Andropause, also known as male
menopause, is the result of a gradual drop in testosterone, which is
an androgen, giving the condition its name. Beginning around age 30,
testosterone production decreases by 1-2% each year. According to
the US Census Bureau, approximately 4-5 million men have symptoms of
low testosterone levels and only 5-10% of these men will seek
treatment.
Symptoms of andropause include:
irritability, weight gain, sleep apnea, memory loss, diminished
libido, hair loss, night sweats, erectile dysfunction, hot flashes,
muscle loss, depression/anxiety, fatigue, and gynecomastia (male
breasts).
Steps
to a Solution to Andropause:
Step 1:
Saliva Hormone Testing
· Salivary hormone testing allows for
the evaluation of hormone levels in the tissue, where hormone action takes
place. Recommended testing include testosterone, estradiol, and morning
cortisol. Evening cortisol testing
is recommended if stress and sleep disruptions are severe.
Click to Learn More about our Andropause BHRT Program!
Step 2:
Bio-Identical Hormone & Nutritional Supplementation
· When selecting bio-identical hormone
replacement therapy,
testosterone prescription products are available but often at higher doses than
necessary. As a result, it may be necessary for your physician to prescribe a
bio-identical hormone to be compounded by your pharmacist to meet your specific
needs.
· In addition, vitamins can be
recommended to help support healthy testosterone production and support adrenal
function.
Step 3:
Lifestyle Changes
-
Reduce or eliminate the use of caffeine,
alcohol, and cigarettes
-
Reduce weight (fat cells lower available
testosterone by converting it to estrogen)
-
Boot testosterone levels through strength
training
-
Counteract stress with regular exercise
-
Choose hormone-free foods and products
-
Take a daily multi-vitamin/mineral that
includes zinc
-
Go to bed earlier
-
Make time to do things you enjoy
