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Male Menopause Treatments

by Comstone Cavella

  • Overview

    Levels of male homones, known collectively as androgens, decrease as men age, usually over several years. Sometimes called male menopause or more properly "andropause," the effects of these decreased hormones include changes in sexual function and changes in mood and energy levels. As other circumstances also can affect testosterone and other hormone levels, you should consult with a medical professional when concerned about body changes after age 30.

  • Symptoms

    Lower androgen levels often affect mood and emotion and depression is not uncommon. Motivation and self-confidence also may decrease and you will likely experience less sexual function, including a reduced sexual desire, fewer erections, and possibly infertility. Your sleep patterns may also be affected; insomnia is not uncommon. Body fat increases and muscle decreases, while bone density decreases. Some of these changes are part of the natural aging process. Some might be caused by health problems.
 

  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Choosing a healthy lifestyle may address many of the symptoms and even affect the cause of male andropause. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains can decrease fat and increase muscle tone. Physical activity often addresses depressed feelings and negative thoughts. Further, such a lifestyle can increase testosterone production. Studies show that even moderate exercise can increase testosterone levels by nearly 40 percent.

  • Weight Management

    Testosterone can be converted into estrogen, a hormone found in both men and women. This conversion, called aromatization, occurs in the body's fat stores. As men age and gain weight, an increase in fat stores increases this testosterone conversion. Lowering the fat in the body, therefore, prevents some of this aromatization from taking place, maintaining a higher testosterone level.

  • Testosterone Replacement

    Under medical supervision, testosterone supplements can increase androgen levels and therefore reduce or reverse some of the progress and symptoms of andropause. The concern, however, is that such replacement therapy may also increase the likelihood of prostate cancer, blood clots and stroke. If a doctor does prescribe testosterone replacement, you may receive a patch, tablets, gels or injections, or a combination of these.

  • Botanics

    Some sources claim that botanics can affect androgen levels. Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, and muira puama, also known as "potency wood," are sometimes mentioned as natural remedies for impotence and maura puama has been shown to affect libido in some men. Zinc is also mentioned to increase the health and number of sperm cells, but this mineral does not increase testosterone production. Generally, you should consult with your doctor before spending money on alternative botanics.

    References & Resources

    • Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism; Does the Andropause Exist?(Clinical report); Perheentupa, Antti and Ilpo Huhtaniemi; October 2007
    • Metabolism; Exercise Increases Serum Testosterone and Sex Hormone-binding Globulin Levels in Older Men; JM Zmuda, PD Thompson, and SJ Winters; August 1996
    • The Consumer Health Information Source Book. Annual 2003 pNA; A Woman's Guide to Male Menopause: Real Solutions for Helping Him Maintain Vitality and Virility; Marc R Rose, M. L. Block, and Virginia Hopkins; 2003
    • Male menopause: Myth or reality?
       
       
     
     

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