The female menopause is a more talked about issue and addressed many times in concerns to women’s health. A couple or a family is a whole unit and helps to form a healthy atmosphere for growth of a society. Do you know that the just like the female menopause, The men too suffer silently the same condition called male manopause or Andropause (Low Testosterone, Male Menopause, Manopause)?

Similar to the Oestrogen; The happy hormone of Women,Also A motherly hormone said to be increasing love, trust and monogamy, There is a homologus happy hormone called Testesterone and Vasopressin in Men.

Instead of having a month-long hormone cycle like women, men go through an entire hormone cycle every 24 hours.

Men also have about 10 times more testosterone than women, so their hormone cycle is usually all about how their testosterone affects them. A man’s body does make estrogen and progesterone like a woman’s body, but in much smaller amounts.

Here’s a timeline of what you can generally expect from a man’s daily hormone cycle:

Morning : the Testesterone levels are high

Once he shakes off the fog of sleep, high testosterone makes him more energetic, talkative, aggressive, focused and confident.

This is the time when there is high virility and they can enjoy passionate sex. This the time that can make them easily angry too.

Afternoon: The testosterone is midlevel

As a result, he’s still upbeat, driven and focused, but not as easily ticked off. He may like to take support for work with team or family.May tend to go for a date, needs emotional support.

Evening : The levels are lowest.

With testosterone bottoming out, he tends to be more passive, agreeable and low-key, At this point, his libido hits its lowest point. For some men, At this low point It is still enough to make them capable of enjoying passionate sex; other men may feel too tired for intimacy or have difficulty maintaining an erection.

This is the best time for him todo activities that recharge his energy if he wants to play an instrument or do exercise), or do some relaxing activities in keeping with his current low energy level (such as reading or watching television), cuddle with his partner and play with his kids.

Some examples:

• Testosterone can plunge suddenly, too. For example, research shows that when a man watches his favourite cricket team lose a game, his testosterone dips sharply (this doesn’t occur in women when they watch their team lose). This decline in testosterone can then make him blue, cranky or lethargic.
• Its worthy to remember that a man’s daily change in hormone levels in the cycle can play a vital role in his moods, energy and the libido but there are other factors which can influence too.

Andropause, A midlife crisis

The term ADAM is used for describing the  “androgen deficiency of the aging male” (“ADAM”) Sometimes, the term “partial androgen deficiency in aging males” (“PADAM”) is also used.

This period of Andropause in a man’s life when he starts to desire for the thirst of life. During this Mid-life Crisis, There is a sense of dissatisfaction and therefore he becomes focused on bringing back the enjoyment in his life, often at times It can lead to question himself about what would be the outcome of his changes in the performance. He may feel that If he doesn’t accomplish that, he may lose his identity and integrity.  At the same time, this period is also linked to when he starts being majorly affected by Andropause. The Testosterone drop can similarly create a feeling of depression and can frustrate men everywhere. He may fear to speaking the least at about it. So when you start to feel this way, it’s time to address that as well as your general happiness.

So as a result, one thing that isn’t addressed during this period is your testosterone. The more testosterone you have, the happier you are, And that doesn’t mean to swallow and get injected with all the chemicals in your body.

Lack of Libido in Male is in similar terms to frigidity in females.

Frigidity: Failure of a female to respond to sexual stimulus; aversion on the part of a woman to sexual intercourse; failure of a female to achieve an Orgasm (anorgasmia) during sexual intercourse.

This disorder can stem from psychological or emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, worry, guilt, fear of painful intercourse(Dyspareunia) and fear of pregnancy. It can also develop from the undesirability of a partner, the undesirability of the setting, and the spouse or self use of alcohol or drugs.

“Frigid-” is derived from the Latin word “frigidus” (cold.) The suffix “-ity” is derived from the Latin “-itas” (condition, state).

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for deep voices, muscle mass, and facial and body hair patterns found in males. As men get older, the level of testosterone in the body and production of sperm gradually becomes lower, and they experience physical and psychological symptoms as a result of these low levels. This is part of the natural aging process and it is estimated that testosterone decreases about 10% every decade after men reach the age of 30.

Andropause is a condition that is associated with the decrease in the male hormone testosterone. It is unlike menopause in that the decrease in testosterone and the development of symptoms is more gradual than what occurs in women. Approximately 30% of men in their 50s will experience symptoms of andropause caused by low testosterone levels. A person experiencing andropause may have a number of symptoms related to the condition and could be at risk of other serious health conditions such as osteoporosis without proper treatment.

