What are andropause symptoms? What do andropause symptoms look like? How can andropause symptoms affect your life? Keep reading to have these questions and more answered about you potential andropause symptoms. Andropause a.k.a "Midlife crisis" — this is often the transitional period for men when they experience what is termed as the "second childhood." This period usually starts from age 40 to 45. It is also called andropause or male menopause because its symptoms coincide with the decrease in a class of male hormones called androgen. All men are affected, although some to a larger degree than others. A thorough knowledge of the underlying hormonal and physiological changes of andropause symptoms will better prepare all males to deal with this phase of life. You can regulate and moderate your andropause symptoms.
Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive regulatory system consists of four components and these components are affected by andropause symptoms:
The master control starts in the hypothalamus where gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is synthesized and is released in a pulsatile fashion into a vascular network that connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland. GnRH production and release is controlled by numerous neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and endorphins. GnRH regulates the release of two pituitary hormones — the gonadotropins — luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a pulsitile fashion. LH regulates the production and secretion of testosterone by the Leydig cells of the testes, and FSH stimulates spermatogenesis. Keep reading to learn the impact of andropause symptoms.
Testosterone circulates in the blood in several forms. It can be bound to both albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) where it is referred to as "bound testosterone." This is the least active form. It can also circulate in a free (unbound) form, which is considered the most active.
Testosterone can exert its effects directly on the testosterone receptors in cells. It can also be converted to two active metabolites — dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, or by the enzyme aromatase to estradiol.
Andropause Symptoms
So what andropause symptoms should you look for? What types of andropause symptoms should you worry about? Testosterone, together with its metabolites, is collectively known as androgens. As a group of steroid hormones, they stimulate the development of masculine characteristics and are responsible for male puberty characterized by deepening voice, broadening shoulders, and mustache growth. The hallmark of andropause is declining testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels begin to decline with age after maturation. This is accompanied by the concurrent appearance of a myriad of related physiological changes commonly associated with aging. These changes result in andropause symptoms including diminished libido, reduced frequency of sex (the "senior slump"), erectile dysfunction, infertility, changes in body composition, reductions in body and facial hair, and osteoporosis. Andropause is in effect the reverse of puberty, and the andropause symptoms mimic opposit physical responses.
In addition, mood inventory scores and andropause symptoms indicate that during andropause, men report levels of anger, confusion, depression, and fatigue that are significantly higher than those reported by men with normal testosterone levels. The average human male begins to feel some symptoms of andropause after 40 to 45 years old, which is followed by rapid deterioration after the age of 50.
Many of the andropause symptoms and the aging processes in men are similar to those of hypogonadism. We can attribute at least some of these symptoms to a decrease in testosterone levels, including:
One of the andropause symptoms is Sexual Functions. Coital frequency declines rapidly with age from a mean maximal coital frequency of about 4 times per week at age 25, to once a week at age 50, 3 times a month at age 70, and 1.7 times a month between the ages of 75 and 79 years. Impotence also increases dramatically with age. It is rare before the age of 30. It is observed in 8 percent of people over 50 years old, 20 percent of those over 65 years old, and close to 40 percent for those who are 70 years old.
Another one of the andropause symptoms is Body Composition. The amount of lean body mass in the sedentary person decreases by approximately 10 percent for every decade after the age of 30. You could have lost 30-40 percent of your lean body mass by age 60. Aging is accompanied by a decrease in lean body mass (LBM) and a concurrent significant increase in fat mass. Although aging itself is an important determinant of body composition, plasma total testosterone levels are not correlated to fat mass, regardless of age. The decrease of muscle mass is highly correlated to free testosterone levels, which persists after correction for age. Testosterone supplementation increases muscle mass.
Aging males, like hypo-gonadal men, accumulate preferentially visceral fat as one of many andropause symptoms. This accumulation is a major cause of insulin resistance and the atherogenic lipid profile. This suggests that obesity in elderly men is a more important health hazard than in young men. Contrary to popular belief, clinical trials have shown that a low androgen status increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) or atherosclerosis. It was previously believed that testosterone and other androgens had the opposite effect since men have higher rates of heart disease generally than women. Researchers now find that low androgen levels were associated with an increased incidence of CAD. Men with CAD had a 22 percent lower 'free androgen index'.
