Treatment for Menopausal and Andropausal Symptoms

Stem Cell Therapy for Menopause & Andropause

Menopausal and andropausal symptoms are conditions in which age-related changes in hormone balance cause various physical and psychological symptoms. They can occur not only in women but also in men, and the symptoms and causes vary from person to person.

Alongside conventional treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and Kampo (traditional herbal medicine), Tokyo Relife Clinic offers personalized care plans that harness the potential of regenerative medicine.

What Are Menopausal and Andropausal Symptoms?

Menopause and andropause are conditions characterized by various physical and psychological issues, such as hot flashes, sweating, insomnia, fatigue, and low mood. In both men and women, these diverse symptoms are triggered by age-related changes in hormonal balance.

Symptoms in men that resemble menopausal symptoms in women may be managed as LOH syndrome, or late-onset hypogonadism. In women, these symptoms are related to a decline in ovarian function, while in men they are related to a decline in testosterone. ※1 ※2

Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy（HRT）, Kampo medicine, and lifestyle modification. In recent years, research on regenerative medicine using stem cells has also been progressing in related fields such as decreased ovarian function and ovarian aging.

For Those With the Following Symptoms

The symptoms of menopausal and andropausal disorders vary widely and may include physical, psychological, and autonomic nervous system issue. Even when no clear abnormality is found through testing, these symptoms may interfere with daily life.

Symptoms Seen in Women"s Menopause and Men"s Andropause

In women, symptoms such as those shown in the figure may occur as estrogen fluctuates and declines around menopause. ※1

In men, andropausal symptoms are thought to be associated not only with age-related testosterone decline but also with stress, poor sleep, and lifestyle habits. ※2 Unlike women, men often experience symptoms that progress slowly, and these symptoms may be overlooked as signs of aging or fatigue.

Causes of Menopause and Andropause

Menopausal and andropausal symptoms are thought to develop through the complex involvement of various factors, including not only declining hormone levels but also autonomic nervous system function, brain function, psychological and social stress, inflammation, and lifestyle habits.

1. Hormonal Changes Due to Declining Ovarian or Testicular Function

In women, ovarian function declines from the late 40s to the 50s, and the secretion of estrogen, a female hormone, becomes unstable. ※1

In men, aging and lifestyle habits may contribute to a decline in testosterone, a male hormone. ※2

2. Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance

In Women: As ovarian function declines during menopause, estrogen levels drop and fluctuate significantly. This change may affect the autonomic nervous system and lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, palpitations, and insomnia. ※1

In Men: Similarly, declining testicular function leads to reduced testosterone secretion. This can impact multiple areas, including muscle strength, motivation, sexual function, and overall mental well-being.※2

3. Involvement of the Central Nervous System （Brain）and Inflammatory Responses

Hormonal changes also affect the hypothalamus and the immune system. Because the hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system, these shifts can destabilize the regulation of body temperature, sleep, sweating, and heart rate.

At the same time, disruption of the immune system may lead to chronic systemic inflammation, making symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog more likely to occur.

Although the hormones that decrease differ between men and women, the factors leading to menopausal and andropausal symptoms are essentially similar.

The Concept of Regenerative Medicine Treatment

Stem cell therapy is not a treatment that directly supplements hormones. It is intended to act on inflammation, immunity, and the cellular environment through substances secreted by stem cells. ※3

1. Effects on the Cellular Environment Through Paracrine Action

Stem cells are thought to secrete cytokines, growth factors, exosomes, and other substances that act on surrounding cells. This is called paracrine action. ※3

In studies related to decreased ovarian function, mesenchymal stem cells have been reported to have the potential to modulate pathways involved in blood flow, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. ※3 ※4

2. Systemic Support Through Anti-Inflammatory Action

Another characteristic of stem cells is their strong anti-inflammatory action. Basic research and studies in related fields suggest that stem cell therapy may help moderate inflammatory and immune responses. ※4 ※5

However, the efficacy of stem cell therapy for menopausal and andropausal symptoms has not been established as a standard treatment, and it is a self-funded treatment not covered by public health insurance. Whether treatment is appropriate is ultimately determined by the physician through consultation.

Approved Stem Cell Treatments Provided by Tokyo Relife Clinic

Tokyo Relife Clinic provides stem cell therapy under a regenerative medicine provision plan that has been reviewed for treatment details, cell handling, and management systems in accordance with the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine, submitted, and accepted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Acceptance Number PB3240267: Regenerative medicine for symptoms associated with menopause and andropause using autologous adipose-derived stem cells.

Alternative Treatments Using Exosomes and Stem Cell Culture Supernatant

For those who are considering stem cell therapy at our clinic but would like to try a more accessible option first, we also provide the following treatments.

Stem cell culture supernatant infusion uses growth factors and exosomes secreted by stem cells during the culture process. It is often chosen as a more accessible way to try the possible effects of a stem-cell-related infusion.

We also offer exosome therapy, in which regenerative factors are further extracted from the stem cell culture supernatant and administered. Since this treatment also does not involve cell harvesting, it places less physical burden on the patient and is often chosen either in combination with stem cell therapy or as a stand-alone treatment.

How Stem Cell Therapy Differs from Conventional Care

Standard treatments for menopausal and andropausal symptoms include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Kampo, lifestyle changes, and psychological support. The right approach always depends on your specific symptoms and medical history.※4,6

Importantly, stem cell therapy is not a replacement for these standard treatments. Each plays a distinct role:

HRT: Directly replenishes depleted hormones.
Kampo: Restores the body"s natural balance to alleviate symptoms.
Stem Cell Therapy: Focuses on the cellular level, targeting underlying inflammation to support overall health.

※ Stem cell therapy is a self-funded treatment, and effects vary from person to person.

Research Reports on Stem Cell Therapy for Menopause & Andropause

Stem cell therapy for menopausal and andropausal symptoms itself is still an area under research. Meanwhile, studies are being conducted on the actions of mesenchymal stem cells in premature ovarian insufficiency, decreased ovarian function, ovarian aging, and related fields. ※3 ※4

※ All of these studies are small-scale clinical studies. They do not guarantee treatment effects.

Risks & Safety Precautions

Treatment outcomes vary by individual. This is an unapproved, self-pay medical procedure using autologous cells prepared in our in-house Cell Processing Center.

Potential risks include:

• Fat collection: Bleeding, swelling, allergic reactions
• Infusion: Allergic reactions, pulmonary embolism, nausea
  
  
  Complete Risk Information