Causes

The decrease in testosterone is an important factor in men suspected of having andropause. However, as men age, not only does the body start making less testosterone, but also the levels of another hormone called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which pulls usable testosterone from the blood, begins to increase. SHBG binds some of the available testosterone circulating in the blood. The testosterone that is not bound to the SHBG hormone is called bioavailable testosterone, meaning it is available for use by the body.

Men who experience symptoms associated with andropause have lowered amounts of bioavailable testosterone in their blood. Therefore, tissues in the body that are stimulated by testosterone receive a lower amount of it, which may cause various physical and possibly mental changes in a person such as mood swings or fatigue.

Symptoms and Complications

Although symptoms may vary from person to person, common symptoms of men going through andropause include:

• low sex drive
• difficulties getting erections or erections that are not as strong as usual
• lack of energy
• depression
• irritability and mood swings
• loss of strength or muscle mass
• increased body fat
• hot flashes

Complications associated with andropause include an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and osteoporosis (brittle bones).

Making the Diagnosis

A doctor will ask questions about how you are feeling to see if your symptoms match those of people with low testosterone. Then, a blood test is performed to check the level of testosterone in the blood.

Because there are other conditions that are associated with low testosterone levels (e.g., hypogonadism, which causes retardation of sexual growth and development; diabetes; high blood pressure), your doctor will likely do tests to rule out these possibilities before making a diagnosis of andropause.

Approximately 30% of men in their 50s will experience symptoms of andropause caused by low testosterone levels. A man experiencing andropause may have a number of symptoms related to the condition and could be at risk of other serious conditions such as osteoporosis without proper treatment.

Andropause is a serious event in those men who do experience it. It has real physical, emotional and psychological symptoms. Erectile dysfunction is a key part and this has very unsettling effects on those affected.

Its important to explore andropause as a clinical entity rather than a myth when female patients going through menopause often remarked that their husbands or partners had similar symptoms.

“Men tend to have reducing levels of testosterone but at different levels to women,”

“Men can still reproduce right into their 80s whereas women’s oestrogen levels just stop and that’s the end of their reproductive years.”

Their symptoms include: fatigue; sweats; brain fog; and joint pain but those who are overweight and have type 2 diabetes are more prone to low testosterone levels.

“Testosterone levels may be normal but the symptoms are there,

Research studies show that Men in general tend to be less regular clients at the GP and less likely to access healthcare with many barriers as sited in many research publications,”

Men living in rural communities are even more likely to fall into this category and so there is a reduced opportunity on behalf of the GP to engage in preventative health including their emotional health and dropping hormone levels.

“I believe that partners and spouses can help this process through open conversation and helping them access the information they need.

It is important to note that many of the symptoms associated with andropause are also a normal part of aging, and they may not be reversible with treatment.

Treatment and Prevention

Consult a sexologist or Andrologist for investigations of your problem initially.

Testosterone is available in a variety of different preparations including skin patches, capsules, gels, and injections.

This treatment involves injections of testosterone (testosterone cypionate* and testosterone enanthate) in the muscle every 2 to 4 weeks. They may cause mood swings due to changes in testosterone levels.

Testosterone should not be taken by any man with prostate or breast cancer. If you have heart disease, are taking some medications such as blood thinners, have an enlarged prostate, have kidney or liver disease, or have too much calcium in your blood, you will need to discuss with your doctor whether or not testosterone therapy is right for you. Your doctor will help determine which treatment is best for you and will often consider your lifestyle when making this decision. Your doctor will help you decide if testosterone treatment is right in your situation, as treatment does have risks.

Homeopathic medicines help treat many conditions holistically and enhance the general physical performance as well as keeps the best mental state.

Homeopathic medicine especially acts by stimulating the hormone production to stop the early andropause. There are no side effects of Homeopathic Treatment.

Homeopathy adopts an integrative approach of treatment, which deals with the individual symptomatic presentation, “treat the patient not the disease” concept, it treats the person.

In Homoeopathy, there is a wide range of medications for loss of libido, depressions, and erectile dysfunctions, along with other mind and emotional symptoms. When the person is treated individually, in the mental, physical, and emotional planes, hormones, which are suppressed or reduced, will start producing normally. This is in relevance to psychosomatic diseases.

Follow-up visits with your doctor will be important after the initial treatment begins. At follow-up visits, your doctor will check your response to the treatment and make adjustments, if necessary.

Homoepathic Medicines:

Lycopodium – Andropause in those with high desire and erectile dysfunction:

His psychology is often one of ‘I want to be seen as important and high up in the group’. He is being viewed as a powerful, accomplished is a high value. Any lowering of status is mortifying. Those require this Homeopathic remedy for andropause is critical and domineering as a boss. The threat of younger intelligent aspirants to high positions is difficult. Depression, irritability, and anticipatory anxiety are frequent. Physically they can be spare, sallow with moles and age spots.

