LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Doc |
by Ray Purcell, DC |
Andropause
From the beginning of time until the end of the Roman Empire average life expectancy for men was roughly 20 years. By 1900 male life expectancy at birth increased to 45 years. Today it has jumped to an average of 75 years and is increasing at a rate of more than two years per decade. This is great news for the now aging Baby Boom Generation; but while listening to the health concerns of many men older than 40, I am reminded that this increase in life expectancy has occurred in what is little more then a hiccup in the span of time. Bodies that carried men for an average of 40 years for most of human history now routinely last twice as long. After running through the first 3 decades of life fueled by a seemingly endless supply of testosterone, men begin speaking in surprised tones about changes that go far beyond any mid-life desire to ditch it all and buy a new red sports car. Our supercharged bodies begin to commit treason. Men with formerly boundless energy, always cool and moving forward, begin hinting at fatigue, irritability, depression. Mood, energy, ambition, libido, memory, once easy allies, begin to confuse us. Starting at age 30, while we are unaware, our bodies androgen making systems quietly begin to become less efficient. Testosterone production begins to decrease by 1% per year. Levels of hormones that have helped define our physical gender slowly begin to slide and will continue to do so for at least the next 50 years. Our testosterone-to-estrogen ratios, which first caused us to differentiate into males while still in the womb, eventually decrease to less than half of what they were at age 30. While our sisters undergo a ratio shift toward testosterone dominance over perhaps 10 years, males undergo a slower, steadier process that often surprises and eventually leaves us more estrogen dominant. After mid-life men will have higher estrogen levels than women of the same age. Our biochemical individualities bring each of us to this mid-life hormonal dance with different levels and ratios of androgens, and with tissues that have different abilities to respond to the dance. People with the same hormonal levels can have quite different symptoms. The same altered androgen levels that can cause depression or irritability in some can lead to what are seen as more positive effects of aging in others. Ambitious young men may grow mellow with time. Mental focus might move away from achieving and conquering and toward a more nurturing, easy-as-we-go approach to life. Less positive long-term effects of the androgen dance can include more fat and less muscle, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, and increased rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Why then don't we all just get our testosterone patches at around age 40 and get on with our young and effortless lives? Testosterone replacement therapy is advocated by many but there is a raging debate about what exactly defines who is androgen deficient and who is demonstrating the normal consequences of aging. Those with a history of prostate or breast cancer would not be candidates for hormone replacement and people with liver, kidney, heart disease, diabetes or an enlarged prostate might also find that the risks outweigh the benefits. Some pre-existing illnesses, several medications, and lifestyle influences such as obesity, smoking, or chronic alcohol use can lower testosterone levels. Addressing these might reasonably be included first in any treatment plan. Herbal and nutritional literature focuses on supporting the tissues and glands that produce and regulate androgen levels. The herb tribulus is most often mentioned as a means to positively influence hormone levels. It is often coupled with zinc, saw palmetto, licorice extract, and antioxidants for gland and vascular support, or with yohimbe, Korean ginseng, nettle root or L-arginine and pycnogenol to support erectile function. Heavy weight training and a diet high in fruits and vegetables are also mentioned as natural support methods. Today there will be young men everywhere riding the testosterone wave, unaware of the hormonal shifts beginning within. Their older brothers will be starting to wonder where their own extra gear has gone. Their fathers, made aware by time and no longer wondering, will be working to get the most out of what is left for as long as possible. Some of it is genetically based, some is lifestyle driven, and all of it is multi-factorial and can be discussed with your healthcare provider if you find the need. Andropause appears as one of lifes many surprises but together, with enlightened action, we can welcome it without giving it an inch more than absolutely necessary. Dr. Ray Pursell, a Diplomat of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, can be reached at 302-542-4468. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 16, No. 13 September 15, 2006 |