When men are young, their testosterone levels are in abundance and associated with muscularity, strength and virility. As they age and their sex hormone metabolism change, men begin to lose their valuable testosterone while increasing their levels of estrogen. This condition, often referred to as estrogen-dominance, is also associated with increasing abdominal fat, reduced libido and prostate problems. By retirement age, it is not uncommon to find men with higher estrogen levels than women of the same age.
Low testosterone levels are both directly and indirectly linked to:
- Weight gain – especially in the midsection
- Thickening of the arteries
- Accelerated osteoporosis
- Decreased muscle strength
- Decreased libido
- Lack of energy
- Erection problems
- Falling asleep after dinner
- Memory impairment
- Loss of pubic hair
- Mood changes
- Decrease in endurance
- Loss of auxiliary hair
‘Change of Life’ for Men
Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager? Do you have memories of that lean, muscular physique that never seemed to gain an ounce of fat no matter how much you ate – or drank? Do you now find yourself patting your belly more than your dog? If you do, you could very well be experiencing a loss of testosterone, otherwise known as andropause.
Andropause is often described as “A noticeable decline in male hormone levels, often with the accompaniment of high estrogen levels”. It is often these negative forms of estrogen – called 16 hydroxy estrogens – that create a host of problems within a man’s body, making it extremely difficult to maintain a healthy metabolism. Andropause is often associated with loss of muscle mass and strength, increased belly fat, low energy, poor concentration, irritability, depression and decreased interest in sex and/or erectile dysfunction, among others.
What’s a Guy to Do?
To reduce the impact of estrogen in your body while maximizing testosterone levels:
- Consume sufficient quantities of high quality protein
- Get sufficient sleep
- Take natural supplements with nutrients that support testosterone levels, reduce the impact of excess estrogen and address the problems related to andropause.
- Use glass rather than plastic to store food
- Never heat food in plastic containers in the microwave
- Buy organic produce and meats
- Use natural pest control around your home
- Avoid synthetic chemicals in your personal care products
- Use condoms without spermicide
- Minimize intake of soy, a known plant estrogen
- Perform regular bouts of resistance training (weight training)
- Take natural supplements with nutrients that support testosterone levels, reduce the impact of excess estrogen and address the problems related to andropause.
