Written by Ben Briggs RPh, CNC, IACP

The term menopause is a familiar term designating the end of menstruation and fertility. Andropause is the male version of menopause. Medical professionals accept the hormonal shift in males as a natural progression of aging. Andropause may consist of a variety of signs and symptoms including: weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced libido, heart disease, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, irritability, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, slow wound healing, prostate problems, low sperm counts, depression, anxiety, reduced muscle mass, memory impairment, impaired blood cell formation and reduced cognitive function. Yes, men do experience hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.

The dominant male hormone is testosterone. Maintaining therapeutic hormone balance in males can be accomplished with diet, exercise, stress reduction and supplements and when necessary compounded prescription bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

A diet consisting of high carbohydrates, trans-fats, hormone induced animal protein and dairy, excess unfermented soy products, excess alcohol, and pesticide laden foods will contribute to a production of mid-section fat cells. These fat cells produce the enzyme aromatase. Aromatase produces estrogen from fat cells and upsets the ratio of estrogen to testosterone in men causing symptoms of low testosterone and excess estrogen. This process is called aromatization and contributes to an increased cancer risk. Cruciferous vegetables, (broccoli, cabbages, Brussels sprouts), contain the aromatase inhibitor, chrysin, that controls estrogen excess and help testosterone balance. Pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors are used in various cancers.

Regular weight bearing exercise, including free weights and aerobics, will stimulate the production of lean body mass and enhance testosterone production.

Stress reduction can also contribute to restoring hormone levels. Stress increases cortisol levels in the body. Increased cortisol will stimulate production of Sex Hormone Binding Globin (SHBG). SHBG acts like a sponge and will bind hormones, including Testosterone, DHEA, Estrogens, and Progesterone and render them inactive. SHBG analysis should always be evaluated when determining hormone levels.

Supplements that are affective in inducing testosterone balance, relieving symptoms, and enhancing hormone activity are: saw palmetto, crysin, pygeium, pumpkin seed, zinc, selenium, tribulus, maca, arginine, holy basil, folic acid, DIM, DHEA, flax seed oil and essential amino acids from animal protein. It is important to work with a practitioner that is familiar with andropause and quality supplements.

Natural testosterone must not be confused with synthetic derivatives or anabolic steroids.

Bio-IDENTICAL TESTOSTERONE AND DHEA ARE ANDROGENS, MALE HORMONES FOUND IN THE HUMAN BODY, AND ARE NOT ANABOLIC STEROIDS.

On average, a man’s testosterone levels begin to decline at a rate of 1% per year after age 40. Approximately 50% of men over 60 have low testosterone levels. Saliva and blood testing is necessary to determine an individual’s testosterone levels and to establish whether testosterone replacement therapy is warranted.

Men may experience sudden change in hormone levels. However, most men manifest slow, subtle decline in hormone levels. Restoring hormones to physiological levels can dramatically reverse many of the symptoms caused by aging.

The only absolute contraindications to androgen replacement therapy are the presence of prostate or breast cancer. “Although it is known that the clinical course of prostate cancer is accelerated by testosterone, its incidence is not increased by; testosterone administration. There is even no clear evidence that testosterone replacement accelerates the development of BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia).” Drugs and Aging 1999 Aug; 15(2): 131-42

What is the optimal form of testosterone for replacement therapy?

Testosterone USP- is a natural Bio-identical testosterone that has been approved by the United States Pharmacopoeia. By prescription order, a Compounding Pharmacist can use Testosterone USP to compound numerous dosage forms.

Common Dosage Forms:

Transdermal - topical testosterone is well-absorbed and by-passes liver metabolism.
Sublingual-Buccal - Lozenges or drops.
Intramuscular - injectable forms.
*Note: not always bio-identical. Pellets- slow-release under the skin.

There are many issues related to the appropriate use of testosterone and related therapies. Patients interested in andropause treatment should research this therapy and always discuss the matter with their physicians. Books I recommend would include: Maximize Your Vitality and Potency-For Men Over 40 by Jonathan V. Wright M.D. and Lane Lenard PhD also The Testosterone Syndrome by Eugene Shippen M.D.

Our compounding Pharmacy welcomes the opportunity to discuss andropause therapy with physicians and patients. Private consultations are available by appointment.

Look for upcoming seminars on Andropause and other subjects on our website.

Final Note: I will be presenting a seminar on this subject in our facility. Check our website www.lionrx.com for more information.