In relation to andropause symptoms decreased free and total testosterone levels can lead to increased fat mass, it could also be suggested that the decrease in testosterone levels in the aging male is the consequence of an increase in fat mass. In other words, there is a likely bi-directional relationship, the exact mechanism of which is still not fully known. Obesity is a multi-factorial disease that also includes genetic, social and psychological factors.
Reproductive Capacity
Two factors may contribute to accelerated hypogonadism in aging men and an increase in andropause symptoms. The first is a slightly decreased production of testosterone and the second is an increase in the circulating fraction of testosterone bound to SHBG.
Semen analysis in elderly men revealed an alteration in sperm counts in varying degrees from normal to increased or a decreased sperm motility and increase in abnormal sperm forms. This finding in older men suggests some degree of primary testicular failure.
However, after controlling for age, the correlation between serum testosterone levels and sexual activity was not significant. This suggests that reduced testosterone levels are not likely to be responsible for sexual dysfunction and hypogonadism in and of itself is an uncommon cause of impotence in elderly male. These types of andropause symptoms can be very hard on relationships.
Based on these findings concerning andropause symptoms, the supplementation of testosterone in older men to improve erectile function may be of little benefit. Nevertheless, studies have also shown that aging men with high sexual activity levels have greater plasma testosterone concentrations than men with less sexual activity. Although decreases in serum testosterone may have a correlation with the diminished sexual activity in older men, this effect is probably minor compared with the contributions of psychological, social and other health factors such as cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, the question of whether or not to use testosterone as a replacement strategy in andropause use is not clear-cut. While andropause symptoms can be intense, so can the affects of hormone therapy.
In studying andropause symptoms, it has been found that the vast majority of men do not experience a total loss of testosterone production compared to the total loss of estrogen that occurs in women in menopause. As a result, they do not generally experience hot flashes. Hot flashes in men mostly occur when there is a complete loss of testosterone such as during gonadal failures, pituitary problems or treatments for advanced prostate cancer.
Mechanism Of Andropause Symptoms
Numerous researches looking at andropause symptoms have been conducted to explore the mechanism that triggers the decreased testosterone production with age. Theories that have been proposed include:
Loss of Hypothalamic Sensitivity. Dr. V. Dilman proposed that the major factor in aging is the dysfunction of the male reproductive homeostat (hypothalamic — pituitary — testes axis), which leads to the progressive loss of hypothalamic sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of testosterone. This loss of hypothalamic sensitivity to the negative feedback loop of testosterone has been confirmed by a number of indirect studies.
Testicular Defect . Some researchers postulated that during aging, there is a concurrent decreased Leydig cell's response to LH. It is likely that this loss of Leydig cell activity is due to a desensitization of sex hormone receptors due to prolonged hyperstimulation by chronically elevated levels of LH (primarily) and FSH (both of which are the result of the loss of hypothalamic sensitivity).
SHBG Level Increase. Levels of total plasma testosterone are known to have a progressive age-related decrease after the age of 50. One explanation is that both SHBG levels increase with age and albumin level decrease with age. This results in a decline in bioavailable testosterone. It has been noted that the decline in bioavailable testosterone is greater than the decline in total circulating testosterone. The circulating testosterone, which is bound to SHBG, is biologically less active than the free form.
Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction . Many people past the age of 40 have increased difficulty sleeping. A variety of factors such as stress, diet and a disturbance of the sleep-wake cycle can influence sleep quality. All these factors pose as adverse effects on other biological rhythms, resulting in a dramatic shift of the circadian rhythm of testosterone production. Testosterone levels in young men are highest in the evening and early morning. However, this rhythm is greatly attenuated in older men. Therefore, maintaining a good nights sleep as well as a regular sleep-wake cycle is a sensible approach to reducing stress and normalizing our chrono-biological clock.
