Male Menopause? Part Two

 

Published February 21, 2003 in the North Island Weekender

 

In part one I explained the symptoms of Andropause: changes in sexual function, fatigue, interrupted sleep, increased urinary frequency, impaired memory, and a decrease in strength and endurance. I also explained the importance of the ratio of estrogens and testosterone and how this can be diagnosed. There are naturopathic treatments that will increase free testosterone, decrease estrogen and improve over all health.

The adrenal glands and fat cells produce an enzyme called aromatase, which is needed to convert testosterone into estrogen. In healthy males this occurs to a small extent. However as men age, fat tissues in their bodies produce more aromatase which converts excessive amounts of testosterone to estrogen. Estrogens in our environment also contribute to this load. Hence my unceasing encouragement for people to switch to organic sources of dairy and animal products to limit this exposure. Non-genetically modified soy products and flaxseeds can reduce the effects of excess estrogens by blocking estrogen receptor sites throughout the body. These are called “phytoestrogens” and people mistakenly think they ARE estrogens, however they have 1/400^th the strength of the hormone estrogen and block the strong disease causing effects of the hormone estrogen. Aromatase is also blocked by zinc, saw palmetto, calcium d-glucarate, diindolymethane and increased by alcohol. Lowering fat consumption will decrease estrogen levels by lowering the levels of aromatase. Alcoholism decreases testosterone 50%.

A second way to increase testosterone is to inhibit the 5 alpha reductase pathway that converts testosterone to dihyroxytestosterone which is responsible for causing benign enlargements of the prostate. The herb saw palmetto also blocks this pathway and may be one of the reasons it is effective in reversing male pattern baldness in some men and women. Other factors that also block this pathway are isoflavones, zinc and stinging nettles. Zinc but must be taken for many months at a time. In the office we determine zinc deficiencies with a taste test as well as through a blood test.

 

A third way to increase testosterone in the body is to reduce stress which lowers cortisol and insulin both of which inhibit the production of testosterone at high levels.

 

Promoting the health of the liver will increase the metabolism and excretion of estrogen from the body. Specific P450 enzyme systems in the liver are responsible for this and their activity increases with Vitamin C, B vitamins, soy proteins, oysters, grapefruit and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. Prescription medications that inhibit this P450 enzymes in the liver include: anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, analgesics, antifungal agents, statin drugs, SSRI anti-depressants, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other substances such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines. Liver distress can be diagnosed with the EAV organ testing machine and blood tests for liver enzyme levels. Part of naturopathic medicine is the education of the patients to the cause of their complaint. If these agents are aggravating the symptoms safe and effective alternatives may be warranted.

Fatigue and stress may be due to adrenal exhaustion, poor blood sugar metabolism, heart disease, poor liver health, general toxicity, food allergies and general deficiencies. Herbs and nutrients such as Siberian ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, coriolus, vitamin C and pantothenic acid may improve adrenal glands function.

In my workup of these men I often find blood sugar and triglyceride irregularities pointing towards diabetes, high waist to hip ratios indicating insulin resistance a high risk factor in heart disease, low adrenal function, increased levels of bad cholesterols to good cholesterols, elevated liver enzymes, elevated iron stores in the body, blood pressures above 120/80 and a general state of malaise. It is best to treat these high normal test results right away rather than waiting for full-blown diseases to develop. See my article June 29^th 2002 for general health recommendations for men.

These men usually respond very well to a simple program of good quality calcium, magnesium, selenium, B complex, CoQ10, flax oil, and regular exercise in addition to specific treatments to raise testosterone levels, to improve the libido, and to treat the adrenals and liver. Most everyone needs to be on a heart disease prevention program and many of the above nutrients address this issue as well.

Depression decreases testosterone by 20%! Remember the mind body connection and live your dream NOW rather than waiting for retirement. Your chances of living longer to enjoy your retirement may increase greatly!

 

 

Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com