Andropause

Andropause (or “Male Menopause”) is rarely discussed in the medical community. While female menopause is an accepted medical condition with an array of treatments and therapies, andropause is often dismissed or downplayed as a figment of the patient’s imagination. This perspective, however, is beginning to change. Andropause is starting to garner the attention it deserves. As any middle-aged man knows from personal experience, the symptoms of andropause are very real indeed. Conventional medicine offers few alternatives for men experiencing its effects, and more and more sufferers are turning to natural treatments to find relief from their symptoms.

The scientific community has also lagged in its acceptance of andropause. The research in this area is certainly less robust that research onn menopause. While the recognition is beginning to change and new research is being conducted, men need not wait for acceptance from conventional medicine.

Our bodies age as we get older, causing hormone and chemical levels to decrease. This, in turn, causes symptoms that can interfere with a full and satisfying lifestyle. Through natural therapies, men can reduce their andropausal symptoms, and enjoy a rich and fulfilling “second act” of life.

Supplements have been shown to help men experiencing moderate levels of sexual dysfunction brought on by middle age. For sufferers of andropause, the supplements offer some relief from the natural loss of libido and sexual stamina.

Causes and Symptoms of Andropause

The underlying cause of andropause is the decrease in production of naturally occurring hormones within the body. Age takes its toll on everyone, and a decrease in hormone production over time is common for both men and women.

Testosterone levels in men begin to decrease as early as age 30 and continue to decline at an estimated 1% per year through the age of 50 and above. Add to that the natural fluctuation of other natural hormones and chemicals within the body and its little surprise that men begin to show symptoms of a “change of life” as they move into middle age.

More than 20% of men aged 65 years and older have low total testosterone levels and a higher percentage have low free testosterone levels. A recent report from the BACH survey indicates that these older men are likely to have symptoms consistent with testosterone deficiency. Recently reviewed in Endocrine Today is a report from Laughlin et al, which showed that men with testosterone levels in the lowest quartile had a 40% increased risk of mortality during a 20-year follow-up, independent of multiple risk factors and pre-existing medical conditions.

Nonetheless, men aged older than 65 years only accounted for about 13% of the prescriptions written for testosterone in the United States.

Testosterone Decrease

Decreased testosterone production causes the levels of testosterone in the blood to decline. Testosterone production declines partly because the number of Leydig cells in the testes decline with ageing. This also appears to be related to changes in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

The testosterone produced in an ageing man’s body is also less efficient in performing its functions. This is because older men produce more of a hormone called “sex hormone binding globulin”, which binds to testosterone and reduces the amount available to fulfil its functions. Thus, while testosterone production declines by only around 1% each year, there is a 2–3% per year reduction in the amount of testosterone available to support the male sex drive and secondary sex characteristics.

The numerous challenges the male body faces in maintaining testosterone levels whilst ageing sometimes lead to testosterone deficiency. Sex hormones are key anabolic factors, which is why their decline is associated with loss of lean muscle mass, increased abdominal fat, loss of drive, libido and stamina, which inevitably impacts quality of life.  

Data from surveys conducted in other developed countries indicate that around 20% of men aged > 50 years have either low levels of testosterone in their blood, or exhibit symptoms of testosterone deficiency (e.g. excessive breast growth, loss of facial hair, rising voice).

The decrease in testosterone production is at the root of all andropause symptoms, including fatigue, depression, mood swings and loss of libido. Adding supplements like Tesnor® to one’s daily dietary intake can help to keep testosterone levels stable, bringing much relief to men suffering the symptoms of andropause.

Why Supplement?

Gencor has also sought a solution to help give male testosterone levels a boost. Tesnor® is an herbal extract which combines Cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao) and pomegranate peel (Punica granatum) which helps to improve testosterone levels, while reducing Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scores.

Tesnor® increases in-cell testosterone production and inhibits Aromatase activity, while also aiding with AMS scores and muscle strength and growth in young males. This ingredient is marketed as a food-derived, standardized and IP protected testosterone-boosting extract and is a well-researched, with an excellent safety profile that meets global regulations.

The Promise for Andropause

The onset of andropause begins with the gradual decrease in testosterone. Unlike menopause, the resulting symptoms develop much slower than they do for women. Given the tentative perspective of the scientific community, men are left with few reliable options in addressing their needs.

The phenomenon of andropause is a reality and supplements like Testofen® and Tesnor® can significantly improve physical symptoms, metabolic abnormalities (e.g. strength) and quality of life. Of course, any ongoing strategy to reduce the symptoms and risks of andropause should incorporate lifestyle approaches such as an optimal balanced diet, regular exercises, stress management with tobacco and alcohol consumption in moderation.

These measures will help men to achieve the ultimate goal of providing dignified healthy ageing, and maintain highest quality of life, thereby adding life to years and not simply years to life.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.