Other Hormone Deficiencies
Other important hormones that have reduced production levels from age 30 onwards include Human Growth Hormone, Melatonin, DHEA, and Pregnenolone.
Growth Hormone
Growth hormone level in the body reaches its peak in the late teens. Then it starts its long decline at the rate of 14 percent reduction for each decade thereafter. By age 60, you could have lost as much as 60 percent of the amount of growth hormone in your body.
The growth hormone has been touted as the "elixir of growth" ever since Dr. Rudman published his landmark study in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Rudman gave a group of healthy aging adults a high dose, low-frequency program of synthetic growth hormone injections for six months. The results showed a significant increase in lean body mass and a reduction of body fat. Dr. Rudman concluded that the growth hormone injections changed the body composition consistent with 10 to 15 years of aging. Since then, many studies and clinical trials have been conducted on growth hormone.
The deficiency of the human growth hormone causes many changes of somatopause with similar symptoms as testosterone deficiency. The replacement of testosterone without replacing growth hormone generally does not produce maximum effective results as both hormones work in synergistically with each other to produce the best results.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
DHEA, an adrenal hormone, is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body. DHEA levels plummet dramatically with age, more than any other hormones, after peaking at around age 20. At the age of 40, production levels are only half the amount compared to age 20. By age 80, production levels are only five percent of the peak levels.
William Regelson, M. D. (1995), reviewed the effect on the male sexual function as documented in the groundbreaking Massachusetts Male Aging Study. This study investigated primarily the sexual function and activity in men aged 40 to 70. Of the 17 hormones measured in each man, only DHEA showed a direct and consistent correlation with impotence. As DHEA levels declined, the incidence of impotence increased. Other reported effects of increased DHEA included a reduction in blood insulin and glucose, increased lean body mass and reduction in fat, increased bone density and lowered cholesterol and blood pressure. DHEA rejuvenates virtually every organ system so it "actually makes you look, feel, and think better."
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is produced in the adrenal gland. Its production declines with age. Pregnenolone blocks and reverses many age-accelerating effects of excess cortisol.
Pregnenolone is also a potent neuro-nutrient that improves memory, concentration, and moods. It enhances brain function by facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses so that brain cells can communicate more easily. Pregnenolone can help to fight depression too. In one study, people who were not depressed had twice the amount of pregnenolone circulating in their bloodstreams.
Pregnenolone has the unique ability to balance all other hormones. It stimulates the production of other hormones only when they are needed.
Melatonin
Melatonin is produced in the pineal, which is located deep within the brain. Production levels of melatonin is reduced during the day and increased in the night. The amount of melatonin produced during the night is ten times the amount produced during the day.
Melatonin is also a potent antioxidant that protects the pineal gland against free radical damage and helps defend our immune system. Researchers now believe that the pineal gland also drives the aging process.
As you get older, the pineal gland produces less melatonin. The decline in production is slow and gradual after the age of 20. The loss is accelerated after the age of 40. Melatonin is usually not recommended for people under 40 years of age solely for its anti-aging benefits. This is because their production levels of melatonin have not yet declined significantly. Melatonin is commonly recommended for jet lag and as a sleeping aid, but we know that it can do much more.
Numerous scientific studies are currently underway to study the relationship of melatonin and longevity. In one interesting experiment, aging mice that received pineal gland from younger mice was discovered to have their life span increased by a third. Conversely, young mice given pineal gland from old mice had their life span reduced by one-third.
Andropause Treatment
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Both men and women produce testosterone. The amount produced by women is much smaller and production comes from the adrenal glands. A decline in the testosterone level is associated with decrease in sex drive and libido in both sexes. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) re-energizes the entire body, increases lean muscle mass, and reverses the fat accumulation and muscular atrophy characteristic of aging. TRT also considerably improves the quality of life in men after middle age. The replacement of testosterone may also prolong lifespan by reducing the severity of age-associated diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, which are among the leading causes of disability and death. For men, replacement and restoration of testosterone level in men to the level of a 30 to 40 year old male has shown significant anti-aging effects. The normal blood level of testosterone ranges from 15-100 mg/dL in women and from 300-1,200 mg/dL in men. Pre-TRT workup should include a complete history and physical examination, together with a battery of blood test including male hormonal profile and cancer screening test such as PSA to rule out any relative or absolute contraindications to testosterone replacement therapy. Various forms of synthetic testosterone have traditionally been used. These include oral, sublingual, intra-muscular injection, and trans-dermal patches. While these synthetic hormones have been widely used with beneficial effects, there are drawbacks to their use. Oral synthetic preparations result in short-term elevation and undesirably high inter-individual and intra-individual variability of concentrations of testosterone. There are also commonly associated elevations of liver function test and abnormalities at liver scans. Despite this, oral preparations still constitute about a third of prescriptions filled in the United States. Some common forms are pure testosterone, methyltestosterone, sublingual methyltestosterone, and fluoxymesterone. The injectable synthetic testosterone is esterfied. They are safe, effective, and the least expensive androgen preparations available. They require an injection into a large muscle. It is slowly absorbed and last longer. It takes effect over several days or weeks. Injections eliminate the natural daily diurnal rhythm of testosterone production-high at night and early morning and low during the day.Testosterone enanthate and cypionate are forms commonly used. They have comparable pharmacokinetics. Both result in supra-physiologic concentration of testosterone for 1 to 4 days after injection. A satisfactory regimen is to administer 200 mg of one of these esters once every two weeks intramuscularly, but a more physiologic replacement therapy would be 100 mg of one of these on a weekly basis. Trans-dermal synthetic TRT systems are perhaps the most commonly used. It comes in the form of scrotal and non-scrotal forms. Clinical studies have shown that both are effective forms of androgen replacement. The advantage of the scrotal form is that it produces high levels of circulating DHT due to the high 5-alpha-reductase enzyme activity of scrotal skin. It also requires shaving of the scrotum. Inadequate scrotal size and adherence problems are limitations. Skin irritation does occur in those with sensitive skins. Non-scrotal skin patch's advantage is that the serum testosterone concentration profile mimics the normal circadian variation observed in healthy young men. Skin irritation is more common, with over 50 percent experience some form of site reaction sometime during the treatment. Pretreatment with corticosteroid creams (not the ointment forms) has been shown to reduce the severity and incidence of skin irritation without significantly affecting testosterone absorption from the patch. Androgen replacement can have undesirable side effects, including frequent or persistent erections, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, ankle swelling, or virilization of female sexual partner. Breast enlargement can also develop as testosterone can be converted to estrogen via the enzyme aromatase. More serious complications include water retention, liver toxicity, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and prostate enlargement. These risks are relatively uncommon when the dosage is closely monitored to that found physiologically in the body. Androgens are contraindicated in men with carcinoma of the breast or known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate. They also should not be considered in those with known hypersensitivity to the preparation or in patients with compromised cardiac, renal, or hepatic functions. While there is no direct evidence that link testosterone replacement to accelerated prostate enlargement, there is a correlation between testosterone treated hypogonadal men and normal men with prostrate volume and age. Prostate cancer is an androgen-responsive cancer, although there is no evidence to directly indicate that testosterone therapy causes prostate cancer. If prostate cancer cells already exist in the body, the disease may be stimulated to spread. Therefore, pre-treatment screening for any prostate dysfunction is mandatory. A digital rectal examination (DRE) and laboratory test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) should be checked before initiation of therapy and every 3 to 6 months thereafter. An abnormal DRE, an increase in PSA of more than 2 ng/dl, or a total PSA of greater than 4.0 ng/dl requires further urological evaluation. Other tests include hemotocrit, bone density, and plasma lipids on an annual basis. Results of testosterone replacement may not be evident for several weeks. Impotence may not be corrected after several months of therapy despite improvement in other andropause symptoms. For these patients, evaluation for causes of erectile dysfunction other than hypogonadism due to andropause is indicated.Close monitoring of serum testosterone levels should be carried out for patients on testosterone. Other signs, such as acne, increase breast size, and tenderness should be checked. After one week or more of trans-dermal TRT, serum testosterone levels can be measured about 12 hours after patch application and dosage adjusted accordingly. For oral methyltestosterone therapy, no assays are available to monitor therapy. For patients on the injectable form, nadir testosterone levels should be obtained 3 to 4 months prior to the next injection. Recently, natural forms of testosterone have become available which possess all the benefits of synthetic hormones and little adverse side effects. They are available from specialized compounding pharmacy under the prescription of a physician. The alternatives to testosterone include the testosterone precursors, androstenedione and androstenediol, which are available in oral capsules or sublingual sprays.While testosterone replacement is one of the most effective ways to relief andropause symptoms and may be indicated in the aging male with documented hypogonadism, this hormone should not be used in those with normal testosterone levels. Under the care of a knowledgeable physician, this therapy is very safe for the vast majority of andropause patients.
Growth Hormone (hGH) The quick way to reverse the declining growth hormone (hGH) level is by hGH injections. A physician must monitor the injections. As with all hormones, growth hormone can be fatal if administered without proper precautions. In particular, people with excessive lipids in their blood, diabetes, and abnormal liver function must have extensive medical workup prior to commencing treatment. The use of growth hormone also requires no pre-existing diabetes or cancer. The dose must be kept to a minimum or joint pains, heart failure or carpal tunnel syndrome may occur. Commonly used dosage is 1 IU per day by injection. This is a low dose, high frequency program that is quite different from the original study carried out by Dr. Rudman years back. Furthermore, for each five to six days of injections, there should be a one to two days of rest where the body is given oral supplementation such as secretagogue. The effectiveness of growth hormone therapy is measured through monitoring the IGF-1 level in the blood. This is the metabolite and marker of growth hormone. It is customary to try to achieve an IGF-1 level of 350 mg/dl as the end point in an anti-aging program. While there is little doubt that growth hormone works, its use is not widespread due to its high cost and possible side effects if not monitored carefully. Is there a natural way of replacing our growth hormone without drugs? Many physicians practicing anti-aging medicine believe so. These physicians believe in stimulating the pituitary gland to naturally increase the release of hGH. Substances that stimulate the pituitary gland in this manner are called secretagogues. Secretagogues are natural elements and side effects are rare. The results, though not as significant as injections, have been very encouraging. The replenishment of growth hormone from a deficient state can lead to an improved sex life; skin tone and can help to balance other hormones in the body including testosterone, DHEA, melatonin, pregnenolone, and progesterone. Other ways to increase growth hormone release endogenously include intense strength training, cardiovascular exercises, calorie restrictions, and proper intake of nutraceutical supplementation, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids such as glutamine, ornithine, and lysine that acts as a pro-hormones.
DHEA. Many people have reported more energy, ability to handle stress more easily, think more clearly and generally feel better, after receiving DHEA. Other benefits include enhanced immunity (stronger resistance to colds, flu etc) and lower cholesterol levels. DHEA's ability to rejuvenate the immune function is particularly worthy of consideration. It boosts antibody production; enhances the activity of monocytes and maximizes the anti-cancer function of immune cells known as T lymphocytes. When administered concurrently with a flu vaccine, DHEA has been shown to improve the effectiveness of the vaccine in laboratory animals and in aging humans. One interesting note is that DHEA is not regulated by a negative feedback loop in the body. In other words, taking supplements of DHEA will not suppress the production of these hormones or cause the adrenal to rest and result in atrophy from the disuse. Theoretically, no "resting period" is required, although it is a good practice to have a resting cycle of a few weeks for every few months of therapy, as with all hormone replacement. DHEA replacement therapy offers powerful health benefits and is virtually risk-free. The usual starting dose is 25 mg. Men may require a higher quantity (up to 100 mg) while women may need less (up to 50 mg). The ideal anti-aging strategy is to supplement both DHEA and its precursor, pregnenolone. Commercial DHEA products are made from diosgenin, an extract from the Mexican wild yam of the Dioscorea family. Biochemists can convert diosgenin to DHEA by engineering a series of chemical conversions, but such conversion only happens in the laboratory and not in the human body. The ingestion of Dioscorea plant extracts cannot possibly lead to the formation of DHEA in the body.
Pregnenolone Numerous studies have shown the effects of pregnenolone on the body and brain. It boosts energy, elevates mood and improves memory and mental performance. Pregnenolone also creates a sense of well being while improving the ability to tolerate stress. Furthermore, pregnenolone has a host of advantages which includes the ability to influence cerebral function, energy level, the female reproductive cycle, immune defenses, inflammation, mood, skin health, sleep patterns, stress tolerance, wound healing. Taking pregnenolone therefore normalizes and rejuvenates the entire adrenal cascade.The normal starting dose is 15 mg, increasing up to 100 mg for men or women. There are minimal side effects. A laboratory, although good, is not necessary for doses below 200 milligrams per day. Pregnenolone should be derived from a pharmacologically pure product and not a yam-derived "precursor." A very safe dose is between 25 and 100 milligrams per day. Although pregnenolone has not been studied as extensively as DHEA as it is a precursor of DHEA and since it appears to decline as rapidly as DHEA, pregnenolone should also be considered in a comprehensive hormonal replacement regimen. Pregnenolone is best tested for its ability to alleviate depression, improve moods and enhance cognitive performance. It also has corticosteroid-like anti-inflammatory effects without the joint-destroying catabolic effects of corticosteroids (Regelson, 1995).It is often recommended for anti-aging purposes that both pregnenolone and DHEA be taken together. Since some pregnenolone is converted into DHEA, the amount of DHEA intake can be lowered if both are taken together.
Melatonin One of the causes of the disruptions of sleeping patterns during aging is the reduction in the nightly release of melatonin by the pineal gland. Many people have discovered that bedtime doses of melatonin restored their ability to obtain a sound and peaceful night's sleep. Melatonin levels are known to decline drastically with age. Since melatonin and FSH appear to be antagonistic in women, the same relationship may be true for men. It has been postulated that melatonin may even act to normalize (lower) gonadotropin levels. It is one of the few substances that have repeatedly been shown to extend the maximum lifespan of experimental animals. While low doses of melatonin (0.5 to 6 grams) act as a natural sleeping pill, high doses of melatonin (20 grams or more) have been used to fight cancer growth.The exact dosage varies greatly between people . Trial and error is the best method. A higher dose does not mean more potency. Some people may feel better with a smaller dose. To normalize sleep and the bioclock, a good dosage to start is 1 mg and should be gradually increased if there are no side effects. A slight disorientation and dizziness may be experienced for the first few hours after waking up when melatonin treatment is first started. This sensation should go away after a few nights of melatonin use. If it persists, a reduced dose is recommended. There are a few rules for the effective use of melatonin. Firstly, always take this hormone just before bedtime. If you take it earlier in the day, it may disrupt sleeping and waking cycles.
Normalization of Hypothalamic Function The following substances are postulated to restore the hypothalamic (central) or peripheral (end organ) receptor sensitivity to testosterone. They are not commonly used as an anti-aging therapeutic modality due to the lack of long-term clinical studies into its effectiveness.
Neurotransmitter modulation Alterations of catecholamine neurotransmitters (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) as well as a changing balance of the catecholamine/serotonin ratio have been postulated as the main cause of the loss of hypothalamic sensitivity by Dr. Dilman. Using selective drugs like MAO-B inhibitor, Deprenyl and neurotransmitter precursors such as the amino acids tyrosine, L-DOPA, and 5-HTP can normalize this.
