Prescription of Chinese herbal medicine is based on pattern differentiation, thus each prescription is tailored to the individual’s specific situation. The average formula might contain anywhere from six to twenty different herbs selected to work synergistically to maximize results, while at the same time minimizing unwanted side effects. While two women might present with a main complaint of menopausal symptoms, each would be experiencing a different constellation of specific symptoms with different levels of severity depending on many factors including constitutional tendencies, lifestyle, and other concurrent health challenges. Because each menopause or andropause experience is unique, the treatment must be individualized and must evolve as the body transitions through this phase.

Diagnosis in Western Medicine:
The diagnosis is simple – measuring either free testosterone blood levels or computing the Free Androgen Index (FAI) which is [total testosterone x 100 / sex hormone binding globulin].  There is some controversy as to what level of total blood testosterone in men is normal with low end values ranging from 250-400ng/dl.  Free testosterone in men should be well within the range of 300-1100ng/dl with the FAI between 70-100%.  At a FAI of less than 50%, symptoms of andropause appear.