Andropause is the slow but steady reduction in testosterone and other hormone production that occurs with aging. The main symptoms are: loss of libido and potency, loss of muscle mass, depression, nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, inability to concentrate, erectile dysfunction, frequency of urination, loss of memory and sweating. Reduced amounts of free test can also be a result of diet, exercise and elevated hormones including cortisol, estrogen and cholesterol. These hormones are connected via the endocrine system and when elevated have a negative reciprocal effect on free testosterone
Testosterone is a male sex hormone made in the testes and the adrenal glands. Most testosterone in your blood is bound to albumin or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and is unavailable to the body. Unbound testosterone is bio-available (free) testosterone. The amount of free testosterone is directly related to masculinity, male energy, strength and performance. Free testosterone can be increased through influencing production factors or by preventing free testosterone from turning into bound test (SHBG and DHT). We can positively affect the production of free testosterone by increasing the sterols and by decreasing hormones circulating in the blood which inhibit the production of free testosterone.
Cortisol is a catabolic hormone that is elevated under stress. Elevated cortisol disrupts the testicular testosterone production process and upsets the delicate balance levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin. Stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone helps our body create free testosterone.
Warning bells should be going off for men when feeling “worn out” becomes a normal state of being.
Tired and stressed are often signs of prioritizing our many responsibilities above health. While exhausted is not gender specific, men are at higher risk of developing disease and die at higher rates for all the top 10 causes of death including: heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and many cancers.
Fatigue and stress can lead to poor food choices, skipping exercise, using caffeine and other substances as stimulants and calming aids can perpetuate poor health. Low levels of testosterone, obesity and many prescription medications can also negatively influence male vitality. The good news is that many of these hazards can be addressed with preventative lifestyle choices and daily habits.
Lifestyle Habits
- Drink 1 Liter of filtered alkaline water for every 50lbs of body weight.
- Add alkaline forming like the juice of half a lemon, fermented green foods, spirulina and chlorella.
- Make a daily commitment to moving your body. 45 minutes of exercise can increase free testosterone by up to 39.6%
- Eat Organic! Choose nutrient dense SuperFoods.
- Listen to your body. If your body is telling you it is tired, stop and listen. Are your shoulders tight, sore achy joints or muscles, always fighting something? Reset your boundaries, make better food choices and rest your body.
- Hormonal balance is key to male vitality. The hormone system is complicated and is influenced by age, diet, exercise, supplements and environmental factors.
Supplements can support the production of free testosterone include:
Zinc, Magnesium and B6
Highly absorbable forms of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 aid in the production to testosterone, the maintenance of lean muscle tissue and improve sleep and alleviate symptoms of stress.
Male Hormone Support Herbal Extracts
Rhodiola, Ashwaganda, Holy Basil and Siberian ginseng are adaptogenic herbs which are clinically shown to manage cortisol levels. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant and along with DIM have been shown to reduce estrogen levels resulting in stimulating luteinizing hormone to produce testosterone.
Tribulus, Fenugreek and Tongkat ali increase luteinizing hormone by providing plant sterols that are converted through hormonal pathways to produce more total testosterone and increase levels of free testosterone
Saw palmetto and Stinging nettle block the interaction between free testosterone and bound testosterone (SHBG and albumin bound testosterone). These herbs also prevent the interaction that changes testosterone to DHT. DHT is found in higher concentrations in those suffering from benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and in cases of male pattern baldness.
Prairie Natural’s Men’s line is a support system to meet the changing needs of his body.