Metformin Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic prescription drug. It is also a very effective anti-aging agent. Metformin acts by re-sensitizing the hypothalamus to negative feedback inhibition by steroid hormones. Used as an anti-aging agent, it has been showed that use in non-diabetic people results in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, reduced glucose, and the prevention of atherosclerosis. Metformin may also increase testosterone levels by normalizing blood glucose and insulin levels. Some physician uses phenformin instead. This is a less effective analog of metformin, which has been shown to help extend the maximum lifespan of rats and mice.
Goat's Rue Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis) is the herbal prototype of the biguanide class of pharmaceuticals that includes metformin and phenformin. It is believed that Goat's Rue would have the same effects as Metformin although there is a lack of sufficient research to substantiate the claims.
Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris) Tribulus is an herb that has been used for centuries in India as a treatment for both male and female sexual dysfunction including andropause symptoms. It has been widely tested for its efficacy in enhancing sperm quality and mobility. Tribulus has also been used to increase libido and sexual performance in experimental animals and men. Studies have shown that tribulus administration has resulted in an increase of LH levels by 72 percent and free testosterone levels by 41 percent. While the exact mechanism of action is not known, studies have shown that it enhances spermatogenesis by enhancing the activity of FSH upon the Sertolli cells in the testes. Tribulus also seems to stimulate the central nervous system directly to increase the secretion of LH thus resulting in an increased level of testosterone. It is also postulated that tribulus may directly sensitize the Leydig cells of the testes. These cells, in turn, produce testosterone in response to LH.
Other Male Reproductive Enhancers used for andropause symptoms
Yohimbe Yohimbe has traditionally been used to enhance male potency and libido. It has acquired the reputation of being a male aphrodisiac and is listed in the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) as such. It acts as an alpha-adrenergic stimulant. However, due to its stimulatory property, the cardiovascular system is affected. Side effect includes increasing heart rate, high blood pressure, and nervousness. Patients with hypertension, history of heart attack or stroke should consult a physician first before using Yohimbe.
Muira Puama Muira Puama is also known as "potency wood". It has long been used as a powerful aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant in South American folk medicine. Muira Puama may be effective in restoring libido and treating erectile dysfunction. Numerous studies have been conducted to validate this action. In one study, 262 patients with decreased libido and potency dysfunction were given 1 to 1.5 grams of oral Muira Puama extract. Within 2 weeks, it was shown that 62 percent of the subject reported benefits from Muira Puama. Unfortunately, the mechanism of action of Muira Puama is not known, and more studies are needed to ascertain its mechanism of action.
Prostate Protection is helpful for men avoiding andropause symptoms. Men over 45 needs to be aware of the symptoms of prostrate cancer. Some 180,000 American men this year will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. 34,000 Americans will die from the disease. Prostate cancer is the leading non-skin cancer in men. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a near universal disease of aging men. Men over 40 should have an annual digital rectal exam on their prostate and men over 50 needs to have a special blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Prevention and enhancement of Prostatic health with botanicals is widely practiced in Europe and has been shown to be more effective than drugs. Decades of studies and hundreds of clinical studies concerning andropause symptoms, have shown that extracts from Saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum and Stinging nettle have all demonstrated efficacies when used in the treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).Due to their multiple actions, it should be no surprise that when these botanicals are combined, they are even more effective than when used individually. An estimated 90 percent of men who have mild to moderate BPH experience some improvement in symptoms during the first four to six weeks of therapy. Saw palmetto has been shown to have very few side effects. Since it does not interfere with PSA levels, saw palmetto will not hide cancer symptoms during PSA tests. Botanical should be seriously considered as a first natural alternative to drugs for those who wish to alleviate symptoms of BPH. These botanicals can also act as a prophylactic for those who are keen to prevent the onset of BPH. Healthy men about to or already in andropause should consider saw palmetto as part of a comprehensive anti-aging program.
