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Men’s Health
Men’s Health
Men’s Health
How Do Men Experience Age-Related Hormone Imbalances?
Andropause, also known Hypogonadism and Manopause, is the male equivalent of menopause. It results from diminished levels of testosterone in the body, and exhibits a similar symptom complex to menopause.
What is Testosterone’s Function?
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Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, responsible for male sexual development and function
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It is critical in maintaining lean body mass, optimal energy levels, erectile function, libido and level mood
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It controls a numerous physiological functions throughout the body
Why Do Testosterone Levels Decline?
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Testosterone levels decline with age, beginning when men are in their thirties. By the age of 80, testosterone levels are only 1/5 of what they were in youth.
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In addition to aging, stress, environmental toxins, radiation and numerous other factors can play a role in declining testosterone levels.
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Increased systemic estrogen levels due to obesity, insulin resistance, high caloric diet, alcohol consumption, xeno (synthetic) and phyto (plant) estrogens, environmental toxins and zinc deficiency can further reduce free testosterone levels.
How Does a Reduction in Testosterone Levels Affect Me?
Currently at least 5 million men in the United States suffer from the effects of hypogonadism or low testosterone levels. The accepted “normal” testosterone level has decreased decade by decade as it has been recorded over the past 30 years.
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The drop in testosterone levels is more gradual than in menopause and the symptoms of andropause appear over a longer period of time compared to menopause. Symptoms present themselves slowly, with a loss of overall energy (“I feel like I’ve lost my edge.”), increased body fat, loss of muscle tone, depression, and impaired sexual function.
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Testosterone deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension and obesity.
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Men with heart disease often have lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of estrogen. Low free testosterone is an independent predictor of coronary artery disease in men. Low testosterone is a common characteristic in men suffering from heart failure. In fact, testosterone replacement has been shown to increase cardiac output and improve symptoms in some men with congestive heart failure.
How Can I Maintain or Raise My Testosterone Levels?
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Reduce excess body fat
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Weight-train
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Avoid excess alcohol
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Manage stress
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Caution with drugs that impair liver function
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Avoid over-the-counter agents promising to improve testosterone levels, such as androstenedione.
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Testosterone replacement therapy prescribed by a physician can dramatically augment the benefits of these lifestyle changes.
What Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy do for Me?
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Prolong the quality-of-life by decreasing and diminishing the diseases of aging
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Protect against cardiovascular disease
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Raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol levels
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Improve erectile dysfunction
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Improve mood and confidence
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Decrease blood pressure
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Reduce excess body fat
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Reduce symptoms of arthritis
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Stimulate the cardiovascular system, the neurologic system, the muscles, and the bones
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Protect against Alzheimer’s dementia, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, inflammatory-related diseases and a range of cardiovascular diseases