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Andropause – the Male Change of Life
By Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services
The male ‘mid-life’ or ‘change of life’ crisis has long been regarded an amusing anecdote; middle-aged men running off with the young secretary or purchasing a new red sports car…the reality is men can & do experience life-altering change due to decreasing hormone levels.
The word hormone is derived from the Greek, & means “to set in motion”. In males the ‘Testosterone (TT) Drive’ is the most potent force underlying stamina, mental energy, sexual virility & hand-eye coordination in sports. As this drive begins to decline – usually around the fourth decade of life – affected males will gradually experience the symptoms of Andropause – the so-called ‘male menopause’.
Andropause is about ageing, & declining male hormone (termed androgens) is a natural consequence of this process. At his peak, a male produces 95% of testosterone from the testes (testicles) in response to endocrine stimulation from the brain. By age 50, this signal to ‘make more testosterone’ has grown weaker, and the ageing testes are less likely – or able – to respond.
The initial symptom of andropause is often a subtle downward shift in strength & energy. The man may lose his enthusiasm for life’s challenges which he previously enjoyed – his work, competitive edge, or his physical capacity to compete at past sporting levels. Other common symptoms are disorders of mood – particularly anxiety, irritability or depression. Sexual function & libido may well decline, but urinary disorders amplify. He may prematurely age as his skin thins & sags, his eyelids droop, his body muscle mass decreases, & his breasts & girth enlarge. By about age 55, males are at comparable risk of osteoporosis as menopausal women; 30% of recorded hip fractures occur in men.
The disturbance of other hormones is common in andropause and may complicate or accelerate the total decline. Oestradiol (E2) - the most potent female oestrogen - is in a delicate ratio with testosterone. When testosterone levels decline oestradiol essentially remains constant, leading to a ratio shift in favor of the oestrogens. This altered ratio shift is known to have adverse effects on the prostate gland. In a complex negative feedback mechanism elevated oestradiol decreases the production of testosterone, and what testosterone is produced is aromatised (converted) to oestradiol.
In times of high stress Cortisol production from the adrenal glands is often elevated. Excess cortisol disorders the brain’s hormonal signals to produce male hormone (Testosterone & DHEA) resulting in a further diminished production.
About Cortisol…
Cortisol is the major glucocorticoid produced in the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands. Cortisol is a key stress response hormone - essential for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism; anti-inflammatory tasks, blood glucose regulation, and appropriate immune system function.
Cortisol is also essential for ‘active thyroid hormone’ Triiodothyronine (T3) ‘expression’ because it up-regulates nuclear T3 receptors within the cells.
Cortisol production varies throughout the day in a predictable rhythm; termed diurnal rhythm. Cortisol output is highest in the early morning; falling to its lowest concentration at night.
Persons suffering ‘Adrenal Fatigue’ exhibit a ‘flattened’ – or even inverted – cortisol profile where ‘morning surge’ is absent.
Minimising Andropausal Changes …
The treatment of andropause is crucial to maintaining a man’s quality of life & the old cliché of restoring and maintaining ‘balance’ is again the answer:
- Plan a sound nutritional intake for each meal, minimizing caffeine, alcohol, & sugary foods – which have a lowering effect on testosterone.
- Consuming a light meal early in the evening & then fasting until breakfast will increase Growth Hormone (GH) production whilst sleeping. Growth hormone will have positive outcomes on hormone balance & metabolism.
- Regular moderate exercise – particularly weight-bearing work outs – helps control stress levels & can raise testosterone up to 20%.
- As much as possible maintain consistent and adequate sleeping hours; don’t deprive yourself of scheduled relaxation periods.
- Consult a qualified practitioner who can order & interpret hormone levels.
Steroid hormones such as testosterone and Cortisol are best measured by salivary testing, as saliva only reflects the free, active, ‘bio-available’ testosterone.
Where appropriate a testosterone cream – with added Chrysin - is the preferred restoration medium because it bypasses the initial liver metabolising pathways.
Chrysin is an Isoflavoid/Bioflavonoid that inhibits ‘aromatase enzyme’ and ‘xanthine oxidase’ i.e.:
- ENHANCES the function of Androstenedione – a weaker androgen - because it inhibits the conversion of Androstenedione to Estrone (by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme that catalyses the conversion).
- ENHANCES the function of testosterone because it inhibits the conversion of testosterone to oestradiol (again by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme that catalyses the conversion).
Studies have suggested Chrysin could raise testosterone levels by 20 to 30%. Note: Whether raised testosterone levels will reflect an elevated DHT level for male balding remains to be fully studied.
DHEA supplementation is usually unnecessary when Cortisol and thyroid hormone are at the desired ‘target’ levels.
An earlier hypothesis suggested males could apply a low-dose bio-identical (‘natural’) Progesterone cream to their ‘beer belly’ to (in theory) decrease the aromatisation of testosterone to oestrogen, and reduce girth size over time. It’s now been found that 1:10 people will convert progesterone to oestrogen – thus exacerbating their problem and risks to health.
Nutritional supplements that suppress aromatization are zinc, flaxseed, Vitamin B6, selenium & boron. Progesterone & T3 thyroid hormone also have a suppressing effect.
About the Author: Tony Pearce RN, WTS is a Specialist Trichologist of female hair loss + scalp problems. He is a Member of the World Trichology Society and Associate Member of the Australasian College of Nutritional + Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). Tony currently has three clinics in Sydney and one in Melbourne, Victoria. His offers an informational website + online consultation service at www.hairlossclinic.com.au.
Copyright Anthony Pearce 2006 (Revised 12/2009) References for this article available on request.
*A qualified Trichologist has studied & successfully completed a recognised Trichology Educational Program.
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