Nutritional Supports are great for treating andropause symptoms. Aging is a syndrome of degenerative disease characterized by age-related diseases such as cardiovascular dysfunction, cancer and arthritis. One of the primary causes of aging is oxidative stress from free radicals. Through improper diet, external pollutants, stress of life, our body's cells are continually bombarded by millions of free radicals each day. The degree and the amount of free radicals present in the body are related directly to the speed of the aging process. One of the primary goals of anti-aging is to stop the proliferation of free radicals through intake of food rich in anti-oxidants and antioxidants supplements.While there is no established laboratory reference for the ideal intake level of antioxidants for anti-aging, many in the forefront of anti-aging research are advocating much higher levels of intake than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) set by the National Science Council. While each person is unique in his or her requirement, the following daily intake represents part of a common regimen of preventing heart disease and cancer, the combination of which accounts for more than 80 percent of all deaths.Cardiovascular System Protection:
Ascorbyl Palmitate: 100 — 200 mg
L-Lysine: 150 — 250 mg
L-Proline: 100 — 200 mg
Amylase: 1,500 SKBU
Cellulase: 500 ECU
Lipase: 4800 IU
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): 1,000 — 3,000 mg
Coenzyme Q10: 30 — 120 mg
L-Carnitine: 500 — 2,000 mg
Lipoic Acid: 100 — 400 mg
Musculoskeletal System Protection:
Calcium: 500 mg
Magnesium: 400 — 1,000 mg
Malic Acid: 100 — 500 mg
The magnesium to calcium ratio should be at least 1 to 1. Some anti-aging researchers are advocating a ratio of 2 to 1.
Cancer Prevention:
Calcium D-Glucarate: 100 — 300 mg
Vitamin E: 400 — 800 IU
Beta-Carotene: 15,000 — 30,000 IU
Grapeseed Extract: 50 — 100 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoids: 50 — 150 mg
Selenium: 200 — 400 mcg
Diet People that live in the Mediterranean region have one of the lowest heart attack rates in the world. Their diet consists of 50 percent complex carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables), 25 percent protein (from plant source like tofu and fish like salmon), and 25 percent fat (from fish and olive oil). Their saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and sugar intake are very low. The Mediterranean diet is an excellent model for anti-aging diet. Fruits and vegetables contain abundant antioxidants and phytonutrients. Fish contains essential fatty acids that are critical building blocks of neurotransmitters and hormones. Moderate amount of plant-based protein such as soybean is easy on the digestive system compared to red or white meat. Our diet should be fortified with digestive enzymes such as amylase, cellulase and lipase, which may be needed to digest protein and enhance gastrointestinal health and treatandropause symptoms. This should be part of the daily supplement intake. Reduction of sugar intake and avoidance of cigarette and alcohol are also important. Finally, a reduction of calories by 30 percent to achieve 5 to 10 percent below the ideal body weight should be considered.
Proper Exercise is good for treating andropause symptoms. Exercise, in addition to its cardiovascular benefits, also increases the level of hormones in the body, which include growth hormone, testosterone, DHEA, and pregnenolone. Performing strength-training exercise is a key component to an anti-aging exercise program because of the above-mentioned effects. Without a doubt, exercise is the closest thing to the anti-aging magic bullet as one can get. Those who exercise regularly live longer. It's that simple. Following an anti-aging exercise program incorporating flexibility training, cardiovascular training, and strength training program in a balanced fashion is the key. Do not overdo or ignore any of the three components. Each component is equally important for anti-aging purposes.
The Takeaway
Andropause symptoms are a very common complaint for men over the age of forty. They're caused by the changes in hormone levels that occur during life stage and can be mild or can almost completely disrupt your health and way of life. There are several different ways to address these symptoms ranging from medications to lifestyle changes that support more natural hormone levels. If you experience problems because of hormone imbalances as you age, then here's what to do:
Go for a check-up first to check that it's not a sign of something more serious and talk to your doctor about medication options.
Adopt a healthy diet, free of processed foods and sugar to support a leaner, healthier body shape.
Exercise regularly to decrease your symptoms and encourage healthy hormone levels as well as better cardiovascular health.
The human body can experience a range of problems as it age and these issues are often compounded by the symptoms and issues associated with adrenal fatigue. If you need help, support, or advice relating to this process, talk to our team by clicking here or call us on +1 (626) 571-1234.