4 minute read
Male menopause myth or fact?
Male menopause is the common term used by some people to describe decreasing testosterone levels which occur with aging. It is also important to remember that lowered hormone levels are different in men and women. The term menopause is used to describe when women’s ovulation ends and hormone production drops significantly in a short space of time.
On the other hand - menopause in men occurs when hormones known as androgens decline, which is a gradual process over a period as we age. It is important to remember that not all men notice and experience andropause signs and symptoms.
The correct term for male menopause is “andropause”. From the age of thirty onwards, testosterone concentrations in men tend to decline at a rate of 1% per year. Low testosterone, also known as androgen deficiency (AD) or late onset hypogonadism (LOH) occurs in men 40 years of age and older.
Signs and symptoms of andropause are very real, not a myth, however not always recognised by the greater broad spectrum of some health care practitioners. It is important to remember unique aspects of hormonal changes in men as they age, signs and symptoms can be unique and individual for each male.
What is andropause?
As complex as this systematic change in physiology and function is, simplified, it is the reduction of testosterone within the hormonal system.
Typical signs and symptoms include:
Decreased motivation
Lowered self-confidence
Difficulty concentrating
Increased body fat
Reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
Gynecomastia
Loss of sex drive or libido
Erectile dysfunction
Fatigue and lethargy
Sleep disturbances and Insomnia
Depression, sadness, and other mood changes
Infertility
Breast swelling, development of breasts and discomfort
Height loss
Medical tests such as a simple blood test, can be recommended to determine testosterone, bone density and fertility.
Naturopaths can use integrated pathology to evaluate levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA. Androstenedione is a steroidal hormone produced in male and female gonads, as well as in the adrenal glands, and it is known for its key role in the production of estrogen and testosterone. DHEA or Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age. These markers are also important to know when assessing male androgen levels.
Recommendations:
Eat a healthy, organic diet – fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, limit or avoid sugar.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
Regular exercise – weight training and weight bearing exercise.
Get enough sleep – improved sleep can support hormone regulation.
Reduce stress levels – practice meditation, breathing practices, yoga, walking, running.
Reducing stress helps to lower cortisol and adrenaline levels, both which impacts testosterone levels. Since cortisol, the body's major stress hormone, is inversely correlated with testosterone concentrations, reducing its production may elevate testosterone concentrations.
TRT – Testosterone Replacement Therapy can alleviate symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and mood changes. This medical treatment, however, needs to be assessed by your doctor to ascertain suitability, potential risks, and side effects.
Psychological Support:
Address emotional changes - counselling/therapy.
Share feelings, communicate with your partner and close friends.
See a Naturopath to assist with a holistic wellness protocol and advice on herbal and nutritional medicine supplementation that can assist with hormone regulation, stress, nutrition.
Natural and Nutritional Supplements:
Vitamin D – Optimal levels are crucial for testosterone production levels.
Zinc – assists testosterone production and synthesis.
Magnesium – involved in hormone regulation, supports muscles and nerve function.
Herbs to increase Testosterone levels are:
Fenugreek Seeds
Withania (Ashwagandha)
Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng)
Tribulus
Male menopause can be verified and substantiated, in recent years it has become more commonly understood, with effective treatments available. History has shown, and shaped men to soldier on, not to communicate about their feelings and health concerns, particularly on the topic of andropause. Fortunately, there is plenty of information, support and medical or holistic natural solutions available to assist men navigate this changing phase of life.
