| The counterpart to female menopause is called andropause. During andropause, testosterone levels decrease and estrogen levels may increase. Testosterone levels in men start gradually declining at approximately 30 years old. However, the decline in male hormone production is much more gradual than the decline in female hormone production.
| The symptoms of Andropause
may include:
- Decreased or absent libido
- Decreased or absent morning erection
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Sleep disorders
- Memory failure
- Mood swings
- Decreased energy levels
- Depression
- Anxiety
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Testosterone
Testosterone is most often known for its effects
on sexual function, primarily its effect on libido. Testosterone
also has many other places of action in the body including the brain
and heart. The nonsexual functions of testosterone include
improving oxygen uptake throughout the body, controlling blood sugar,
regulating cholesterol, increasing lean body mass, preventing osteoporosis
and maintaining immune function. Testosterone also helps to
maintain youthful cardiac and neurological function.
Estrogen
Estrogens are the principal sex hormones in women. However, low levels of estrogens are also present in males. As men age, the balance between testosterone and estrogen often shifts to higher estrogen levels. Excessive amounts of estrogen can contribute to the symptoms of low testosterone, breast enlargement, weight gain and more. Estrogen is converted to testosterone by aromatase, an enzyme found in the liver and fat cells. If estrogen levels are found to be elevated through testing, an aromatase inhibitor can be used to reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen increasing the body’s testosterone levels.
Testing for Andropause
Using saliva testing or blood spot testing, the amount of free testosterone and estrogen levels can be detected. Testing should include at a minimum levels of free testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, DHEAs and morning cortisol.
Treatment for Andropause
Male hormone therapy has been shown to be dramatically effective in relieving symptoms of andropause. Treatment for the imbalance of hormones occurring either because of decreases in testosterone levels, increases in estrogen levels or a combination of these includes compounded testosterone cream to return testosterone levels to normal, monitoring of estrogen levels and often supplement therapy to help achieve a balance. Pro-Hormones may also be used.
Supplements/Pro-Hormones Used in Treating Andropause
Zinc-Zinc deficiency is associated with increased aromatase activity. Aromatase is the enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol. Zinc supplementation helps to inhibit the aromatase, resulting in lower estradiol levels. Zinc also helps to control levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a biologically active metabolite of the hormone testosterone. DHT also seems to play a role in the development or exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, and prostate cancer, though the exact reason for this is not known.
Vitamin C-Individuals lacking in Vitamin C often have increased aromatase activity.
Chyrsin-Chrysin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid that acts as an aromatase inhibitor. It is often found in supplements used to improve prostate health.
Indole-3-Carbinol- Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower and in large quantities (up to 2 pounds daily) may be prophylactic against some forms of cancer. I3C has been researched for its ability to alter estrogen metabolism so that metabolites that are more protective against cancer are formed rather than those that are thought to be more carcinogenic.
Progesterone-Progesterone is a hormone that in men plays an important role in the metabolism of testosterone, estradiol and DHT. Progesterone is also an aromatase inhibitor. It also is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which governs the conversion of testosterone to potent DHT.
Andropause
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