HORMONAL CHANGES IN MEN

AFFECT PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Until recently, women have been at the center of studies involving the effects of hormonal changes that occur with age, but as our knowledge base expands to include hormones that are not specifically related to female characteristics, we are unraveling some of the mysteries associated with aging in men. Andropause, analogous to menopause in women, refers to the changes that begin to occur in men as they approach middle age. Symptoms of Andropause include abdominal weight gain, hair loss, reduced energy and sex drive, heart disease, prostate inflammation, and mild to severe anxiety and depression – all of which have linked to declining testosterone levels and other alterations in hormone metabolism. Testosterone, the hormone directly related to male sexual characteristics, begins to decline in production throughout the 30's, often plummeting after age 45 to levels that bring about observable changes in behavior and overall health. While the overall levels of testosterone are declining, the powerful testosterone metabolite DHT (dehydro-testosterone) hastens prostate inflammation and hair loss. Meanwhile, other hormones such as growth hormone, pregnenolone, melatonin, and DHEA diminish in activity – collectively contributing to nearly all signs and symptoms of aging,

Recent studies have linked a higher incidence of heart disease in men to low testosterone levels, not unlike the link between low estrogen levels and heart disease in women. It appears that restoring testosterone levels cannot only help to reduce the risk of heart disease, but can assist in weight control, sex drive, and mood enhancement. Dr. Peter Holyk of Contemporary Health Innovations, PA in Sebastian, FL. notes that some forms of testosterone replacement seem to be safer than others, "using a natural form of testosterone that is recognized by and properly metabolized by the body assists in avoiding side effects. In addition, the use of specific botanicals that help to block DHT and assist in hormone cascading can help with problems such as prostate enlargement and hair loss, as well as other hormone-related problems." Dr. Holyk refers to the herbs serenoa repens and pygeum africamum, which are widely used by medical doctors in Europe to treat prostate inflammation, as well as natural substances that promote the release of growth hormone – recently popularized for its age-reversing effects.

In addition to causing frequent urination, prostate inflammation – most often caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) – may interfere with sexual potency by creating pressure on the vascular tissue and interfering with blood flow to the penis. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than half of men in the United States between ages of 60 and 70 have BPH, and 90 percent of men ages 70-90 have symptoms of BPH. While prostate health and hormonal changes have an influential role, arterial plaque appears to be the primary culprit in reduced sexual potency – studies show that more than 75% of male sexual dysfunction is caused by blockages in the vascular system. According to Dr. Holyk, "By improving circulation and reducing plaque in the arteries with the use of specific nutrients and procedures such as chelation therapy - the effects of hormone replacement on improved sexual function are often enhanced."

Dr. Holyk emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded individualized approach to addressing andropausal problems, "There are many influences that need to be addressed in helping men to attain optimal health, including exercise, diet, stress management, (nutritional) supplementation, circulation and hormone replacement. Evaluating biochemical individuality is essential for successful treatment."

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© copyright, Peter R. Holyk, M.D. 1998