this provides more stable delivery.

During a more recent lecture I attended, Shippen spoke about giving a series of small mini-injections of testosterone, rather than the pellets. So I would caution the reader to keep in mind that the book was written 10 years ago, and a future new edition would be welcome, including information on aromatase inhibitors and other new developments. In spite of this, there is much excellent information in the book. While drugs change with the passage of time, human physiology does not.

A key chapter deals with low testosterone, erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction. Here Shippen shares his insights about the importance of exercise (Kegel exercises), to strengthen the pelvic muscles, in addition to testosterone for the return of sexual function.

Other chapters deal with beneficial effects of testosterone on the circulation, the heart, and mental functioning. Another chapter deals with testosterone and the prostate. One myth is that testosterone causes prostate cancer, and Shippen finds no evidence of this in the medical literature or in his clinical practice.

In conclusion, Shippen's book is recommended for any male over the age of 50 who is interested in testosterone supplementation to maintain youthful vigor, and as a preventive health measure.

Jeffrey Dach MD

The Andropause Mystery, Unraveling the Truths About the Male Menopause by Robert S. Tan M.D.

In this book, Robert Tan MD , an astute clinician and a board certified specialist in geriatric medicine, describes his professional experience, diagnosing and treating hormonal decline in aging males. Tan describes a turning point in his career when he stumbled upon a bedridden male with the typical signs and symptoms of low testosterone, namely muscle weakness, frailty, memory loss, and hair loss. Lab testing confirmed low testosterone levels. Testosterone for aging males was new in those days, so Tan had difficulty convincing the pharmacy to release the testosterone injections ( 200 mg twice a month). After three months of injections, the patient grew a beard, began walking again, and his memory and libido improved.

The experience motivated Tan to do a Medline search on the topic, and he found very little research in the area of Male Menopause, also called Andropause. This book was written to unravel the truths and dispel the myths about the Male Andropause and Testosterone replacement for the aging male.

Tan asks a few obvious questions. The medical system treats women for the hormonal decline of Menopause, so why aren't men treated for their similar hormonal decline of male Andropause? The medical system recognizes Menopause, but does not recognize Andropause.

Many physicians deny that Andropause really exists. Tan says sorry, but it does exist, and his patients are testimony to this truth. Andropause is a real syndrome, and he clearly explains that 30% of males over 65 have low testosterone levels with the associated muscle weakness, memory loss, and loss of libido. Tan also explains the reasons why the syndrome is ignored by conventional medicine. There is no curriculum in medical school or residency, and very little research in the library due to lack of funding, and lastly, unlike females who are more expressive and communicative about their night sweats and hot flashes, males tend to be stoic, and in denial of their Andropause symptoms.

Tan discusses the beneficial affects of testosterone on cognitive function, finding that many (but not all) demented nursing home males are restored to normal after testosterone treatments. He also discusses the effect of testosterone on mood, cardiac function, muscle strength, bone density, and lastly improvement in libido and erectile function. In one humorous story, Tan recounts a demented nursing home patient whose testosterone treatment had to be discontinued because of hypersexual effects. Apparently, the old fellow had approached several nurses with inappropriate requests.

Tan also discussed the incorrect belief that Testosterone treatment increases the risk of prostate cancer. Tan dispels this myth, stating that in his clinical experience, he has yet to see a case of prostate cancer induced by testosterone replacement. Nonetheless, Tan advocates routine prostate surveillance with serial PSA and DRE.

Chapter 7 discusses the nuts and bolts of testosterone replacement with diagnostic blood testing, available testosterone preparations and dosage schedules. Tan feels that testosterone replacement for males should become as routine as HRT for the female menopause.

Inconclusion, in a field with scant information, Tan's book fills a void. The book is an honest, courageous, down to earth, and occasionally humorous look at testosterone replacement for the aging male. Also recommended is The Testosterone Syndrome by Eugene Shippen MD.

Jeffrey Dach MD

What I thought I bought; a book about the aging process and the Andropause. What I got; mostly a book about testosterone replacement. This book was a let down.

The bravado of patriarchy and its reliance upon presenting males as strong, vibrant creatures able to take on the world when young, and equally powerful when old has always been a myth perpetuated as the alpha male syndrome.

However, the reality is that, like women, men undergo similar hormonal changes as a result of aging. While the outward appearance of men may remain somewhat similar, both personality and hormonal changes occur along with the physical changes in muscle power that young men discern readily in challenging the older male establishment for power and prominence.

Little discussed, or viewed as the natural aging phenomenon of men and the mellowed perspective in which he sees the world, and operates in it, typical male menopause has focused upon his desire to grativate toward younger women to extend his male prowess, or by making the wild changes of adopting fast cars, and more relaxed lifestyles in an attempt to capture his youth.

