The Andropause or male menopause, sometimes colloquially called "man-o-pause", is a name that has been given, in some parts of the western world (because it is strangely absent in the rest of the world) to a set of effects that appears in some ageing men and which have some superficial similarities to the menopause in women. It is related to the slow but steady reduction in the production of androgens – testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – and increase in Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) from the age of 40. Other descriptions in the medical literature for similar presentations are “Symptomatic Late Onset Hypogonadism” (SLOH) and “Androgen Deficiency of the Aging Male” (ADAM).
Andropause symptoms which may commonly appear are loss of libido, impotence, nervousness, depression, impaired memory, poor concentration, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, flushes and sweating.
Differentiating it from menopause is the fact that it is gradual (often very) in onset unlike the menopause which often begins precipitously. Andropause is also not an indicator of the end of male fertility, rather just a decline in it - even though impotence is often part of its presentation.
It is observed that exposure to xeno–oestrogens (plastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides) and having hypertension and diabetes places men at higher risk of presenting with andropause symptoms, but as with all chronic disease the outcome will be dependent on the Epigenetics - the gene expression resulting from the interplay between the individuals’ genetics and the environment.
Andropause treatment: there is heated debate in medical circles as to whether or not this is a condition that needs to be treated and there is a lot of resistance to even allowing it to be given a nomenclature/designation. It certainly can’t yet be found in the ICD-10 code system of the WHO. I suppose it should be up to the individual to decide, in discussion with his healthcare provider, whether or not his symptoms warrant treatment.
Non-negotiable in any approach to dealing with the condition is the need to address excess weight, poor diet (excess carbohydrates in particular) and lack of exercise.
The following medications are my primary tools in this arena:
Testis Compositum (Heel) – homeopathic complex remedy designed to promote inherent testosterone production through improved function of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal-Gonadal axis
HisSynergy (Metagenics) – combines Tribulus Terrestris, Ashwaganda and Cowage seed to support male sexual function and vitality
Testralin (Metagenics) – for healthy Testosterone and Oestrogen balance; supports the excretion of oestrogen metabolites; inhibits conversion of testosterone to DHT (prostate protection); powerful antioxidant support for hormone sensitive tissues.
In addition to the above, Treatment Protocols will often include:
- The correctly chosen homeopathic similimum which results from a well taken and complete case history.-
- A course of Acupuncture to address underlying deficiencies/excesses, to help reduce nervous tension and to support the healthy functioning of the neuroendocrine system.
- Breath work to enhance Vagal tone.
For homeopathic support with the management of your andropause or "man-o-pause" symptoms, get in touch with us today.
Dr Bruce Thomson