The Healthy Way

Monday, March 09, 2009

Midlife Crisis or Male Menopause / Andropause?

Production of the primary male sex hormone, testosterone, begins to decline from age 30. These falling levels of testosterone are responsible for many ailments suffered by men including: sexual dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, bone density, insulin resistance, and depression. A recent study showed that low testosterone levels increased the risk of death in men from all causes by as much as 88 percent. Optimal levels of testosterone are essential for preventing heart attacks in men over 40. Bioidentical replacement of testosterone allows men to regain their sexual functioning as well as the energy and joy for living.

Hormonal balance is one aspect of overall good health

Hormones cannot fully restore sexuality if the body if inflamed, stressed, or poorly nourished. The entire body needs to be functioning properly for a person to fully revive. Sexual health is part of general health and wellness. This includes good nutrition from a diet of whole foods, daily exercise, stress management, a full night's sleep of eight hours or more, and having a purpose in life. It also means getting toxic chemicals out of the body.

For years, men have hid their physical and emotional changes and classified it as a midlife crisis. Researchers now suggest these men were probably experiencing something quite different, a male version of menopause. As many as 25 million North American males between the ages of 35 and 55 are experiencing some degree of male menopause or Andropause. Andropause is characterized by decreased testosterone levels associated with the normal aging process. Some of the symptoms are: Lack of energy, decrease in strength and/or endurance, decrease in sex drive, sadness or depression, weak erections, deterioration in sports ability, and memory deterioration.

Testosterone replacement therapy has been the primary treatment for men with lowered testosterone levels. This treatment is still quite controversial considering the risks associated with this form of replacement therapy. Men and their doctors often compare the risks to rewards when considering this type of therapy. Testosterone injections, while reducing Andropause symptoms may create negative side-effects such as stroke risk and liver toxicity.

Herbal preparations may be able to bridge the gap between doing nothing and having serious side effects associated with testosterone injections. These supplements will naturally boost testosterone levels while reducing Andropause symptoms without the negative feedback associated with hormone replacement therapy. Some of the basic steps always include a full spectrum high quality multivitamin/multimineral formula. A dietary supplement for men needs to include zinc picolinate, Vitamin A and D, as well as B complex with extra B6, glandular extracts for testicular and adrenal support as well as essential fatty acids and amino acids complex. New research published in the June 9, 2008 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine links low levels of vitamin D -- the "sunshine vitamin" -- with a higher risk of heart attack in men. In addition men over 50 will do well to take extra B5 and niacin along with Saw Palmetto berry and Korean ginseng root. Pantothenic acid (B5) is a vital nutrient for the adrenal glands, which produce hormones. Zinc contributes to prostate function, testosterone synthesis and activity, and sperm development. Niacin is important to healthy blood cholesterol levels. Saw palmetto berry contains fatty acids and sterols, which provide important nutritional support for the prostate. Korean ginseng root is traditionally used to support masculine functions by supporting healthy testosterone production. I recommend Male X formula made by Douglas Labs, which provides an easy to use high quality formula to boost libido and enhance performance, it also take the dosage guesswork out of the way. Some of its main ingredients such as Yohimbine, Muria puama, Ginko Biloba and Damiana have been traditionally used for centuries.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online here