SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (American Health Newswire) --We've heard of menopause-hormones go crazy, sending women into hot flashes and mood swings. But did you know the same things happen to the opposite sex? Manopause can wreak havoc on the male psyche and physique. We'll tell you how some men are fixing their testosterone troubles.

For Popeye, all it took was some spinach. But other guys just can't seem to get their mojo back!

"I was listless, un-energetic," Oliver Power told American Health.

"Depression, lethargic, lack of focus," Chris Runnings added.

These men were in manopause or andropause.

"Often I hear, they've lost their edge," Karron Power, M.D, MPH, Founder of the Youth Renewal Center and

Creator of the Peak Performance for Men Program told American Health.

Lost it, because they've lost their testosterone.

"It really starts from the early 20's on," Dr. Power said.

But most symptoms don't appear until men reach their 40's or 50's and Dr. Power says many are misdiagnosed. The severe change in her husband's own mental state almost cost the doctor her marriage.

"It was obviously a problem when he got his own apartment," Dr. Power explained.

A blood test showed her 40 year old husband had the testosterone level of a 70-year old! Men inject themselves twice a week with testosterone replacement therapy. They got their energy levels back, lost weight, are sleeping better and have increased sex drives. But they're cautious of the downsides.

"Testosterone is a very powerful tool it makes a huge difference in a man's health, his quality of life and how he looks. However you have to respect the hormones," Dr. Power added.

"It's not a magic bullet. I still have to eat right. I still have to exercise," Oliver Power told American Health.

But it's giving these guys the boost they need.

"It's like I got my mojo back," Oliver concluded.

Researchers estimate up to six million men suffer from low testosterone, but only five-percent realize it's a treatable problem. Treatment does not come cheap. Dr. Power says it typically runs about $200/month and it must be continued for life or levels will drop and the effects of manopause will return. Studies show men with lower levels of testosterone have a higher risk of death from heart disease and cancer than men with higher testosterone.

The work Robert Balfour's doing at this hospital could change his life and the lives of millions. The 23 year old is one of 260 international participants in the DIAN or Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network Trial.

"We're very interested in helping to find a possible cure," Robert Balfour, told Ivanhoe.

This genetic form of the disease struck his grandmother, uncle and father and he could be next. When Alzheimer's is caused by rare mutations, half the family will get it before they're 60, some will see signs as early as 30 years old.

"I think the biggest surprise is how similar dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease is to regular later onset Alzheimer's disease," Randall J. Bateman, M.D., Charles F. and Joanne Knight distinguished professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, said.

Doctor Randy Bateman believes the best way to find a treatment for everyone is to study people who have the gene that causes early onset. He says studying their brain changes before memory loss occurs may unlock answers to how the disease develops in all sufferers.

"We think that by treating Alzheimer's at an early stage will give us an opportunity to even prevent a person from having cognitive decline," Dr. Bateman said.

By early next year, researchers will start testing three new drugs that could slow or stop the disease.

"Frankly, in 10 years I really hope to have therapies for Alzheimer's disease," Dr. Bateman said.

Hope that may be too late for Robert's father, but could one day change this young man's future.

"In the midst of a difficult situation one has to look at the good that comes out of it," Robert said.

To be eligible for the international trial you have to be at risk of having the mutation, meaning you're the child or descendant of someone who had the disease. Less than one percent of all Alzheimer's cases are a result of a known genetic mutation. Experts are still enrolling for the trial to find our more visit dianexpandedregistry.org.

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