Male Menopause

Male menopause or Andropause is a name that has been given to a condition observed in some aging men who display what are considered to be menopause-like conditions that are experienced in women. Symptoms that cause a fair amount of concern in men include the loss of libido, or in other words, the loss of desire for sexual relationships and the lessening of potency that can result in the fertilization of an embryo. Additional or related symptoms may include abnormally low levels of testosterone, depression, irritability, nervousness, the inability to concentrate, a weakened or impaired memory that is sometime associated with Alzheimer's disease, and increased sweat and fatigue.

There are both opponents and proponents of the name used to describe this collection of symptoms in men. Those that oppose classifying these symptoms as "male menopause" rightfully suggest that during menopause in women, a complete cessation of reproductive capacity occurs, whereas for men, reproduction often slows down and testosterone production goes down but neither stop all the way in most causes, where with women total cessation occurs. Also, most symptoms cited are common symptoms of hypogonadism, or in other words low testosterone levels that tend to slow guys down as the age.

Whether opponent or proponent of classifying these symptoms as a new disease other than hypogonadism, suggested treatments for these symptoms include hormone replacement therapy that increases testosterone levels, and a focus on diet, exercise, and stress reduction. Each of these has found to be helpful in abating some of the symptoms discussed above.

Diet is often inadequately considered in relationship to these symptoms; however by focusing on an eating pattern that will increase circulation to the male reproductive organs, these symptoms are often overcome. Why? Because the male reproductive organ's capacity to produce sperm is first and foremost dependent upon the raw materials of metabolism that are being supplied to this region of the body via the bloodstream. When those raw materials are missing, normal metabolism does not occur within the male reproductive organs. Anything, and especially diet, which hampers the ability of the bloodstream to carry required nutrients to specific regions of the body, will always result in a weakening capacity in that particular region of the body. Poor blood circulation in the brain results in poor brain health just as poor blood circulation in the reproductive regions results in poor reproductive health. What we too often attribute to aging is nothing more than an unnecessary accumulative burdening process that occurs though an imprudent diet. Change the diet and change the outcome.

Over time, a fatty diet or a diet that leads to the build-up of plaque affects all vessels within the body, including the tiny vessels that feed the reproductive organs. Cardiovascular research demonstrates that such conditions may be prevented, arrested, and reversed with the same dietary protocols in as little as one to two years. Limit animal-based food consumption to 10% of your diet, which is 200 calories per day for the average American; also eliminate all processed and refined foods and oils from your diet; and, center your diet on whole seasonal fruits and non-starchy vegetables. Enjoy starches such as starchy vegetables, grains, and legumes in moderation to otherwise compliment larger portions of fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables. Also to become more informed on this subject take time to review the work performed by Dean Ornish, M.D. and Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr, M.D. Each has developed dietary protocols that consistently improve cardiovascular health among clients which lead to quicker and more lasting results than typical pharmaceutical-based protocols and/or surgery, neither of which address the underlying causes of these symptoms. Male menopause is a diet-induced condition and therefore should be treated with a prudent diet that can arrest and reverse poor cardiovascular conditions and that will protect exceptional cardiovascular health throughout a lifetime.