Testosterone insufficiency in older men is associated with an increased risk of death. The decrease in the production of the entire male hormonal axis (mainly testosterone) is generally noticed after the age of 40, progressing and intensifying with age. The condition is called Male Aging Androgen Deficiency (AEM) or hypogonadism – popularly known as andropause, the “male menopause”.
The Andrology Outpatient Clinic has a team made up of andrologists and endocrinologists, nutritionists and nursing professionals | Photo: Geovana Albuquerque/File Agência Saúde-DF
In order to promote the improvement of health conditions and reduce mortality, the population of the Federal District has a reference center for men’s health. Since 2021 at the Hospital Regional da Asa Norte (Hran), the Andrology Outpatient Clinic has been dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases associated with the reproductive and sexual functions of men.
The specialized service is the result of scientific research started in 2015, which investigated the health situation of more than 500 local patients. In addition to offering care, the study also supported the creation of the District Policy for Men’s Health Care (andrology), established through Law No. 7,055, of January 2022.
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment
“Men normally do not have a culture of self-care. The symptoms accumulate until it is no longer possible to bear it”, warns the coordinator of the Andrology Outpatient Clinic in Hran, Wellington Epaminondas.
Preventive medicine is the fundamental piece to prevent the development or reduce the impact of AD and other male reproductive and sexual dysfunctions. As it is a “silent disease”, the habit of periodically undergoing medical consultations and control exams is the main action for early diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment.
“Men normally do not have a culture of self-care. The symptoms accumulate until it is no longer possible to bear it, when it is already in a serious condition. Contributing to changing men’s perception of their health was what served as a stimulus for the creation of the service”, explains urologist Wellington Epaminondas, coordinator of the Andrology Outpatient Clinic in Hran.
Patients arrive at the Men’s Health Reference Center after being referred by a urologist or endocrinologist from regional hospitals or a Family Health doctor from basic health units (UBSs). The first consultation is carried out via central regulation by the Department of Health (SES-DF) and return visits are scheduled directly at the service unit.
The outpatient clinic has a multidisciplinary team, made up of andrologists and endocrinologists, nutritionists and nursing professionals. The choice of appropriate treatment depends on laboratory and therapeutic tests, carried out in the unit itself. When there is a clinical need, testosterone replacement therapy is administered free of charge to users of the Unified Health System (SUS).
*With information from SES-DF
Tags: Public network offers specialized service andropause treatment
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