Testosterone and Andropause
Andropause Affects Men as Menopause Affects Women As men age their levels of testosterone decline gradually. Testosterone is the dominant male hormone and a dramatic drop in testosterone levels results in Andropause. Men with a lack of testosterone can go through similar symptons of menopause. Symptoms of Andropause are loss of libido, impotence, and depression.
Testosterone is more than a body building craze. The hormone testosterone regulates male sex related functions, controls blood sugar levels, regulation of cholesterol, oxygen uptake, proper functioning immune system, and support strong bones. Testosterone is involved in more biological processes like cell production and cell growth. In addition, Testosterone appears to help in mental concentration, improves mood and is reported to prevent depression and even Alzheimer disease. Testosterone is simply an ingredient found in steroids that pack muscle mass. It is an integral part of the human body that helps tone, build, and maintain bodily processes.
Andropause is a real problem with plummeting testosterone levels. Before learning more about testosterone, let's examine how an Andropausal reaction in a man’s body works and results in this decline. Testosterone is developed in the brain. The pituitary gland in the brain produces a hormone called luteinizing hormone that is responsible for giving one special order to the testicles: produce testosterone!
Remember, the brain does not produce testosterone. It regulates the glands which produce the hormones that send receptor messages directly to the testes. The combination of failing testes and the inability of the pituitary gland to send messages to the testes is the reason for testosterone decline.
When the pituitary gland doesn’t secrete enough of the luteinizing hormone, the testes will not function. On average, 5 grams of testosterone are made daily. The secretion of this hormone is prominent during certain times of the day, most notably in the morning and sundown. Semen is also affected and less is produced as we age.
Luteinzing hormones work by connecting themselves to proteins in the blood. These proteins follow through the bloodstream and reach the vital areas of the body where the hormone works. A small amount of testosterone does not attach themselves to any protein, and this are called free testosterone.
Luteinzing hormones are the most important hormone in preventing Andropause. When Andropause comes to fruition, more testosterone attach themselves to proteins, leaving less of the free testosterone available. As you can see, proteins can have a reverse effect on us as well! It is a paradox that a hormone working too hard does more damage than good!
Androgen levels decline with age just as estrogen does in women. Androgens are produced in the adrenal gland (located above the kidneys) and in the testicles. These hormones are responsible for producing sperm, promoting sex drive, aiding with erectile function, and helping determine the gender of an unborn child. If you are a bodybuilding enthusiast, please note that lack of androgen will affect your muscle building ability, causing decreased muscle mass and loss of strength.
This problem is unable to be fixed with glutamine, whey protein, or a multivitamin. Instead of building six-pack abs, you will have increased body fat in the areas you need it least. Squats (total body building exercise) and deadlifts (compound exercise that works the back) are nearly impossible to perform, as Andropause can cause osteoporosis (loss of bone tissue) and back pain. This should not deter you from having a daily exercise regimen, however.
Exercise has been scientifically proven to lessen the effects of testosterone loss and your routine should be altered to accommodate this as you age. There are also alternatives with the right nutrition, including diet and exercise, Andropause can be a comfortable passage. More Andropause Articles, Sex Drive Over 50 and Why Should Men Care About Their Waistline? From Testosterone and Andropause Return to Home Page
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