The term Andropause refers to a physiological state in which the production of Androgen-dominant hormones, such as Testosterone, decline. Andropause is commonly overlooked because there is a slow and gradual decline in testosterone, compared to female menopause, in which there is an abrupt drop in estrogen. There are different forms of low testosterone syndromes. By far the most common is Functional Andropause which occurs when the ratios between testosterone and other hormones shift. This shift is usually the ratio between serum levels of testosterone and estrogen. Normal serum testosterone to estrogen may be 50:1. Some men with Andropause can have an 8:1 ratio. These men may have normal lab ranges of testosterone, but their state of estrogen dominance creates a low testosterone function.
Andropause usually manifests in middle-aged men, although young men in their 20's may also have functional imbalances in male hormones. The typical story is of a middle aged man who gradually loses his sex drive, strength, energy, and enthusiasm for life and love. He changes from being positive, bullish, action man, to a negative pessimistic, depressed and inactive man. This creates a downward spiral of failing function both in the bedroom and in the boardroom.
Andropause is becoming a serious health problem in Industrialized countries. The problems may be due to increased xeno (outside) estrogens and exotoxins in the environment (steroids in food and hormone disrupting chemicals), increased levels of stress in the workplace, increased demands on body (liver) detoxification, and the lack of essential fatty acids and nutrients in our diets.
Recent scientific research has demonstrated that testosterone is as beneficial for men as estrogen is for women. Testosterone has a profound positive impact on cardiovascular (heart and artery) function. The following changes take place when testosterone levels decline: cholesterol and triglycerides increase, arterial plaque increases, coronary (heart) artery dilation decreases, obesity increases (fat distribution in the mid-section, hips and breasts), and increased estrogen levels. Testosterone is also important to keep muscles strong and prevent muscle degeneration. The high level of testosterone (androgen) receptor sites on heart and muscle cells confirm the importance testosterone plays in men's heart and muscle health. Testosterone also has beneficial impact on bone density, red blood cell and energy production, libido and mood.
It should be noted that both DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and elevated estrogen appear to cause Prostrate enlargement (hyperplasia). Testosterone is not the culprit in prostrate enlargement and Prostrate Cancers. DHT is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase is up-regulated. Excess estrogen is produced from testosterone and androstenedione from the up-regulation of the enzyme aromatase. Treatment of males with Prostate enlargement should be focused on the down-regulation of enzymes 5-alpha reductase and aromatase. Chrysin, a flavonoid, inhibits aromatase. Other plant extracts (Saw Paimetto, Pygeum, Stinging Nettle, ect) have been shown to inhibit 5-alpha reductase and DHT production.
In men, LH (leutinizing hormone) is the primary stimulus for the secretion of testosterone by the testes, and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) mainly stimulates spermatogenesis. Giving an outside hormone like Androgel will shut down the Pituitary Gland's production of LH, thereby taking over the body's natural "feedback loop", so no natural testosterone production takes place.
The typical allopathic response-treatment for Andropause is Androgel. This is not only ineffective but dangerous is the long term, because it can increase the risk prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Androgel is absorbed directly into the tissues and increases Androstenedione way above normal levels. This can raise testosterone levels, but it also increases estrogen levels via aromatase and DHT via 5-alpha reductase. Another important thing to remember is that in order for testosterone to get into our cells and be effective, it needs to bind to testosterone-androgen receptor sites. The problem with giving Androgel is that elevated Androstenedione and DHT also bind to testosterone receptor sites, making these sites unavailable to testosterone. In fact DHT has a 5 to 10 fold higher affinity to bind to testosterone receptor sites! The end result is that even though these men may have higher testosterone levels, their testosterone cannot be used because the receptor sites are bound with DHT and or Androstenedione. So these men still have the same symptoms of decreased libido, etc. even though their testosterone levels may be high.
A much more effective approach to Andropause is to limit estrogen levels (diet, toxin exposure, etc) and increase testosterone levels by decreasing stress. Remember high stress increases (adrenal) Cortisol levels, block DHEA and testosterone production, lowering sex hormones. Another effective approach to increase testosterone production is the use of Pregnenolone and DHEA, if needed, to jump start sex hormone production. As I mentioned above the use of the above plant extracts to inhibit production of estrogens and DHT, by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for their production.
In conclusion, men need to be aware of Functional Andropause as a major problem associated with industrialized societies. Men also need to be aware of the dangers of hormone replacement, and look into alternatives to safely keep testosterone levels high, while keeping estrogen and DHT levels low.
For more information, contact Neil Cooper, DOM at the East West Clinic. 336-794-4080
