Men, Mid-life and M-andropause

“Male menopause is a lot more fun than female menopause. With female menopause, you gain weight and get hot flashes. Male menopause - you get to date young girls and drive motorcycles.” Author Unknown

Men and women experience hormonal shifts in middle-age. The drop-off in estrogen and progesterone, associated with menopause creates a variety of symptoms, and there are many treatment options- all well documented. As many have long suspected, men in their middle years also experience a drop in hormone levels, but it is the hormone testosterone. Increasing recognized this shift is called andropause.




If Many Men Experience This, Why Haven’t I Heard Of It?

It is reasonable to ponder- why has andropause been largely ignored? Doctors have under-diagnosed andropause because symptoms can be vague and can vary from person-to-person. For women the hormonal changes are so abrupt and obvious, that there is really no disregarding it. For men the shifts are much more subtle- and gradual. Compounding this is that psychologically men are not naturally hardwired to discuss their problems, generally preferring to appear confident and strong rather than show vulnerability.



Are Others Physical Conditions Connected To Low Testosterone?

Doctors in the past have not always considered low testosterone as a possible cause for ill health. Symptoms were often related to other medical conditions such as depression, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism- or simply ‘old age.’

Studies have now shown that a decline in testosterone can actually put some at risk for other health problems like heart disease and weak bones- and medical tests have also now linked reduced testosterone to an increased risk of mortality in men suffering from other medical conditions.




How Do I Know If I Am Suffering Andropause?

The first symptom that a man might actually notice will very likely be related to sex- erectile problems, or lack of libido. These symptoms may be accompanied by changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, a loss of energy and decreased memory. Decision-making ability can also be affected and another very common symptom is depression.



Why Does It Happen?

Even in physically fit and healthy males, testosterone declines by 1% every 10 years. An unhealthy lifestyle- smoking, stress, a bad diet, alcohol and sleep deprivation uses up the hormones even faster.



Am I Suffering From Andropause?

The ADAM test is available online, which will indicate if a blood test is required- usually for men over 40. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day so the blood sample should be taken between 8:00 and 9:00 am to provide the highest level.

When and How Should Andropause be Treated?

Treated in the conventional way, testosterone is injected or taken orally. A more natural replacement technique is to use bio-identical hormone cream, which is absorbed by the skin and applied to the inner thigh or arm. With the cream, you can adjust the dose easily- and it works very rapidly. Within two or three weeks, the patient will notice a difference.



What Can I Do To Keep My Hormone Levels High?

EXERCISE: There is a direct relationship between muscle-mass and testosterone. That means testosterone levels can be raised by increasing muscle-mass though resistance weight training. Keeping your weight down also makes a difference, because fat cells tend to convert testosterone into estrogen.

NUTRITION: Men should eat enough good carbohydrates, protein and good fat. Protein helps maintain lean muscle mass. It also takes a certain amount of fat- good fat, found in nuts, oily fish and olive oil to keep testosterone production at healthy levels. And cut back on the alcohol, which decreases testosterone.



HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS: B vitamins help with stress and boost energy; vitamin C can stabilize production of stress hormones. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a popular supplement to address the symptoms of andropause, because it is a building block for sex hormones, and tends to decline rapidly with age. It can improve skin, sex-drive, mood and increase strength in aging men- but DHEA levels should be tested. Other popular supplements include fish oil, or omega-3 supplements.



Symptoms of andropause come at a time of life when many men have begun to question their values, accomplishments and life’s path. It can be difficult to accept the changes as real- and not just call it ‘stress.’ The most important thing is not to stay alone with the problem, but to talk to your doctor and find out the right solution for you. The fact is that this is a real condition, one that is infinitely treatable, so man-up… and seek advice!

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