Men's Health: Coping with Andropause

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Good Morning!

 

Men's Health: Coping with Andropause

 

As men age, they can experience a phenomenon, which is similar to female

menopause, called Andropause. By the time a man reaches the age of 30,

testosterone levels begin dropping by about 10 percent every decade. Young men

often have testosterone levels exceeding 1000ng/dl. Look at the comparison of an

80 year-old men, whose average testosterone is 200ng/dl.

 

Between the ages of 40 and 55, bodily changes occur very gradually in men and

may be accompanied by changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, a loss of energy,

sex drive and physical agility. In addition, attitudes, psychological stress,

alcohol, injuries or surgery, medications, obesity and infections can contribute

to its onset. This also seems to happen at a time in a man's life when they

begin to question their accomplishments, values and direction in life.

Therefore, it is often hard to realize that the changes that are occurring are

often related to more than just external situations.

 

Although age does play a factor in testosterone levels, there is no way of

predicting who will experience andropause symptoms and to what degree of

severity. Neither is it predictable at what age symptoms will occur in a

particular individual. Each man's symptoms may be different. It has been shown

that a man's physical health and mental well-being can play apart in the varying

degrees of signs and symptoms. Men who eat right, exercise on a regular basis

and are content in love and work, seem to experience symptoms, much less and or

later in life than those men who are obese, physically unfit, unhappy or

depressed.

 

Productivity is at the center of a man's existence. A man's productivity is what

gets him noticed and appreciated. This helps him climb the ladder of success,

bringing home the " bacon " and be recognized as the bread winner. As he ages, the

productivity tends to switch to self-satisfying tasks and those, which give him

purpose.

 

The Scoop on Human Growth Hormones (HGH)

 

Some scientific evidence shows that trophic factors, such as growth hormone,

estrogen, and testosterone, may help combat the aging process. Growth hormone,

in particular, may reduce frailty and help older people maintain independence,

but studies are showing mixed results. The National Institutes on Aging (NIA) in

Bethesda, Md., was awarded grants to eight researchers to study the HGH in 1992.

To this day, studies are mixed in their results. Taking growth hormones may

cause sometimes, serious side effects, including carpal tunnel syndrome,

worsening of diabetes, high triglyceride levels and fluid retention leading to

congestive heart failure. " The clinical usefulness remains unclear, " the NIA

said in a statement.

 

Top 10 Ways To Cope With Andropause

 

1. Change your diet: Cut back on the fried foods, saturated fats and sweets! Eat

cleaner, healthier, live food. Eating is a learned behavior so poor eating

habits can be " unlearned " .

 

2. Get moving: Exercise not only is a great remedy for depression, it is a great

hormone builder. It truly gets the juices flowing!

 

3. Have more sex: Safe, satisfying, mind-bending. Remember, our mind is our most

powerful sex organ. Use that to your advantage.

 

4. Find more satisfaction in your work: Not doing the job of your dreams? Don't

you think it's about time you did! Put your fears away (for once) and just go

for it already!

 

5. Make your relationship the best it can be: If you have one, mix it up a bit.

Make it " new again " . Go back to the basics... Send flowers, go somewhere new, go

out on a " date " . If you don't have a relationship, then try directing your

intentions in the right place.

 

6. Coping strategies are important: Talk to others who may be experiencing what

you are feeling. Find some therapy in a group session, a private therapist or go

online and find a chat room.

 

7. Strengthen mental attitudes: Positive thinking. Maintain a sharp, mental

approach. Live intelligently!

 

8. Take control of your life: You are responsible for living a longer life. You

alone. You are in charge as to how long and how well you will live.

 

9. Stay creative: Fresh ideas are one of the best approaches for improving any

area in your life. Get inspired from things around you.

 

10. Stay healthy: Good arterial health is a must. High blood pressure, high

cholesterol levels, excessive stress, poor diet, lack of exercise are your

ticket to a downward spiral.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/ailments.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit