Male Menopause is also referred to as Low T. Symptoms of Low T are:
Depression, nervousness
Flushes and sweats
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Easily fatigued
Poor concentration and memory
In aging men, a reduction in testosterone concentration is due mainly to a decline in Leydig cell mass in the testicles or a dysfunction in hypothalamic-pituitary homeostatic control, or both, leading to abnormally low secretion of luteinizing hormone with resultant low testosterone production.
Aging is associated with an increase in central and upper body fat deposition and reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia) and strength. This could be explained by an age-associated decline in growth hormone concentrations, which itself is associated with an increase in sex hormone—binding globulin (SHBG) and, therefore, a reduction in bioavailable testosterone. The consensus is that testosterone supplementation in low T men enhances fat-free mass, muscle bulk, and strength. Profound low T in younger men results in accelerated bone loss and osteoporosis. In older men, bioavailable testosterone concentrations are positively correlated with bone mineral density at the radius, spine, and hip, and men with low T have been reported to be at increased risk of hip fracture.
Along with this decline in plasma testosterone concentration is an age-associated increase in plasma concentration of sex hormone—binding globulin (SHBG), resulting in a more pronounced decline in the active or bioavailable free testosterone. Concentrations of bioavailable testosterone decrease by as much as 50% between the ages of 25 and 75 years, and it has been proposed that with respect to bioavailable concentrations, as many as 50% of men older than 50 years have low T when compared with peak early morning concentrations in young men. With age, a loss of hypothalamic-pituitary circadian rhythm occurs, which may result in exaggerated falls in plasma testosterone concentrations by evening.
Treatment of Low T:
Testosterone is FDA-approved as replacement therapy only for men who have low testosterone levels due to disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland, or brain that cause a condition called hypogonadism. Examples of these disorders include failure of the testicles to produce testosterone because of genetic problems, or damage from chemotherapy or infection. However, FDA has become aware that testosterone is being used extensively in attempts to relieve symptoms in men who have low testosterone for no apparent reason other than aging. The benefits and safety of this use have not been established.
Some clinicians believe that factors like obesity, stress and inadequate sleep probably play a role in low T.
Lifestyle Improvements
might help such as:
Exercise – Cardio, Weights
Sleep Hygiene – turn off phones and computers after 9:00 P.M. to decrease blue light exposure. Regular sleep 6 – 8 hours
Higher fiber fruits,grains,vegetables, legumes
Saturated fats from grass- fed meats, coconut oil, macadamia nuts as opposed to polyunsaturated fats from refined vegetable oil.
Supplements might help as well.
Here is a list of supplements you can talk to your
medical provider about:
Vitamin D
Zinc
Ashwaghanda
Rhodiola
Maca
Tribulus
Muira Puama
Growth Hormone Stimulating Amino Acids
Arginine with pycnogenol
Before taking any supplements or starting any program speak to your medical provider for specific advice.