Do Men Go Through “Menopause?”

You’d think with “men” in the word that they would, right? Well, the true answer is yes and no. At the time of menopause, women experience a dramatic drop in hormones. Men, however, experience a more gradual hormonal decline as they age. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle and all women will go through this natural transition – some with severe symptoms, other with few to no symptoms. For men, when symptoms arise from Testosterone levels getting to low, a condition known as “low T” or “andropause” is the result – But not all men suffer from it.

How Hormonal Changes In Men And Women Differ With Aging:

What Are The Symptoms Of Menopause For Women? And Andropause For Men?

What Causes Testosterone to Drop?

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Liver Disease
• Obesity
• Pituitary Tumors
• Anti-Testosterone Therapy
• Radiation/Chemotherapy
• High Dose Steroids

8 Tips For Better “Testosterone”: What Are Some Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Testosterone Levels Naturally?

1. Drop those excess pounds – fat cells decrease the amount of available testosterone.
2. Get your Vitamin D. Some sunshine everyday not only brightens mood but also produces Vitamin D. Vitamin D increases a man’s total testosterone level.
3. Hit the gym and pick up those weights: Strength training will increase muscle mass and levels of testosterone.
4. Stop the testosterone thieves: reduce alcohol, caffeine and stop smoking!
5. Reduce stress levels: relaxation techniques, meditation and mindfulness will reduce cortisol levels and increase testosterone levels
6. Go for organic fruits and veggies: Organic fruits and veggies have less pesticides and herbicides which means less toxins. Toxins can affect hormones by “dysregulating” them causing them to go awry. Organic fruits and veggies are also chock full of B-Vitamins, anti-oxidants and zinc important for more energy and higher testosterone levels.
7. Choose hormone -free meats -Approximately 2/3 of all farmers and big meat companies may pump up their livestock with hormones – such as natural and synthetic types of estrogen and testosterone. These drugs help the animal convert their feed into muscle, fat and other tissues more efficiently than they would naturally. Look for “No hormones administered” on labels.
8. Get enough ZZZ’s – 7-8 hours /pm or the amount that your body requires – decreases cortisol, help lose weight and maintain more stable testosterone levels.

If your man is suffering from “low T”, try some of the lifestyle tips mentioned above. If he’s still not feeling vigorous, he may need to see a specialist for treatment. In our next blog, we will revisit my patient, Karen, and her husband Michael. Was he diagnosed with “low T” and what treatment did he get?

In health and happiness,

Please share your comments and experiences!

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