Andropause

Vitality & Virility: Hormones Are Key

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:50:09 +0100

Men: Keep that youthful,vital and virile feeling through mid-life

Men are not immune to midlife changes. They too experience the so-called change of life as a result of declining hormones, specifically low testosterone, which is commonly seen beginning in the fourth decade of life. This is often associated with symptoms of aging in males referred to as "Andropause", named after the androgens, the medical name for male hormones. This is the counterpart to menopause in women, when ovarian production of estrogens and progesterone begin to decline. But for men, it is a more gradual process than the rollercoaster many women experience during menopause.

Andropausal men may first notice a subtle loss of libido, along with a downward shift in strength and energy. Depression, burnout, the feeling of being tired but wired, and a persistent lack of stamina, are also common symptoms as the predominant male hormones, testosterone and DHEA, decline with age. These are important anabolic hormones in men because they maintain both physical and mental health. For example, they increase energy and decrease fatigue. They help maintain erectile function and normal sex drive, and very significantly, increase the strength of all structural tissues: the skin, the bones, the muscles, including the heart.

Proper androgen levels also help prevent depression and mental fatigue. Needless to say, a deficiency of these hormones will most likely have significant impact on both physical and mental male health. Stress management, exercise, proper nutrition, hormone testing, and androgen replacement therapy with physician guidance, can be beneficial to counter andropause symptoms.

If you are experiencing andropausal symptoms, our His Advanced Plus Profile can identify and monitor for estrogen dominance, hypogonadism, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), infertility, osteoporosis screening and adrenal dysfunction as well as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and thyroid. Saliva and dried blood spot testing are convenient, inexpensive, and above all, accurate means of testing steroid hormones. Vitality has nothing to do with Age!

www.canaryclub.org

Estrogen Balance Can Mean Life or Death To Aging Men

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:01:58 +0100

When estrogen levels are unbalanced, the risk of degenerative disease in aging men skyrockets.

Men with even slightly elevated estrogen levels double their risk of stroke and have far higher incidences of coronary artery disease.

Early observations also reveal that men presenting with benign prostate enlargement or prostate cancer have higher blood estrogen levels (and often low free testosterone blood levels).

Insufficient estrogen, on the other hand, predisposes men to osteoporosis and bone fracture.

The fact that 99% of men today have no idea what their estrogen levels are helps explain the epidemic of age-related disease that is bankrupting this nation’s medical system.

The dramatic increase in mortality in men with unbalanced estrogen (i.e.,estradiol levels either too high or too low) is nothing short of astounding. It uncovers a gaping hole in conventional cardiology practice that is easily correctable.

Low Estradiol and Testosterone Predict Mortality in Aging Men

Sales of testosterone replacement drugs have surged more than 20-fold in response to studies linking low testosterone to a host of common maladies.

In a recent study of 3,014 men aged 69-80 years, serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were measured during a mean follow-up of 4.5 years.

Men with low testosterone had 65% greater all-cause mortality, while men with low estradiol suffered 54% more deaths.

Those men low in estradiol and testosterone were almost twice as likely to die (a 96% increase in mortality) compared to men in the optimal ranges.25

This large study of aged men corroborates prior published reports linking imbalances of testosterone and/or estradiol with greater incidences of degenerative disease and death.

How Do Men Naturally Make Estrogen?

Women synthesize most of their estrogen in their ovaries and other reproductive tissues.
Since men lack this female anatomy, they need to produce estrogen through a process involving an enzyme called aromatase that transforms testosterone into estradiol.

Aging men sometimes have too much aromatase activity, which causes their testosterone to convert to excess estradiol. This results in depletion of vital testosterone while spiking estradiol to unsafe ranges.

Some men lack aromatase and suffer an estrogen deficit. Other men produce so little endogenous testosterone that there is not enough to convert into estrogen, which causes low levels of both free testosterone and estradiol.

