Men’s Health – Low Testosterone & Andropause

As with Women, Male sex hormones also begin to decline with age, and this lowering of sex hormones can affect a man’s overall wellbeing and healthy ageing. The term Andropause is used to relate to androgens in males e.g. testosterone and pause meaning ‘cessation’, another term used is Hypogonadism.

Primarily it is the lowering of Testosterone as men approach their 50yrs and alterations to sexual behaviour, moods, weight, sleep and energy begin to appear and affect daily life. Very similar to Estrogen lowering in women and the onset of the same symptoms.

Who is Affected by Andropause?

Generally Andropause affects men between the ages of 45 and 65 yrs, but can affect men at any age.

Testosterone levels decline gradually with aging at the rate of 1% per year. However, for some this may be accelerated due to their current health status. So, the rate of decline in testosterone levels varies in different individuals, affected by chronic disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and/or long term emotional stress, plus lifestyle factors.

Evidence is also showing that testosterone is lowering too early in men and too fast, especially in those born after the 1970’s. Is this is also affecting fertility statistics and related to increases in male obesity and metabolic disorders?.

Accumulating evidence suggests a link between the nutritional status and male reproductive function, particularly the effects of calories or macronutrients on male sex hormone total T levels (3). Food habits such as a high consumption of bread and pastries, dairy products, and desserts, eating out, and a low intake of homemade foods, whole foods and dark green vegetables has been identified.

More research is being conducted in terms of Andropause and lowered testosterone through the ages and the effects on ageing.

In the meantime, I encourage all men to review their current health status, assess symptoms below and reach out to someone for support. There is natural options for you to consider as well as medical practices via your GP.

Andropause is REAL, Men’s Health & Hormones requires support and recognition.

Possible Symptoms

• Loss of sexual drive
• Inability to maintain erectile function during intercourse
• Decreased semen volume
• Decreased erectile quality
• Irritability, anxiety
• Impaired coginitive functions
• Insomnia
• Mental fatigue
• Depression
• Loss of strength
• Increased body fat
• Body hair loss
• Hot flushes

NATURAL MEDICINE SUPPORT

• Initial Natural Health Consultation (1 hour)
• Pathology request form for a Male Hormone Profile (possibly others)
• Prescription of Herbal Medicine – testosterone enhancer (Tribulus terrestris) and support for associated symptoms or existing illness
• Nutrient supplementation as identified for treatment (e.g. zinc, folate, coQ10, Vitamin E & C)
• Food as Medicine – dietary planning and guidance
• Referral to your GP if indicated for further assessment and testing (e.g. evaluate need for testosterone injections or transdermal) or work with your GP as indicated.

References:

1. Samipoor, et al. Awareness and experience of andropause symptoms in men referring to health centres: a cross-sectional study in Iran. Aging Male, 2017, 20 (3): 153-160. doi: 10.1080/13685538.2017.1298586.

2. Parminder Singh. Andropause: Current concepts. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2013, 17 (3): S621-S629. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.123552: 10.4103/2230-8210.123552 PMID: 24910824

3. Tzu-Yu Hu et al. Testosterone-Associated Dietary Pattern Predicts Low Testosterone Levels and Hypogonadism. Nutrients, 2018, 10, 1786; doi:10.3390/nu10111786 www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients