While many men feel the need to project an almost invincible front to the rest of the world, the truth is that they experience a natural decline in virility over the years.
If there is menopause for women, then there is andropause for men.
It is not uncommon for men to brag about their machismo to the point of saying they have an oversupply of testosterone. But this is a myth.
Symptoms
In the book “Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness,” author Suzanne Somers has a message to all men—to take the matter of andropause seriously. Even your family doctor will say so.
According to medical studies, men experience a decline in hormones, most especially testosterone, a powerful anabolic hormone.
For men, the peak of testosterone levels happens in their early to mid-20s. After that, it’s downhill. Leydig cells, which are responsible for secreting testosterone, deteriorate. From ages 40 to 70, a man may lose as much as 60 percent of this vital hormone.
How does a man know he has a hormonal decline? Here are the symptoms:
Fatigue, irritability, depression, low energy, loss of concentration and memory, feelings of extreme stress, anxieties leading to fearfulness, relationship problems with a loved one or partner, erectile dysfunction, loss of morning erections, loss of sex drive, increased body pains, backaches, joint stiffness, tiredness, loss of interest in everyday activities.
Good news
In the past, men, like women, had no option but to accept the passage of time and the decline of their bodies. Not today. New science brings hope. The good news is that men can once again live in optimal health.
Considered safe and noninvasive, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or BHRT is a plant-based alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Positive effects include improved libido, reduction of body fat, uplifted mood, improved osteoporosis, increased muscle mass and tone.
Recent findings have shown that testosterone also affects brain health by improving memory, alertness, concentration, vision and perception.
Peter’s story
Dear Cory,
Lately I’ve been unusually tired. In fact, simply climbing up the stairs is such a chore! I am left breathless after 10 steps. My hair is thinning and I have no interest in sex. My marriage is at risk and I am finding difficulty focusing on my work. Help this 49-year-old man in a panic.—Peter
When was the last time you had an executive checkup? I suggest you have one immediately.
Consult your doctor about your hormone profile. A special blood test will help you determine your hormone levels.
Most likely, your testosterone levels are down. See an endocrinologist, a hormone specialist. Inquire about BHRT. With a regimen of creams and capsules, your levels can be normalized.
Other hormones worth looking into are DHEA, progesterone, pregnenolone, cortisol and the thyroid. All of these work in synergy to keep your body in good health and harmony.
No worries. Soon, you will look and feel much better.
Happy wife, happy life
Somers herself extols the virtues of BHRT on her husband (who is in his 70s), attesting all the dramatic changes in him. Where once he was moody and experienced low vitality, now he looks and feels great. He is happy and so is his wife. And you know what they say, “happy wife, happy life.”
This week’s affirmation: “I am happy.”
Love and light!
E-mail the author at coryquirino1@yahoo.com