Fortunately, no matter what the underlying cause, aging men can easily achieve optimal free testosterone and estradiol levels.

Free testosterone is the unbound form that is biologically available to cell receptor sites throughout the body. Measuring free testosterone levels is the most accurate way of assessing testosterone status in aging men.
How Aging Men Can Control Their Estrogen Levels

An epidemic problem in aging male members is insufficient free testosterone, i.e., less than 15-20 pg/mL of serum. When accompanied by excess estradiol (over 30 pg/mL of serum), this can signal excess aromatase enzyme activity.

Excess aromatase robs men of their testosterone while exposing them to higher than desirable estradiol.37

Aromatase can be suppressed with absorbable forms of chrysin (a plant flavonoid) and/or lignans such as those extracted from the Norway spruce tree (HMRlignan™)

When aromatase is properly suppressed, estradiol levels are reduced to safe ranges, while free testosterone often increases, since less testosterone is being aromatized into estradiol.

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Critical Importance of Testing

Today’s conventional physicians prescribe blood tests to check glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, but rarely check their male patients’ free testosterone and estradiol levels.

When looking at the horrific-ally high mortality rates associated with imbalances of these critical hormones, it becomes strikingly apparent that a significant number of heart attacks, strokes, bone fractures, and other degenerative diseases are easily preventable.

As a member of the Canary Club you don’t have to be victimized by conventional medical ignorance, high prices, or insurance company indifference.

An all-inclusive hormone test panel that includes free testosterone and estradiol can retail for $1,000 at commercial labs. Our "His Advanced Plus Profile" is only $255.00.

If your test result reveals an imbalance of testosterone and/or estradiol, you are in a position to initiate immediate corrective action. Not only can restoring youthful hormone balance save your life, but men (and women) often experience an enhancement in their quality of life after their hormones are adjusted to optimal ranges.

This article is a partial excerpt from Life Extension Foundation.

References for LEF Article:

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Prins GS, Korach KS. The role of estrogens and estrogen receptors in normal prostate growth and disease. Steroids. 2008 Mar;73(3):233-44.

Matsuda T, Abe H, Suda K. Relation between benign prostatic hyperplasia and obesity and estrogen. Rinsho Byori. 2004 Apr;52(4):291-4.

Ho CK, Nanda J, Chapman KE, Habib FK. Oestrogen and benign prostatic hyperplasia: effects on stromal cell proliferation and local formation from androgen. J Endocrinol. 2008 Jun;197(3):483-491

Singh PB, Matanhelia SS, Martin FL. A potential paradox in prostate adenocarcinoma progression: oestrogen as the initiating driver. Eur J Cancer. 2008 May;44(7):928-36.

Giton F, de la Taille A, Allory Y, et al. Estrone sulfate (E1S), a prognosis marker for tumor aggressiveness in prostate cancer (PCa). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2008 Mar;109(1-2):158-67.

Mellström D, Vandenput L, Mallmin H, et al. Older men with low serum estradiol and high serum SHBG have an increased risk of fractures. J Bone Miner Res. 2008 Oct;23(10):1552-60.

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Tivesten A, Vandenput L, Labrie F, et al. Low serum testosterone and estradiol predict mortality in elderly men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Jul;94(7):2482-8.

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Moffat SD, Zonderman AB, Metter EJ, Blackman MR, Harman SM, Resnick SM. Longitudinal assessment of serum free testosterone concentration predicts memory performance and cognitive status in elderly men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Nov;87(11):5001-7.

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Gouras GK, Xu H, Gross RS, et al. Testosterone reduces neuronal secretion of Alzheimer’s beta-amyloid peptides. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2000 Feb 1;97(3):1202-5.

Traish AM, Saad F, Guay A. The dark side of testosterone deficiency: II. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. J Androl. 2009 Jan-Feb;30(1):23-32.

