Andropause - The Hidden Causes

Andropause or "male menopause" starts after the age of 40, when men are facing an additional hormonal challenge. The levels of testosterone and DHEA begin to decline slowly.

What is even more important about andropause is that not only the quantity of testosterone is lower, but its bioavailability is also reduced. It is practically unusable by the body due to the rise of sex human binding proteins that block the circulating testosterone thus affecting the sex drive.

Environmental factors can worsen the natural process of hormone decline in the male body. Here is how:

1. Exposure to environmental estrogen-like products

While there is little you can do to stop the natural process of aging, there is a lot you can do to prevent the harmful effects of some external factors such as the exposure to environmental estrogen-like products, used to treat plants or to produce more meat from animals. Keep in mind that phytoestrogens from soy are estrogen-like products. Experts say that theoretically ordinary amounts of soy products that contain phytoestrogens would not be likely to affect male hormone levels adversely. May be- but I would not take my chances if I were a man though.

In order to counter balance the estrogen-like effect eat broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables considered anti-estrogenic food.

You certainly don’t want to miss this one.

Andropause and low testosterone levels are also related to low fat or fat-free food intake. There is some data suggesting that men on low fat or vegetarian diets have lower testosterone levels. In addition, because of the insufficient fat intake, there is deficiency of essential fatty acids and a metabolic shift in favor of fat stores around the waist.

To boost your testosterone level, eat plenty of red meat, fish, and take some flax oil.

3. Stress

Is your day stressful? Are your nights sleepless because you are tossing and turning in your bed trying to solve the problems that you didn’t solve during the day?

There is enough data to show that stress reduces testosterone and causes accumulation of belly fat. Men over 50 often complain from not being able to get rid of the big belly no matter how hard they try to diet and exercise. This is exactly my point: Diet and exercise are not enough if your stress level is not balanced and you do not get enough sleep. It is all connected: stress, andropause symptoms, low testosterone, and lack of a sex drive.

To find out where you stand start by measuring your waistline and take the free Stress Level Test.

Copyright Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

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Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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