Physical and Hormonal Changes in Older Men

Your sense of well-being -- your body's ability to respond and function normally -- depends on various organ systems. The organ systems most affected by aging are:

• cardiovascular system: heart and blood vessels
• genitourinary system: kidneys, bladder, genitals, and sexual organs (penis, testicles, and prostate)
• musculoskeletal system: bones, muscles, and joints
• skin and connective tissues beneath the skin.

To function properly, these organ systems depend on:

• a good circulatory system that supplies blood to carry oxygen, nutrients, and hormones (chemicals made by the body) to the tissues of the body
• a healthy nervous system, which ensures an alert mind, good sight and hearing, and efficient response to other bodily needs such as respiration (breathing) and digestion.

The health and well-being of men over 45 years old depend largely on whether they have in the past:

• gotten adequate sleep and exercise
• eaten healthy foods
• avoided abuse of nonprescribed drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

Changes in body systems

Men who are not very active lose muscle mass and flexibility as they age. However, you can keep your muscles strong and improve your health by keeping active and exercising regularly. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

Skin changes with age. It grows thinner, takes longer to heal when injured, gets wrinkles, and loses some of its elastic quality. Many changes to the skin that seem to be from aging are actually caused by over-exposure to the sun. Wearing a 30 SPF or higher sunscreen now can help prevent skin damage and problems later in life.

Changes in vision and hearing usually are a part of aging. As you age, your vision may slowly decrease. Glasses, or possibly surgery, can often correct the cause for this. Hearing loss may develop gradually and often goes untreated. It is important to have your vision and hearing checked each year.

You may need to adjust the medicines you take, and limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 1 drink per day. As you age, these substances stay in your system longer.

Changes in male hormones

Testosterone levels decrease normally with age. This may cause men to have erectile problems or to lose interest in sex. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may improve sex drive, sexual performance, energy, and mood. It is also said to help build bone and muscle mass. TRT is available as pills, patches, gels, creams, shots, or it can be implanted under the skin.

TRT may not be right for you if you have high cholesterol, heart disease, or are at risk for prostate cancer. TRT may enlarge the prostate or increase your risk for prostate cancer. Take testosterone only if your healthcare provider approves. Men taking testosterone should be examined for signs of a tender or enlarged prostate. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you may want to have a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.

Aging and Sexual Response

As men grow older, many continue to have active, enjoyable sexual lives. However, some men find the quickness and intensity of their sexual responses decreased:

• Erections during sleep and at the time of waking are less frequent.
• The erection takes longer to achieve and is usually less rigid.
• Penetration can be difficult without a lubricant.
• An erection is more easily lost.
• Ejaculation is less forceful in older men and may become seepage.