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Debing E, Peeters E, Duquet W, Poppe K, Velkeniers B, Van Den Branden P. Men with atherosclerotic stenosis of the carotid artery have lower testosterone levels compared with controls. Int Angiol. 2008 Apr;27(2):135-41.

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Leder BZ, Rohrer JL, Rubin SD, Gallo J, Longcope C. Effects of aromatase inhibition in elderly men with low or borderline-low serum testosterone levels. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Mar;89(3):1174-80.

Ta N, Walle T. Aromatase inhibition by bioavailable methylated flavones. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Oct;107(1-2):127-9.

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Kellis JT Jr, Vickery LE. Inhibition of human estrogen synthetase (aromatase) by flavones. Science. 1984 Sep 7;225(4666):1032-4.

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Got Testosterone? Men's Issues

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:10:39 +0100

Low testosterone = low energy - what you can do about it

For Vitality & Virility: Hormones Are Key"

Most men think of menopause as a woman’s health issue. Well, it happens for men too, only it’s called andropause. Andropause affects all men – no one escapes it.

In support of National Men’s Health Week, we are focusing on empowering men to take charge of their health by putting hormone testing on the top of the list.

Unfortunately, many studies are seeing a significant increase of andropause symptoms in younger men -- age 32 to 35. The cause is a decline in hormones -- primarily testosterone, thyroid, growth hormone and DHEA that normally starts about age 25 to 27.

8 Most Common Symptoms of Male Andropause:

Decreased mental quickness and sharpness
Decreased energy, strength and endurance
Less desire for activity and exercise
Decreased muscle and increased body fat
Mild to moderate depression and irritability
Depression and/or loss of eagerness and enthusiasm for daily life
Decreased sex drive
Decreased sexual function and/or sensitivity

T Levels are Dropping

Most men can expect their testosterone levels to drop by about 1 percent a year beginning in their 50s. Recently, researchers behind the Massachusetts Male Aging Study—which has been tracking behavioral and physiological traits for 1,709 men born between 1916 and 1945—noticed something strange. Men born more recently had testosterone (T) levels that were surprisingly low. The 60-year-old in 2003 had about 15 percent less testosterone than the 60-year-old in 1988. Sixty was looking like the new 70.

Questions started evolving: Had something happened? Could we be in the middle of some broad biological or environmental change affecting all men simultaneously? Why would testosterone levels in the United States today be substantially lower than they were 15 years ago?

Few answers have developed, but scientists are still searching. One answer is that males in the U.S. are typically fatter or much more overweight now then when the first trials began. As a result, heavier men typically have up to 25 percent less total testosterone than their trim counterparts do. Another answer states that use of multi pharmaceuticals (six or more) is shown to decrease T levels in males.

Good Testosterone

Despite testosterone's negative reputation, there's no solid evidence that it causes aggression or violence. On the contrary, heightened testosterone is often associated with self-confidence and social success. When challenged, Testosterone levels typically increase to get us ready whether it's a sporting event or a business meeting. Testosterone also rises after a victory, causing an increase in confidence that can leads to even more victories. A win/win situation. Who would want less of a hormone like that?

Where are Your Testosterone Levels?

The Canary Club HIS Advancedplus Hormone Profile designed especially for men is an overall assessment of male hormonal status, vitality and performance testing: Thyroid, Adrenal, and Reproductive Hormones plus your PSA levels. The Adrenal gland helps the body regulate its stress response by synthesizing corticosteroids and catecholamines, including cortisol and adrenaline. The reproductive glands (testes and ovaries) produce hormones (testosterone and estrogen) that are critical to regulating mood, energy levels, and metabolism.

Why Test Your Hormones?

Establish a baseline before entering into a program of hormone supplementation
Discover if there is a deficiency of hormones or an imbalance of hormones
Confirm that hormone supplementation is working
Help confirm a medical diagnosis that may be hormone related

Optimum hormonal health all starts with youthful levels of testosterone. Testosterone is what makes a man a man and keeps you healthy and vital throughout your whole life.

