Addressing Male Hormones

Symptoms of low testosterone can relate to mood including sadness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, decreased sense of wellbeing.

Sexual indications may include erection weakness, decreased quality of orgasm, decreased interest or desire for sex, decreased volume of semen.

Other relevant symptoms include frequent joint and muscle aches, increased obesity (especially central), diminished muscle mass and strength, decreased vigour and physical activity.

Osteoporosis which we usually consider for women, can also be relevant for men.

Testosterone has beneficial effects on insulin regulation, lipid profiles and blood pressure.

Higher natural testosterone levels are associated with improved insulin sensitivity, HDL, lower central obesity, lower blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL and a reduced risk  of developing obesity. 

Low testosterone levels are an independent risk factor for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes.

Andropause, otherwise known as the ‘male menopause’, is a term used to describe the changes in male hormones that occur, typically from your 40’s onwards. 

The hormonal changes that occur are more gradual that in the female menopause, and do not involve the complete cessation of reproductive functions, as is experienced by women. 

Andropause typically occurs in middle-aged and older men, usually starting in the late 40s or early 50s. The most significant hormonal change that occurs is a significant decline in testosterone levels. Testosterone is an important male sex hormone that contributes to multiple body systems and general maintenance of the body, such as muscle mass, bone density and energy levels. 

While not all men experience andropause, approximately 20% of men over the age of 60 experience low testosterone levels. 

Symptoms of Andropause

Symptoms can vary among individuals, however many commonly reported symptoms are listed below.

• Fatigue
• Reduced libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Sleep disruption

Treatment options for andropause may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), however it can also be supported using a personalised dietary approach combined with lifestyle changes.

Research suggests that low testosterone may be associated with several metabolic changes in men. As testosterone declines, it is associated with an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen. Some of the mechanisms contributing to this weight gain are as discussed below.

It’s important to address any imbalances as low testosterone is associated with an increase of all-cause mortality in men over 50 years old.

An overall balancing of hormones is important to manage testosterone levels. This means consuming a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

A low glycemic load eating plan full of colour and including cruciferous vegetables can be helpful.

Nutrients such as zinc and vitamin D are precursors for the synthesis of testosterone.

Essential fatty acids including omega 3 fats from oily fish, linseeds and walnuts can help.

We need to reduce excess alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats and trans fats.

Exercise increases testosterone naturally, especially regular high intensity exercise and strength training for at least 150 minutes per week.

Improving lean body mass and addressing visceral fat is important.

Obesity can contribute to low testosterone.

There is also a relationship between sleep apnoea and low testosterone. This may be a vicious cycle as lack of sleep can lower testosterone and so can obesity.

Stress management is also important as our stress hormones and sex hormones share the same pathways.

Reducing your toxic load including organochlorides, pesticides, second-hand smoke, xenoestrogens and solvents can also be important.

Male hormone imbalances may be as a result of low testosterone or higher oestrogen or both – and we can test these markers using functional medicine. Testosterone is usually measured in blood, and due to its circadian rhythm, ideally the sample should be taken at the beginning of the day.

A male hormone testing profile may look at additional markers that are useful include liver function, female hormones such as estradiol, Luteinising hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) as well as PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen).