Andropause

Andropause is a stage in the life of a man when the hormones levels decrease with age.  Andropause can start as early as the age of 40.  Unlike menopause where women experience a sudden drop in hormone levels, for men, andropause and the loss of hormones is more gradual, but it does happen.

Not only will the level of free testosterone hormones, but estrogen (yes, men, you have estrogen in your body, but in smaller amounts than a woman), progesterone, and human growth hormone are among the major hormones to decline.

The loss of these hormones will cause a variety of symptoms and can instigate the onset of such diseases of aging as cardiovascular problems, various cancers, and high cholesterol issues.  The symptoms of andropause can include the following:  fatigue, irritability, depression, weight gain (especially around the mid-section), loss of muscle mass, loss of libido, sleep problems and the general effects of aging – loss of collagen and the development of wrinkles and saggy skin.

Combating these symptoms, you must take a multi-faceted approach.  Ensure that you are eating healthily, exercising regularly, reducing your stress levels, not smoking and a reduction of alcohol intake.  There are also many supplements you can take to help which I won’t mention in this article, but you should speak with a naturopath about supplements to take that your body now needs at this time in life.

A healthy life style will promote your health in andropause and also contribute to a higher quality of life as you age.  However, you should also get your hormone levels checked out by a doctor to find out what hormones you are losing in your body.  Hormones affect every organ in your body and this will, obviously, affect your health.  Replacing the lost hormones will help you feel better during this time of life and increase your level of health.

Your doctor will do a blood or serum test of your hormones and then write a prescription for you which will be an individualized prescription of the hormones you need.  You will begin to feel better in a couple of weeks.  However, bioidentical hormones are not to be used alone.  You must also pursue a healthy lifestyle and supplement your diet with quality nutritional supplements that you can purchase at a health store.  Approach your life and health in this manner and you will reap the rewards, no matter what your age.