MANopause by Paul Stallone, NMD
for male menopause, is attracting some new attention. Unlike female menopause, which is a complete and permanent physiological shut down of a women’s reproductive system, andropause is a very subtle decline in testosterone and other hormone levels that occur in aging men. Men nor- mally experience a one percent loss of testosterone per year after the age of 30, but with other factors like environ- mental pollution and/or obesity, this one percent loss can increase con- siderably. Just like how some women may require hormonal replacement therapy, men are no different, as men can benefit greatly from hormonal balancing. Research has indicated around five million men are affected each year, but only five to 10 percent seek treatment. This biological change typically begins around 40-55 years of age, but has been reported in men as young as 35. Like all male hormonal imbal- ances, there are symptoms men may experience. Muscle loss, fatigue, re- duced libido, depression, hot flashes, irritability/anger, sleep disturbances, memory loss, weight gain, changes in hair/skin, premature aging, and erec- tile dysfunction have all been reported with the decline of male hormones. These symptoms, and the amount and type of hormones lost, vary greatly from man to man. Low testosterone can be a serious issue as the condition may put certain men at an increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and diabetes. Low levels of testosterone or any
M
suspected hormonal imbalance should be confirmed by a knowledgeable physician with blood or saliva testing. Hormones play a much bigger role than people might think, and therefore
ost people are familiar with female menopause, but an- dropause, a cosmetic name
testing is absolutely vital in order to properly evaluate levels. Hormones don’t just work by themselves; they join with other hormones as part of a complex system so additional tests may be ordered to fully determine correct treatment. Hormone levels are influenced
by many factors, most of which are lifestyle choices. A diet high in fat and low in fiber content may have a nega- tive effect on testosterone production and will not provide essential minerals needed to guide hormone produc- tions. Smoking is highly related to low levels of testosterone because the nicotine and other substances found in cigarettes increase an enzyme that deactivates male hormones. Excessive alcohol may increase estrogen levels while decreasing levels of testoster- one. Chronic stress may be one of the biggest factors affecting hormonal im- balances in men and women. When chronically stressed, the adrenal glands are constantly producing corti- sol instead of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA plays a significant role in the production of male hormones; if a man is stressed daily he won’t have enough DHEA to produce his male hormones. Too much cortisol may cause the replacement of muscle with fat and/or blood sugar imbalances. Now that andropause is demand-
ing the attention it deserves, more men are receiving treatment and
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
seeing a reduction or elimination of their symptoms. Depending on the deficiency, a diet change might be what the doctor ordered. If more than a diet change is needed to correct any imbal- ance, there are great supplements that are available which may naturally and safely increase production of hormones. It may be best to avoid synthetic hor- mones because they can generate harsh side effects and may contain animal hormones. Bio-Identical Hormone Re- placement Therapy (BHRT) is available by pill or cream and is biologically the same as the hormones produced in the human body. Any treatment program should absolutely start with a visit to a trusted physician. Treating a hormonal imbal- ance without being monitored and tested is a fast way to cause irrepa- rable damage and may cause another deficiency or other serious health conditions. A knowledgeable physi- cian can give support and guidance about the endocrine system and its intricate workings. Hormonal replace- ment therapy has allowed some men to travel back in time to their twenties, when they were full of youth, stamina, and vigor. If some of the above symp- toms are experienced and relief is sought, an appointment with a physi- cian is the best and smartest start.
Paul Stallone, NMD founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center located at 8144 East Cactus Road, Suite 820, in Scottsdale. Dr. Stallone combines
Natural / Alternative / Conventional treatments to best fit and benefit each individual patient’s needs. For more information visit
DrStallone.com or phone at 480-214-3922. See ad on the inside front cover.
June 2011 31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56