Low Testosterone
Although low testosterone is most commonly associated with andropause ("male menopause"), it can occur at any age. Andropause most commonly occurs between age 40 and 50 as the production of testosterone starts to decline, leading to decreased virility, stamina and drive. Often by age 50 men's testosterone and DHEA levels are 20-40% below youthful levels. Obese men have even lower levels of these hormones. Alcohol will also adversely affect hormone balance.
Some signs of low testosterone include thinning hair, decreased libido, increased abdominal fat, declining muscle mass, night sweats, and also depression. With age, testosterone levels decline and at the same time estrogen can rise. This hormone shift will block testosterone, increase abdominal fat, and adversely affect the prostate gland.
Men with low testosterone are at high risk for heart disease and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Fatigue, irritability, low libido, erection problems, muscle loss, and night sweats can be a sign of low testosterone in men.
It would seem logical that all older men (40+ years) would be screened for testosterone levels at their doctors' visits. Yet in my clinical experience, I still continue to receive a large number of male patients who, despite seeking my care for andropause symptoms, were never tested nor questioned about testosterone at their doctor's visit.
Although low testosterone can be treated using testosterone replacement therapy, I personally recommend that men who present with andropause symptoms (erectile dysfunction, poor libido, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, lethargy, depression osteoporosis, decreased facial and body hair, hot flashes, gynecomastia) start with lifestyle therapies. I believe it is important to treat the primary cause of low testosterone levels, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high stress, poor diet etc., first before resorting to hormone therapy. Simply replacing testosterone without addressing causes will only buy some time against the ticking clock of lifestyle disease.
Naturpathic treatment may take the form of stress management techniques, nutritional counseling, herbs or nutritional supplements, depending on the underlying factors contributing to the low testosterone levels.
For more information on the natural approach to low testosterone please visit Dr. Esposito's Men's Health Articles page.
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