WELLBEING

The decline of testosterone in middle-aged men is called andropause. TRUDY KITHER reports that this is a genuine phenomenon that can affect a man’s wellbeing.

In women, rapid declines in sex hormone production is called menopause, when menstruation stops. In men, serum testosterone levels decline more slowly.

Reproductive changes in middle-aged men are naturally associated with reduced production of testosterone. The age-related decline in androgen levels is perfectly normal and natural.

There are signs and symptoms of this age-related decline that have been associated with a range of mental and physical changes if it happens too rapidly.

Low DHEA levels and hypothyroidism are more common in middle-aged men. Thyroid changes can start to occur from middle-age, increasing with age for both women and men.

For many men, these changes can be debilitating. They can include fatigue, depression, impaired cognitive function, and lack of energy.

Men will often experience “silent depression”, as it often goes unnoticed and unreported. The most common reason for this is that men are more prone to internalizing their feelings than women are. Generally speaking, of course!

A man’s internalised struggle with his lowering hormones can often manifest as low motivation, low-stress tolerance, problem avoidance, substance abuse and even suicide.

In severe andropause, the reduced testosterone levels can include hot flushes, night sweats, loss of confidence, deterioration in work performance, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

Just like women in menopause, they can experience weight gain, a decrease in body hair and a reduction of bone mineral density.

There are nutritional, dietary, lifestyle and herbal support factors for men to integrate into their lifestyle to assist with their symptoms. These are reducing caffeine intake to 300mg a day and reducing alcohol intake, having a diet rich in high-quality fats and proteins, maintaining or building muscle mass and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. At least seven hours of good quality sleep each night is essential, as is adopting healthy, stress-coping behaviours.

Nutrients that are essential during this period in a man’s life are B Complex vitamins. These are critical for energy and neurotransmitter production.

Zinc (necessary for over 200 enzymatic reactions in the body) is a crucial co-factor in testosterone production.

Magnesium improves mood, muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, energy, and the nervous system.

Herbs of particular benefit are withania (ashwaganda), which is known to improve the nervous system.

It is an adaptogenic herb and will help shift the body back to a “normal” state of being.

It supports thyroid health and improves testosterone levels.

Rhodiola has anti-stress benefits, while tribulus also enhances testosterone levels and physical performance in men.

In summary, middle-aged men can experience these symptoms, leaving them lacking in vitality, tired, depressed, and losing vigour.

Blood tests can assess levels of testosterone, SHB, LH and FSH, which will help identify HPG dysfunction. Blood tests can evaluate thyroid dysfunction to check the levels of TSH, T3 and T4.

An experienced naturopathic practitioner will assist male patients by supporting their endocrine function.

This is achievable through a targeted approach of natural ingredients such as tribulus, rhodiola, withania, magnesium, high-quality B Complex vitamins, zinc and magnesium, along with any additional personalised treatments based on the patients’ individual circumstances. Trudy Kither is a naturopath and owner of Nature’s Temple. Visit naturestemple.net

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