Andropause Symptoms:What Are the Signs of Low Testosterone in Men?
Andropause symptoms are related to low Testosterone as a man gets older. Testosterone, one of about half-dozen androgen hormones, can be converted into estrogen by enzymatic action - or bound by SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) a compound which increases as a result of rising estrogen levels. Even if you are producing sufficient Testosterone, SHBG can limit the amount of free Testosterone. It is the free Testosterone that gives you all those benefits of masculine vigor! Aromatase is an enzyme which increases in response to inflammatory processes in the body, and breaks down Testosterone. And there's more... ...it is a complex process of synergistic and antagonistic relationships of various compounds in your body which determines whether you suffer from andropause symptoms or not! Photo: Working out with weights helps maintain muscle mass and Testosterone levels. Andropause Symptoms Gradual Onset Sometimes Goes UnnoticedTypically 'male menopause' is a gradual process. The slow deterioration of both mental and physical health often goes unrecognized until obvious problems, such as prostate problems, erectile dysfunction or cardiovascular problems arise.Emotional manifestations of low testosterone include depression, loss of confidence and optimism, irritability, anger, frustration and lack of ambition. To maintain your male vitality, you need to be alert to andropause symptoms, how to recognize them and some of the causes behind them. If you are already distressed to be experiencing signs of 'male menopause,' I assure you, there are a variety of solutions and a plan of action that will be just right for you. I will give you solid steps you can take to boost your low Testosterone. Testosterone levels vary greatly from man to man. Your original constitutional make-up, age, the environment you live in, toxins you are or have been exposed to, diet, exercise and emotional health all play a part. Because of the wide spectrum of circumstances that can affect your Testosterone levels at any stage of life, there is a great variation in the age at which Testosterone begins to decline, anywhere from your mid 30's to late 70's. Did you know, for example, that men living a rural lifestyle tend to retain higher levels of Testosterone than urban males? In a nutshell; andropause symptoms have a feminizing effect on male physique AND... ...they also have a deleterious effect on male emotional vitality, leading to more passivity, depression, irritability and feelings of insecurity! How Andropause Symptoms Affect Your PhysiqueDecreased muscle mass: Do you work out for hours at the gym and still have trouble increasing your muscle mass? Testosterone is an anabolic hormone that, when abundant, allows you to build muscle easily.
Physical weakness: If you've been noticing that it seems more difficult to lift heavy objects or do other demanding tasks that were easier in the past, that is one of many Andropause symptoms that could be warning you of a decline in Testosterone Bone loss and fragility: If you sense that your bones are less solid, your frame weakening - you may be right. Or, if you have tested lower on a bone density scan - you will want to look into checking your hormone levels. Increased abdominal fat: Difficulty losing weight in the belly points to low testosterone, an excess of estrogen and is considered a risk factor for heart disease. Other andropause symptoms that affect physique: Decreased coordination, lack of endurance and balance problems. Increased Inflammatory Conditions: Did you know that low testosterone tends to cause inflammation in the body? And were you aware that cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory process among other things? In addition, joint and muscle pain, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue increase as testosterone diminishes. A good idea for a first step is to get your testosterone, SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin - which prevents you from utilizing your Testosterone), progesterone, and estrogen levels tested. This will serve as a baseline from which you can evaluate your progress as you improve your health to boost your Testosterone naturally. How Andropause Symptoms Affect Your Cardiovascular SystemDid you know that your heart muscle cells contain a high number of receptors for Testosterone? This means that Testosterone is essential for heart health!Low testosterone leads to andropause symptoms that negatively affect many aspects of cardiovascular health. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases resulting from low testosterone includes: Congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and LDL levels. Lack of testosterone has been shown to contribute to poor circulation causing constriction (tightness and narrowing) of blood vessels throughout the body. Constricted blood vessels are also a factor in erectile dysfunction. How Andropause Symptoms Affect Your Mental and Emotional HealthInability to concentrate, insomnia, mental dullness and fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, irritability, anger and anxiety tend to increase as hormonal health declines. However, with knowledge and commitment to being proactive about your health, you can maintain your mental and emotional well-being.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly pushed as a first-line solution to andropause symptoms. Particularly if non-bioidentical hormones are used, it can make matters worse. Conventional HRT has too many hazards, and ANY hormone replacement should be the last thing that is considered. The most reliable, effective approach is to build a solid foundation and add on top of it as needed. Here is what I would do... If any of the specific andropause symptoms listed below apply to you (or if a woman, to the man you love), there are several steps you can take right now to solve the problem: 1 - If you only do ONE thing, I would recommend getting the Trace Elements Hair Analysis Test, then following the recommendations in your Hair Mineral Analysis Report diligently and consistently. What would mineral levels and ratios have to do with hormone levels... ...a LOT! To quote Dr. David Watts, researcher who develops and oversees the program at Trace Elements Laboratory:
2 - Get your hormones tested. to establish baseline levels. This way, you can monitor the effectiveness of following the Trace Elements Hair Analysis recommendations or anything else you are doing to reverse andropause symptoms. References: (1) Nutrient Interrelationnships: Minerals-Vitamins-Endocrines - David L. Watts, D.C., Ph.D., F.A.C.E.P. http://www.traceelements.com/Docs/Nutrient%20Interrelationships-Minerals-Vitamins-Endocrines.pdf Trace Elements Hair Analysis Test Special Pricing for YouBack to Mens Health pages Index
|
|
|