Hormonal imbalances affect everyone differently. With blood and saliva testing your practitioner is able to pinpoint the source of underlying hormonal imbalances and address yor individual needs accordingly.

Lynn Larkin, Founder
Robin Meyer, Research Editor
Canary Club

Resources:
www.canaryclub.org
http://www.renewman.com/Andropause

Articles Relevant to Issues of Aging, Vitality, and Virility

Men and Hormones : Male Menopause

Sun, 02 May 2010 19:37:15 +0100

As men get older they often become moodier. Sometimes they become withdrawn and complain that what used to be a small pleasure in life now gives them no joy. Just as women experience the onset of menopause as they age, men can experience a similar change called andropause...

Male menopause, also known as andropause, somatopause and men’pause, is most often ignored by conventional medicine yet it affects the majority of men. Declining testosterone levels are commonly seen in men beginning in the fourth decade of life. This is analogous to menopause in women when ovarian production of estrogens and progesterone begins to decline. Undetected yet equally as powerful, a male’s hormonal status changes dramatically during this time. The production of testosterone by testicles declines at exactly the same time as the amount of protein that binds testosterone (sex hormone binding globulin) increases. This may seriously lower the amount of free testosterone available to the target organs. Unless the level of free testosterone is sought and assessed, a man’s symptoms are often ignored and he is blown off as having a "mid-life crisis", or his physician diagnoses depression and an antidepressant is prescribed.

Testosterone is an important anabolic hormone in men. It plays many roles in maintaining both physical and mental health by increasing energy, preventing fatigue, maintaining normal sex drive, and increasing strength of structural tissues.

Testosterone deficiency is often associated with symptoms such as:

Night Sweats
Hot Flashes
Erectile Dysfunction
Loss of Energy
Aches and Pains
Reduced Flexibility
Low Sex Drive (libido)
Decreased Mental Acuity
Loss of Muscle Mass

Furthermore, insulin resistance and diabetes are quite often additional serious consequences associated with testosterone deficiency. Stress management, exercise, proper nutrition, dietary supplements (particularly adequate zinc and selenium), and androgen replacement therapy have all been shown to raise androgen levels in men and help counter andropause symptoms. Androgen replacement therapy should be discussed with a qualified health care provider.

Insufficient testosterone is not the only hormone imbalance that a man experiences. An excess amount of estradiol relative to progesterone is routinely discovered in the saliva during andropause, which is known to be associated with prostate gland diseases such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate gland cancer.

Economic Crisis Hits Men Harder

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:01:22 +0100

Psychology Today

Author of "Male Menopause" and "The Irritable Male Syndrome," psychotherapist Jed Diamond has made a name for himself by focusing on the angst of the modern male. His Web site, Menalive.com, and online counseling business have recently seen a surge in users. Freelance writer Sindya N. Bhanoo asked Diamond whether the country's sagging economy is taking a greater toll on men than on women -- and if so, why.

Excerpts of their conversation follow:

So, what is male menopause? Does it really exist?

A Male menopause is a change of life for men that has a hormonal basis but [also] has psychological, interpersonal, social and spiritual aspects to it. Another way to think of it is to think of puberty, but [this is] a transition between first adulthood and second adulthood.

So it's similar to female menopause?

Many of the symptoms are the same, or similar, particularly the emotional ups and downs. Although hot flashes and night sweats are less common in men than in women, they are present. The [symptoms] that are the most common include loss of sexual functioning, erectile dysfunction and loss of libido. Irritability and anger and loss of energy are also common.

And what about male irritability syndrome? When does that occur?

Well, we looked at irritability, anger and depression in men. There were two main times when it was most common, between [the ages of] 15 and 25 and then again when men were between 40 and 55.

The four main causes are stress, hormonal shifts and changes in brain chemistry, and changes in male identity and male roles.

The unemployment rate is 7.6 percent; could this be worsening the symptoms of male menopause and prompting irritable male syndrome?