That males haven't come to grips with the similarities of aging among women ought to be a concern since so much of society is organized not around the vitality cycles of natural aging, but by the fantasies of aging men who deny their own mortality, and the consequences of aging. Taught to view women differently, men therefore find it more difficult to accept their own aging process because of the enormous differences in how men and women are cultured to be viewed by a male dominant society.

Because men died at somewhat younger ages throughout life, the lifecyle phenomenon of men has never been approached with the legitimacy or credibility that is a part of the natural consequence of being male.

That either men or women are taught to view the aging process as one that is devalued because of its physical changes rather than prized for its contribution to stable and sustainable populations is a social problem that has yet to be taken seriously. When country singers sing that "all my rowdy friends have settled down," they are recognizing this natural tendency of men to settle into a lifestyle that accepts their aging as natural, and normal rather than continuing to idolize the rowdy lifestyle that the constant pumping out of male testosterone helps to create.

The message, of course, is that, like women, men will not live forever, do suffer the consequences of aging, and must adapt age appropriate lifestyles that respects their aging, rather than condemns it. That attitude will work for both men and women to help define the expectations of being human, and mature as individuals, in planning their lives and knowing what to expect from their bodies, and what not to expect.

I couldn't believe it! The controversy about hormones for women has begun, now men? The book and author was featured on NBC Nightly News on 7/31/02. Guess it must be an important topic to be on national news!

This book is really for the layperson. The book "Andropause Mystery" does describe evolving physical, sexual, psychological and mental challenges encountered by the aging male. It does explain hormone replacement for men and the potential problems. There is a nice chapter on the psychological impact of aging on sexuality. It is easy to read and understand, but I prefer "Aging Men's Health: A Case Based Approach" by the same author. No doubt, it is a textbook, but there is more depth and detail for the professional person.

This was a very interesting book. The author did a good job of explaining the frustrating process of seeking a diagnosis and treatment of a rare condition. She includes a lot of useful information for those
who may have inherited this condition.

This is a great resource for the newly-diagnosed, and a well-written, gripping bio - but it is far more than that. ... What an moving reliance on the power of prayer! What an awesome testimony of faith! I loved the anecdote about the 'pennies from Heaven'!

A BIG 'thank you' to this author!I am confident that there are few people who will not profit by the information contained in this book. Especially in view of the so-called 'Pandemic which is looming over all of us, I feel that it is imperative for everyone to know how dangerous it is to be 'overloaded' with iron - which, to bacteria, fungi and viruses, is like 'fertilizer' to plants! This riveting, well-written, 'first-person' account alerts readers to the perils of iron accumulation in the body.

More than just about a disease!.
On another website, I saw this book described as the 'definitive book about Hemochromatosis', and I agree. However,a prominent researcher has written that it is the story of a remarkable man and an extraordinary relationship. He was right. - It's more than a layman's reference to genetic disorder. It's a consummate love story. Love at first sight...the enduring adoration of a teenager for a young man; which would lead her, in time, along an thorny path and against all odds, to a fight against ignorance of a disease. That fight has culminated in the saving of lives around the world.

Original edition - 1989 ISBN 0889258856 autographed. Collectors' item. Limited number available! $30.00

I laughed out loud as I read it on a flight to Denver. Everyone around me thought I was crazy. Very funny!

OK, I'll be honest. David Tyree is a better live comedian/HBO comedian than an author. But Troy Aikman was a better quarterback than he is a sports commentator, yet he does very well as a sports commentator nonetheless. The same is true for David Tyree in the field of comedy.

This book is definitely worth the price and worth the time to read it. It is hilarious. And, if you have seen David Tyree perform live or on HBO, you might even catch yourself imagining him narrating it upon occasion as you are reading it.

Do yourself a favor. Forego 3 or 4 cups at Starbucks, pocket the money, and buy this book.

I enjoyed reading this book. It has a few blue words but they were in context and not out of place. I laughed from the first page all the way to the end.

Dave Tyree is a brilliant comedian and writer as well. I'm usually a slow reader but I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one hour. My ribs are stil hurting from laughing and it's a wonderfully written original concept. The only complaint I have about this book is that is isn't 10,000 pages long. I didn't want it to end! If you haven't heard of Dave Tyree, you wiill be a fan after reading this book and if you are already a fan of his after reading this, you'll be a bigger fan. BUY THIS BOOK!!! Can't wait for the movie to come out. - Steven Pearl, Critic at Large, Slayer of all Things Mediocre and last of the real HE-MEN

I tried to read it at work on my breaks and everyone thought I was crazy becuase I couldn't stop laughing. Great book! I agree that it could be a movie! Can't wait until the next one!

