Everyone is talking about Menopause in Asheville but do you know about Andropause?

Low testosterone (Low T), often called andropause, is common—but not every man develops it. Unlike menopause, it’s gradual and variable.

Testosterone naturally peaks in the morning (energy, drive, libido) and declines through the day, reaching its lowest at night for sleep.

How we diagnose it
It’s not just a lab—it’s symptoms plus labs. Common symptoms: fatigue, low libido, mood changes, decreased muscle mass.
Labs ideally should be drawn fasting, in the morning and typically include:

• Testosterone

• ± sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)

SHBG helps interpret usable testosterone and can help flag underlying issues like Klinefelter syndrome.

Treatment options
Testosterone is a controlled substance and requires a prescription.

• Injections (most common): usually weekly, often insurance-covered. Can cause peaks (sometimes irritability) and dips.

• Daily patch (e.g., Androderm): applied nightly, gives a more steady, natural rise—many prefer this smoother approach. Insurance sometimes covere. If not, can be pricey.

Our approach
We evaluate and treat Low T when appropriate—but only if symptoms and labs truly line up. There are also natural (physioloigical) ways to increase testosterone such as exercise. The key is that it cannot be mild intensity (walking, yoga) but rather needs to be moderate intensity (brisk walking, swimming laps) or high intensity (HIIT, vigorous biking). The goal isn’t just a higher number—it’s helping you feel better, safely.

Schedule a complimentary Meet & Greet to see if primary care membership might be a good fit.

EDIT: Andrdoderm unfortunately was take off the market.