The core of male menopause is that it is a change of life. If there is good support and understanding, men learn that it is not the beginning of the end, as many fear, but rather the end of the beginning. First adulthood is coming to an end, and we are moving into second adulthood.

If a man gets the proper support, this can be the most passionate, productive and powerful time of a man's life. However, stresses, including severe economic dislocation, can cause a man to lose faith in his abilities and prospects.

A whole lot of a man's sense of a male's identity is wrapped up in how well he provides. And it's about how well he symbolizes that outwardly, in a nice car, a nice house.

This is an international monetary crisis, and it's also an international psychological crisis. I just talked to a client today from Turkey and another from Switzerland. The one in Switzerland is concerned about the man in her life.

The loss of jobs, economic situations crashing -- it affects men in a profound way. The chaos is affecting men in very, very powerful and negative ways. My Web site was getting 200 or 300 visits a day, now we get double in terms of people who are coming for counseling. And I have almost a doubling in client intake.

So women don't struggle with stress?

I don't want to at all suggest that women don't feel stress or aren't impacted by the economy. Many women are the sole providers for their family. But men seem to have a less resilient emotional system; women's brains are more networked from left to right. They are balanced socially. Men tend to be more isolated. Their [wives] may be their only friend. If things are stressful, they don't have as much social support.

How do you counsel clients who are facing financial strain and job loss?

This might be a time to think about starting [your] own business. It's about finding a way that we may be able to get through this financial crisis that makes money sense and emotional sense. Rather than being so dependent on national and international economy, we can network with other people, and invest locally in the local economy.

What are some steps someone can take who is going through male menopause or thinks they have irritable male syndrome?

They are similar steps. They would include a whole range of things, such as stress-reduction techniques, hormone restoration, anger management and exercise

Reprinted from The Washington Post.

What is Andropause - Male Menopause?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:56:26 +0100

By : Jim Michels

Andropause (aka male menopause) may not be a common discussion topic, but it should be. All men experience the symptoms of Andropause to some extent, especially after the age of 40. So what is andropause, and why should you ask your doctor about it?

What is Andropause?

Andropause is caused by low testosterone levels in men. Testosterone levels reach a peak when men are around 15 to 18 years old, and then begin to decline after age 25 27. Around the age of 35, most men notice the symptoms of andropause to some extent.

Although andropause is caused by the natural decline of hormone levels in men, factors such as obesity, cancer, heart and lung diseases, certain medications, stress, and depression may accelerate the onset of andropause. Good news though, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and following an optimal diet can help you better manage the symptoms of andropause and help you stay vital and virile. Also, make sure to get your testosterone levels checked by your doctor on an annual basis. Many men are diagnosed with depression without having their testosterone levels checked to see if they have andropause.

What are the top symptoms of andropause?

The top male menopause symptoms are irritability, decreased sex drive, muscle loss, depression, and decreased bone density. Other symptoms include sleep problems, weight gain around the middle, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, and night sweats. Fortunately, andropause treatment is available. Your doctor can test your testosterone levels and provide testosterone treatment through male hormone replacement therapy.

Male hormone therapy is effective at alleviating the symptoms of andropause. Male hormone treatment can improve a man’s sense of well being and increase male sex drive, muscle mass, strength, and. Male hormone therapy also reduces mood fluctuations, irritability, and depression. It has been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, and therapy can prevent osteoporosis, optimize bone density, and improve mental acuity.

Male hormone replacement therapy is a safe treatment for low testosterone levels . It has been used for over 60 years, and the most recent research confirms, it is a safe and effective treatment if done correctly. Before receiving treatment, you must have a physical exam and a consultation with a qualified physician. Blood tests will be ordered to measure hormone levels and including a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test to check the health of the prostate. These pre cautionary procedures help ensure proper, safe treatment.

The primary hormones used to treat andropause are testosterone, thyroid, human growth hormone and DHEA (which helps with immune function, increasing energy levels, and reducing depression).

Testosterone:

Testosterone is responsible for the normal growth and development of sex organs and normal levels of testosterone contribute to energy, sexual function, mood, and libido.

Thyroid:

Thyroid is a systemic hormone having a significant impact on overall health including metabolism, energy, well being, hair loss, immune system, memory, heart health, to name only a few.

Human Growth Hormone:

Human growth hormone (HGH) controls muscle and bone growth and lowers the amount of fat in the body. HGH is also known for its anti aging properties and its ability to increase calcium retention, protein synthesis, and muscle mass.

DHEA:

DHEA is secreted by the adrenal gland and several studies suggest that DHEA has many therapeutic properties. Principle among those is 1) support to the immune system helping to prevent everything from the common cold to cancer and 2) a balance to cotisol secreted by the body under stress and highly destructive to body cell when present in excess.

Seeking Help for Andropause and Male Menopause:

It is estimated that four out of five American men over the age of 40 have low testosterone, and 99 men over the age of 60 have low testosterone. However, only 5 are currently being treated. Testosterone is responsible for the muscle development and contributes to energy, mood, and libido. Fortunately, testosterone deficiency can easily be treated.

Testosterone replacement can dramatically change how you feel on a daily basis, improve energy and mood, reduce depression and irritability, and help you maintain your muscle strength, increase libido, and reduce belly fat tissue. If you suspect you have andropause, or are beginning to notice andropause symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting your testosterone levels checked. Before you start a treatment program, do your research to make sure the low testosterone treatment program that you are being prescribed is the best for you.

Author Resource :

Jim Michels is an expert about http://www.renewman.com/HormonesMenTheFacts/GrowthHormoneHGH/tabid/780/Default.aspx male anti aging.

Articles Relevant to Issues of Aging, Vitality, and Virility

Impotence and Low Libido

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:12:43 +0100

There are many men who experience lack of male sex drive for a multitude of reasons.

Erectile Dysfunction

As men get older their chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction greatly increases, and this can have a profound impact on his libido and overall sex life.

1 in 20 men will experience a problem gaining an erection after the age of 40.
Males 65 and older will have a 15 to 25 percent chance of losing the ability to gain or sustain an erection.

When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis dilate to allow an increased blood flow. This causes the tissue to become enlarged, or erect.

When something in the process does not work, he may no longer be able to maintain an erection. This means that his penis is no longer able to get hard enough to put into a woman’s vagina.

While the problem is often caused by a physical problem, it is also possible that there is an emotional issue that is blocking his erection.

Lack of Male Sex Drive

Another common problem for men is low libido, and men being men, it is difficult for them to discuss their lack of mojo.

There is not one particular definition for lack of male sex drive as it depends upon the individual and many variables. Overall, sex drive generally decreases with age for most men.

Impotence and Low Libido
"Impotence and loss of libido are two very separate things," says Richard Milsten, M.D., a New Jersey-based urologist and coauthor of "The Sexual Male.” "However, men who experience impotence commonly experience a decrease in libido over time.”

When there is no erectile dysfunction but there is a lack of male sex drive, there are numerous factors a doctor might suspect as the cause, and identifying what causes low libido how to boost male sex drive becomes essential.

What Causes Low Libido and Erectile Dysfunction?

Chronic or even minor illness
An imbalance in the sex glands such as the thyroid or pituitary
Depression
Insufficient testosterone
Insufficient amounts of the male sex hormone
Drugs
Stress can sabotage sex drive
Vascular disease
Heart Disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Libido suppressing drugs
Alcoholism or substance abuse
Lack of libido vitamins, in particular zinc
Smoking
Neurological disorders and other medical conditions that might have caused trauma to the pelvis or spinal cord
Peyronie’s disease (build up of scar tissue on the penis)
Emotional issues
Conditions associated with aging