Hey men! If you learned you were diabetic, would you keep the information to yourself and not seek help or would you choose to find answers, modify your diet and move on with your life in a healthier way? We hope you’d choose the latter. What if you had a toothache that bothered you day in and day out… would you keep that to yourself or get some relief by visiting your dentist? Again, we’re hoping you’d seek help. There is an unfortunate and culturally encouraged stigma for men surrounding health and wellness and has impacted the comfort men feel in seeking advice or treatment for a number of complaints. While it’s perfectly acceptable for women to discuss hormonal imbalances and the changes of the body associated with menopause, most men do not feel comfortable exploring the topic of male menopause, andropause. We’ve got information to get you on the right track for assessing andropause and reducing the symptoms but it’s up to you to act!

The symptoms of andropause are similar to those women experience during menopause and for good reason. Symptoms of both menopause and andropause are caused by a decline in hormone levels associated with aging. Though andropause was identified in the medical community in the 1940’s, its controversial existence has kept it from the mainstream and added to the stigma of men keeping health concerns to themselves.

As men age, the level of testosterone in the body decrease and testosterone production slows. According to some sources, after the age of 30, testosterone declines by 10% each decade impacting mood, sexual function, energy, muscle strength and stamina as you age. Modern medicine lumps the symptoms of andropause under the umbrella term of “sexual frustration” and attempts to “cure” the issue with products like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. While these products are useful in avoiding sexual dysfunction associated with decreased levels of testosterone and improve libido, they are addressing only one symptom and not the actual problem. During andropause the body needs testosterone to function properly and deficiency in this hormone impacts more than the bedroom.

Common Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency:

• Fatigue, tiredness
• Decreased stamina
• Decreased libido (sex drive)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Muscle weakness
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Palpitations
• Insomnia
• Inability to concentrate
• Antisocial tendencies

The balance of testosterone is important for normal function and if the body is deficient, the effects are noticeable and frustrating. Like women, men are able to use HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapies. These therapies utilize synthetic medications to lessen the impact of hormonal imbalances but their use is controversial. Injectable testosterone, for example, has been abused recently by athletes so the FDA has made testosterone a scheduled drug, placing it in the same class as prescription drugs and narcotics. Where athletes were looking for a quick fix to increase muscle mass and hoped the introduction of concentrated testosterone into their bodies would pump them up to the equivalent of Superman, this wasn’t the case. The side effects of using synthetic testosterone are more severe than those of testosterone deficiencies. Possible risks associated with HRT for men are an increased risk for prostate cancer, increased risk for heart disease, breast enlargement, liver disease and suppressed testicle function. HRT, like injectable testosterone, clearly doesn’t prove to be a reliable or healthy option for improving the function of the body and maintaining the balance of hormones but the good news is, it’s not the only option!

Just as women are able to seek the benefits of natural remedies for their hormonal imbalances, so too are men. Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to remedy various sexual issues and to improve the common complaints associated with andropause such as libido, energy levels, and mood. Our pick is Kroeger Herb’s Ashwagnandha Complete Concentrate. Read more about Ashwagandha. Tribulus Terrestris has been noted to increase the natural production of testosterone in the body within 10 days and can help to alleviate symptoms of testosterone deficiency relatively quickly. For a product that can help maintain healthy testosterone levels and ease the complaints of the symptoms of deficiency, we like Men’s Virility Power from NOW.  Maca is another remedy for andropause as it provides energy, improves mood and boosts libido and, like Ashwagandha, has been used for thousands of years! Even a small amount of Maca can assist with healthy hormonal balances and we’ve got a powder and a capsule that we love. 

Check out our Men’s Health Section of our store for products specifically for prostate health.

Changes in our body are inevitable and they are happening to everyone. The stigma surrounding men’s health where sexual function or strength are concerned may discourage you from speaking to someone about your experience but you are not alone and there are options. Andropause is a hormonal change that occurs because of a decrease in testosterone production. Unfortunately, until the stigma is removed, few men are willing to step forward to gain a better understanding of how they can naturally and effectively remedy the decline in testosterone production. We hope this post has served to educate you to choose natural solutions and encouraged you to take action for your good health!