What Is Andropause?

Screen-Shot-2019-06-23-at-6.55.24-AM.png

Many people have asked: "Is there such a thing as male menopause?" Yes, there definitely is. It is called ANDROPAUSE and you definitely can start to feel the effects of age and lifestyle just like women.The greatest challenges many of you may suffer from as you age are:

  • Can’t keep up with the younger guys at the office like you used to.

  • Don't feel as physically optimal as you once did.

  • Always enjoyed time with family in the evening but now you just lie on the couch until its time for bed.

  • Don’t have the energy for all the things you did when younger

  • Aren't interested in sex like when you were younger and

  • Can’t get it up like when you were younger

The cause behind these symptoms is almost always low testosterone.The current testing range for testosterone is very outdated, so even though your doctor may discover that your testosterone levels are “normal” you still may have all the symptoms of low testosterone…

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Depression

  • Low pain threshold

  • Brain fog

  • Low sex drive

  • Loss of muscle mass and bone density

  • Insomnia

  • Feeling like you lost your edge

Testosterone naturally decreases after age 30 but there are some things you can do to keep testosterone levels optimized as you age.Solutions to optimize testosterone levels:First, you want to stay away from…

  • Stress

  • Alcohol and caffeine

  • Soy, which is a powerful estrogen

  • Sugar and artificial sweeteners

  • BPA and phthalate found in many plastics can mimic estrogen and work against your testosterone

  • Pesticides which can cause a plunge in testosterone

Next, you want to start or increase…

  • High-Intensity Interval Training

  • Strength training

  • Consuming plenty of zinc.  Zinc helps with fertility, immunity, prevention of hair loss, hormone balance, insulin sensitivity and dopamine production which helps with mood, drive and interest.

  • Optimizing vitamin D levels to a serum blood level between 50-80 ng/ml of Vitamin D 25(OH)

  • Lowering blood sugar.  A blood test measuring this is HgbA1c, ideal level is < 5.3 %

  • Eating healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, coconuts and seafood

  • Increasing your intake of branch chain amino acids which are found in protein

Treating aging-related low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy is controversial.For some men, testosterone therapy relieves bothersome signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency. For others, the benefits aren't clear and there are possible risks.Be skeptical of herbal supplements. Herbal supplements haven't been proved safe and effective for aging-related low testosterone. Some supplements might even be dangerous. Long-term use of DHEA, for example, has no proven benefits and might increase the risk of prostate cancer.For some men, testosterone therapy relieves annoying signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency. For others, the benefits aren't as clear and there are possible risks.Among the risks, testosterone therapy contributes to sleep apnea, stimulates noncancerous growth of the prostate and stimulates the growth of existing prostate cancer. Testosterone therapy may also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and contributes to the formation of blood clots in the veins.If you wonder whether testosterone replacement might be right for you, work with your doctor to determine why your testosterone level is low and whether it is causing your symptoms. Weigh the pros and cons of treatment together with your doctor.Please share this post with anyone you think might benefit from it.This September when I will host a live Fierce Coaching 6 week Course where I expand on that week’s blog to help you get transformation. More information will follow in the coming months.  Learn from my a-ha moments, ask questions, and live your best fierce life.

Previous
Previous

Fasting

Next
Next

Is your workout fitness or binging?