Men, Aging and Libido
Jul 1st, 2010 | By Greg Cambridge | Category: HormonesOnce a man reaches andropause, he will suffer from symptoms of this period in life which are related to the decline of hormones in the body. These symptoms include irritability, fatigue, impotence, lowered sex drive, muscle loss and the accumulation of fat, especially around the belly area. The cause of these andropause symptoms is related to the loss of hormones in the male body and cause the symptoms of aging in the male. These hormones include testosterone, progesterone, human growth hormone (HGH or GH) and possibly the fluctuation of estrogen. Estrogen in the male body can either rise or fall causing different symptoms and problems.
One of the chief concerns of men in general, is the loss of libido as they age. Added to this worry are issues of sexual performance, especially impotence. Most men think that the only hormone they have to think about is their testosterone, but like women, they have many hormones which start to decline or become imbalanced as they age. One of the most daunting problems is the thought that “they can’t get it up” and this is not just related to testosterone levels – this is connected to all your hormones.
One of the first signs of aging in men and the onset of andropause are increased abdominal fat and shrinking muscles. These are the first signs of andropause and this is the time when men should speak with their doctors and get their hormones tested. A doctor should test for testosterone, human growth hormones, estrogen, thyroid and progesterone levels. After the results are in, it’s time to figure out what hormones need to be replaced with natural bioidentical hormones. You will start to experience greater well being in about two weeks, including an increased libido.
There are some drugs available which will assist with sexual performance, well known due to the advertising campaigns in the media. These drugs are known as Cialis and Viagra. However, before you experiment with these chemicals, try first the route of replacing your diminished hormone levels with natural hormones that mimic the hormones that were once more plentiful in your body during your youth.
Testosterone starts to decline in men’s bodies as early as the thirties. Most men think, if they can “get it up” – all is well, however, before the erection goes, a man will experience fatigue, a loss of the sense of contentment, a loss of vitality and feeling worn out. Weight gain occurs, joints start aching and you might lose your feeling of confidence. This is the loss of testosterone which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s. Accompanying these major health problems is the loss of muscle and bone density. Testosterone also build bone and heart muscle and keeps the heart strong. It also keeps cholesterol levels and blood pressure down. Sexual desire, sexual sensation and sexual performance are based upon testosterone receptor sites in the genitals, nerves and blood vessels being stimulated by testosterone. Without this, you’re feeling nothing. Sexual desire is all wrapped up in this. If you’ve got low testosterone levels, atrophy of the genitals will occur and low libido is the result. Get all your hormone levels tested. The amount of free testosterone in your body should be about 25 to 35 pg/mL.
Your doctor will prescribe natural bioidentical testosterone which comes in the formof a cream, lozenges or injections. This will restore your testosterone levels to a normal range. Without testosterone, you will eventually experience prostate problems.
However, it’s not just testosterone that matters. Progesterone is also available in the male body, produced in the testicles and the adrenal glands. Progesterone is the precursor to testosterone, cortisol, estrogen and many other hormones in the body. Symptoms of low progesterone levels in men are an enlarged prostrate, increased fat, decreased libido and fatigue combined with low energy levels. Stress makes things worse and is one of the major culprits in the cause of disease and loss of libido. If your progesterone levels are low, you will experience these issues.
Your hormone test may also reveal higher estrogen levels. Supplementing with natural bioidentical progesterone will balance your estrogen levels. Yes, men do have estrogen in the body, but at a lower level than women, of course! When you are losing testosterone as you age, your estrogen levels will become elevated. When your estrogen levels are high, you “can’t get it up.” Your body will become feminized and flabby. Worst news is that high estrogen levels in men will lead to a heart attack. Other symptoms of high estrogen levels in men cause headaches, weight gain, irritability, bloating or puffiness, breast enlargement, and hair loss. Natural bioidentical progesterone will counteract high estrogen levels. Now, the need to balance your hormones.
So, as you can see, there are many things which can cause problems as you age and cause a loss of libido. Loss of libido is directly related to the loss of hormones in men. One of the first things you can do to fight aging if you are a man is to discuss with your anti aging doctor or endocrinologist, your symptoms, get your hormone levels checked, find out what’s missing and then replace those lost hormones with bioidentical hormones. But don’t just replace those missing hormones, adapt to a healthy life style which includes reducing your intake of alcohol, quitting smoking, adopting a regular exercise program, destressing to the max and adapting a new positive outlook in life. Loss of hormones is real. Fix it and fight the symptoms of aging in men.
