Just like women, as men enter midlife, levels of their male hormones, known as androgens, decline and can become unbalanced. When this occurs, a variety of symptoms begin to manifest:
Loss of libido (including the loss of morning penile erection in some), weaker erections, less intense orgasms, fatigue, decreased strength and endurance lowered athletic ability; breast development; joint aches, stiffness in the hands, decreased productivity at work, apathy toward things that formerly brought enjoyment, moments of depression, desire to isolate, loss of self confidence; poor concentration, memory loss, increased anxiety, weight gain (especially around the belly), hot flushes, irritability and mood swings, insomnia and other sleep disturbances, remature aging, changes in hair growth and skin quality.
What a list! When a man begins to experience many of these symptoms, andropause, also referred to as “male menopause,” is said to have set in. Many sufferers may not even be aware that there are medical reasons behind this “mid- life crisis,” andropause. Though a diagnosis not too popular in our country, andropause has been in existence for decades. According to experts, the andropause complex of symptoms is usually noticeable by the time a man is in his fifties, although they can appear much earlier.
All such symptoms are signs that a man’s hormones, both in terms of their levels and their ratios to one another, are in a state of flux, shifting into a new, midlife configuration. Unlike females, who experience a complete shutdown of the reproductive system after a certain age, males experience a decline and may still retain 50 per cent of their testosterone secretion after age 80. Hormone levels, especially of testosterone, start off high in puberty and peak throughout the teenage years. Then, as men pass the age of 30, they begin a slow drop, so gradual at first that most men don’t notice it. But by the time they are 40, 45, or 50, they start experiencing the male menopause symptoms. So if your man has suddenly changed, it may not be that he is unfaithful. His andropause symptoms may be affecting how he feels! It would really help if men can understand what is going on in them and why, learn more about this inevitable consequence of aging, and be prepared to meet it head-on.
It is imperative to add also that apart from aging, many other factors may contribute to decreased testosterone production and its consequent male menopause. These include- unhealthy and inactive lifestyle, lack of rest and excessive stress, overweight, certain medications like steroids, excessive alcohol consumption and fatty foods, heavy smoking, certain health conditions like diabetes, chemotherapy, certain surgeries such as hernia repairs and pituitary tumors.
Thankfully, there are natural solutions for combating the demoralizing effects of andropause. On one hand are – herbs and herbal sexual promoting formulas aimed at enhancing sex drive and pleasure in men whose testosterone level is low and on the other- diet and lifestyle changes. In addition, I always would recommend addressing each of the andropause symptoms individually. A combination of these would turn your life around and may help an “old chap” with andropause feel better again!
Here are a few examples for promoting vitality during andropause:
Nettle root and its leaves-this will benefit those with lowered athletic ability, decreased strength, and endurance. Stinging nettle tea taken for a course of four weeks will greatly rejuvenate and energize you. The herb, with its iron content, has been used with such great success that after a course of treatment, energy, vitality, and total well-being is achieved. Experts claim that one will be able to work two times as hard and even stay off medication.
Damiania- is an herb reported to be an aphrodisiac, stimulant, mood enhancer, and tonic. The alkaloids contained in this herb stimulate blood flow to the penile area, thereby increasing sensitivity; some people even report feelings of euphoria. Damiana helps to restore natural sexual desire, especially for the exhausted (or stressed) person. The herb is sold as supplements in most leading health stores. Take 1 capsule (400 mg) 3 x daily, preferably with meals. Capsules may be opened and prepared as tea.
Mucuna pruriens (werepe in Yoruba, agbara in Igbo)–besides antioxidant properties contains L-Dopa which is used by the body to make dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood and sexuality· In the Eastern part of this country the leaves which are commonly squeezed in water and taken orally to boost blood level is also said to exhibit aphrodisiac properties.
Gingko biloba- appears to work by increasing overall circulation, which improves blood flow to the penis and brain, thereby helping relief from the natural loss of libido and sexual stamina. When taken in small doses, this herb also improves memory and concentration.
Avena sativa (oats) – is beneficial for testosterone production, energy enhancement, endurance, and prostate health. Compounds in oats may stimulate luteinizing hormone, the hormone responsible for activating the production of testosterone. Research confirms that oats promote a healthy sexual response, libido, and orgasm frequency. Let oats be part of your breakfast table.
Ginseng– including Korean, Siberian, Indian, and American have been used since ancient times to remedy various sexual issues. Ginseng is believed to promote fertility in men, alleviate stress, promote sperm quality and also increases normal energy levels, a common issue that plagues many sexually inactive men.
Spices – the decrease in libido can be addressed by the use of common spices like ginger, alligator pepper, cloves, African nutmeg (ehuru in Igbo), garlic and cinnamon. These spices serve as aphrodisiac that somehow heat up the body and thus enhance sex drive to enormous levels. How about making a drink out of these spices?
Diet– plays a huge role in reducing the symptoms of male menopause. For instance, foods high in zinc helps to stimulate testosterone production; wild honey high in boron and vitamin B help improve testosterone levels; seeds, nuts, and avocados are high in Omega-3 and other essential fatty acids which should be preferred in diets to animal based sources.
Getting enough exercise and sleep is also integral for battling the early onset of andropause symptoms.