I had gone through 6-8 books about this change of life that men have reported to experience and that I was struggling with. This book spoke to me after the first 20 pages....finally, someone had written and was describing what I was feeling. Unlike some men, I enjoy my career and I am not cheating on my wife. But, something had changed and I was left quite confused. After reading this book, I got checked and found my testosterone level was low. Supplementation with testosterone had significantly improved my energy and I feel the best I have felt in several years.

This book describes well my experiences with the male menopause. While it is lacking regarding what to do once you recognize it, it is a great start. There is not much in the medical literature regarding this phenomenon; therefore, I cannot fault Mr. Diamond regarding this deficiency.

Well worth the money...I am trying to get my wife to read it!

I finished Surviving Male Menopause yesterday and gave it to my husband last night with many personal notes in margins and a letter from my heart....we talked briefly and I asked him to find at least 20 minutes a day to start...to be open minded and to let me know what he thinks and feels as he "reads" it, not just "skims" it....that we have been too good for too long to let misunderstandings of biological, psychological and social factors trip us up. I believe this book can help save our marriage

If you have a 40 year old man in your life read this book and Male Menopause. It will help you to understand what men are going through. Great Book!

This was a good book to help understand the struggle men face in this area. I thought her husband's book, Men in Midlife Crisis, was a little better.

Excellent material, specialy if you are a gynaecologist and have all your patients complaining about their husbands. It gives you an insight of what a male can be going throu. Why 4 stars? Would be nice from Jed to have more practical approaches to some practical solutions. Nevertheless you should read it.

It puts 'men' back into menopause and substantiates the reality that certainly in midlife, women and men are more alike than different. I particularly liked that definitions were clear and there was a specific program for men and women to assist men in moving through this difficult passage.

Male Menopause written by Jed Diamond is the first book to seriously and completely alert men and women about this very real phenomenon - Male Menopause. As the editor and founder of HotFlash! the perimenopause/menopause web site and online support group I know first hand the effects of hormonal changes in women. They can be very devastating and change a woman's life. The same is true for men. I applaud Jed's work because he takes a subject, male menopause and drags it out from the "taboo" closet and forces us to look at it. I have had the pleasure of interviewing Jed and have found that there are millions of men and their partners suffering in silence about this change of life. Male Menopause, hallmarked by lowered testosterone levels, can leave a man depressed, scared, anxious, moody, lose sexual interest and have problems getting and sustaining erections ( this is very distreesing for men). Jed's book alerts us to this health issue and we all must take this seriously. His book speaks to the problems men have with lowering tesosterone levels and bodily changes; we must recognize this as seriously as we do for women in perimenopause and menopause. In talking with hundreds of women every day and through my media appearances and articles, I find that men too are going thorugh "something" as women are experincing perimenopause and menopause. Many people think this is just a phase or "mid-life" crsisi" but it is more. Like perimenopause male menopause must be discussed openly and with intelligence; Jed Diamiond does just that.

When the author published this book in the nineties, the oldest among the leading-edge baby boomers were still in their early fifties. Today, millions more are confronting and crossing the 55 marker, and this book has much greater relevance to an aging and influential cohort. Men in my network have been realizing the significance of andropause in personal and profound ways, and most are now searching for answers to the complex male questions about midlife. This book answers questions that barely surfaced ten years ago and provides men with knowledge and encouragement. The author's sensitivity to this passage is profound, and he gives readers many reasons for optimism, as well as strategies to manage a significant life stage. To those who criticized this book as mere pop psychology, I say wait a few more years and then you'll get it.

While Americans seek to find all the answers to behaviors through scientific methods, we cannot ignore the master designer of all humans. Absolving anyone--women OR men--of their behavior simply because their hormone levels fluctuate with age and other factors shows disregard for common civility and decency. There is nothing wrong with attempting to explain the "whys" of menopausal symptoms, but what each of us does with that knowledge and how we use it to control our behaviors and be responsible moral human beings is the critical issue.

Dr. Carruthers has described the "male Menopause" in terms that all can understand and in a humorous and entertaining style..The history of testosterone is fascinating, but the benefits of hormone replacement for correction of the symptoms of the deficiency is even more exciting. This book together with the recent book,"Testosterone Syndrome", are the best overall works on the subject of the "Male Menopause" yet written. They provide a comprehensive overview of the critical health benefits of testosterone treatmrnts.

This is a very introductory discussion of Andropause. If this topic is new to the reader, it provides overview information. However, it does not go into depth and does not provide new information about dealing with the symptoms of andropause. Consequently, I didn't find the book very helpful.