Male menopause

The andropause is the male equivalent to the menopause in women. While not as obvious, or as extreme, men do suffer from declining hormone levels as they age. During the menopause, the sex hormones in women rapidly decline over several years. In men testosterone also declines as they age, starting in their 30s and continuing much more gradually. As one doctor explained, "Women fall off a cliff while men slowly roll down the hill."

After the age of 30, a man may lose up to two per cent of the function of his testicles (where testosterone is produced) with each succeeding year. In fact, up to 50 per cent of otherwise healthy men over 50 have low levels of testosterone.

Testosterone - The Male Hormone

Several hormones, known as androgens, create and support masculinity, but testosterone is the one that is primarily responsible for:

determining before birth a baby's male or female features

influencing an individual's sexual preference

regulating the sex drive in men and in women (women do produce small amounts of testosterone)

male physical characteristics including physical strength, emotional assertiveness, body shape, hairiness, a deep voice, and even body odour.

the production and quality of sperm.

Additionally, testosterone plays a role in developing creativity, intellect, thought patterns, assertiveness and drive. It also affects general health during childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Signs of Andropause

In addition to a decrease in sexual desire and erectile function, men with a lowered testosterone level may also notice changes in mood and emotions, a decrease in body mass and strength due to a loss of muscle tissue, and an increase in body fat. Additional health risks associated with low testosterone levels include an elevation in cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease, bone fractures and clinical depression.

Dealing with the Andropause

For the man who is concerned about the andropause, special attention must be paid to the following lifestyle issues:

Dietary Protein

An optimal intake of healthy forms of dietary protein like beans, peas, soy, eggs, fish and organic poultry is important. The average male should have over 125gm of protein daily. The higher your level of physical activity, the more protein you need.

Supplements

Add vitamin C and E, the amino acid arginine, and herbal supplements such as ginseng, saw palmetto, pygeum africanum, stinging nettle, and pumpkin seed to your diet as these improve male hormone balance. Detoxify the body and avoid exposure to toxins and harmful chemicals.

Exercise

Both a lack of physical exercise as well as excessive physical activity will cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Exercise affects testosterone directly by stimulating the pituitary gland (in the brain) as well as the testicles. The duration, frequency and intensity of the exercise will determine its impact on testosterone levels.

Testosterone is increased most with short, intense bursts of activity (like strength training and weight lifting), and decreased with prolonged endurance exercise, such as long-distance running, swimming or cycling. Short intensive exercise will elevate testosterone for about 45 minutes, but if prolonged for over an hour the levels begin to fall and stay down for several days.

Medication

Eliminate all unnecessary medications. Many commonly prescribed drugs affect testosterone levels. This list includes the anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, cholesterol-lowering drugs, some heart and blood-pressure medication and some antidepressants. Many of these 'lifestyle medicines' may be actually treating the symptoms of testosterone deficiency, and you may no longer need them when your testosterone levels are normal.

Reduce or avoid alcohol use

Excessive drinking can increase the levels of female hormones and inhibit the body's ability to produce testosterone. By avoiding alcohol, you will improve the balance between your male and female hormones.

Rest and Sunshine

Try getting close to eight hours of sleep nightly. If you are chronically sleep deprived, your testosterone status will suffer.

Aim to have some direct exposure to sunlight daily. Be outdoors for at least one hour each day. Testosterone rises and falls with the seasons, and sunshine is necessary for healthy body rhythms and optimal testosterone production.

Stress Management

There is a strong relationship between stress and physical wellness that is largely related to hormones. The right kind of stress positively impacts on our hormones, but chronic stress can be devastating. Ongoing emotional stress and depression are common causes of decreased testosterone levels, leading to premature ageing. Learn healthy stress-management techniques.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a powerful medical treatment for the andropause that often produces dramatic improvement in the symptoms and a reduction in the risks. It involves giving back testosterone to the body to restore normal levels. This kind of treatment should be supervised by a health-care professional that is experienced in HRT.

You may email Dr Tony Vendryes at tonyvendryes@gmail.com, or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER 106FM on Fridays at 8 p.m. His new book, 'An Ounce of Prevention - Especially for Women', is available and deals with the andropause.