Weight loss is evident especially in the upper chest and infraclavicular fossa while the middle is well-padded betraying blood sugar issues. These people are quite chilly yet enjoy the cool air and feel oppressed in a warm stuffy environment. It is a very good Homeopathic remedy for andropause where often performance anxiety with impotence. The genitals may seem cold and there may indeed be atrophy. Where Lycopodium is indicated, expect some digestive issue, commonly a rapid fullness on eating due to flatulence.

Agnus Castus – For andropause in those with depression:

Depression and self-reproach over chances in life that were ‘blown’ and a kind of envy regarding those considered successful. “He sometimes feels as if he was nobody, and would rather be dead than have that feeling; when possessed by that feeling, he has no courage to undertake anything; and when free from it he feels exalted, would like to read like an orator, etc.” [Allen] Boasting about sexual performance, alternating with self-reproach and the feeling he has achieved nothing. Agnus-c. “is especially useful in those advanced in years, who in their youth have carried sexual indulgence to the extreme and who, while physically impotent, are mentally as excitable as in early life”.

Fixed idea of approaching death, not of immediate death, as with Aconite.  Easy spraining of joints is often seen in these patients with andropause [ankles]. Straining of muscles and tendons from lifting are attending symptoms. Emission of prostatic fluid during and after stool, during urination, is seen in Agnus patients. Tired and swollen sensation in thighs, towards evening, is the accompanying symptom where this Homeopathic remedy for andropause is highly beneficial. The coldness of the knees and of the external male genitals along with andropause especially need agnus castus for permanent cure.

Selenium –  For andropause with semen ejaculation during stool:

Great dullness, with complete insensibility and indifference to his surroundings. Very forgetful, especially in business, during slumber, however, he remembers all he had forgotten. Oversensitive to drafts cause headaches, pain in limbs, and hot weather causes weakness. The hotter the body is, the weaker he is. Strength rises as sun sinks; loquacity, fond of conversing in the evening. Imagines drafts of air are a special indication. Loss of hair of the whole body also guides us to use this Homeopathic remedy for andropause.[head, eyebrows, whiskers, pubic hair].

Pulsation in all parts of the body, especially the abdomen, after eating; prevents sleep. Erections slow, insufficient, semen emitted too rapidly and with long-continued thrill, weak, ill-humored after an embrace, weakness in loins. Semen thin, without normal odor. Lewd thoughts in those with andropause, however, they are physically impotent, calls for this Homeopathic medicine for andropause. Prostatic fluid oozes while sitting, during sleep, when walking and at stool.

• Acid Phos – hair loss from one’s face as well as genitals due to Low T
• Argentum Nitricum – nervousness, inability to be able to achieve an erection, sweet cum salty food cravings
• Avena Sativa – low energy, poor concentration, sleeplessness
• Baryta Carbonica especially in old and senile – impotence, reduced libido
• Caladium – irritability, depression, decreased erections
• Chaste Tree – forgetfulness, poor concentration, flaccidity as well as cold genitals
• Kali Phos  – fatigue, depression, prostration, nervous exhaustion
• Lycopodium – impotence, physically weak, insecurity
• Nuphar Luteum  – loss of sexual desire, relaxed genitals, involuntary stool, and urination emissions may be present
• Sabal Serrulata – lack of sex drive, testicular atrophy

There is also a many other Homeopathic medicines to treat the andropause, Such as Cantharis, Nux Vomica, Mercurius Solubulis, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Picric acid, Yohimbinum, Damiana and Thuja. Homeopathy asks the totality of symptoms to call for a remedy. As Naturopaths, we give the body and mind the best stimulation to heal on itself by the homeopathic natural laws which will be of  greatest benefit of the patient.

Diet and Regimen:

Some Indian Traditional Foods to boost testosterone level:

Milk is the foremost drink to boost sexuality and has been recommended by Kamasutra, the treatise of sexuality. Other aphrodisiac food, additives and supplements include Ghee, sugar, Honey, seasoned rice,cardamom.

Shilajit : The herbo mineral medicine from the Himalayan rocks above 16,000 feet Shilajit contains 85 trace minerals, amino acids, zinc, selenium and an array of nutrients.

Aswagandha (Withania somnifera ): It is also available as homoeopathic medicine.

An evergreen nightshade tropical herb, is named so as the fresh roots smell like horse and they are proved to bestow the strength, stamina and sexual vigour of a stallion. Its extract increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone (Adrian L. Lopresti, et al 2019). Studies are there to establish the effectiveness of Ashwagandha in increasing sperm count, volume of ejaculation, sperm motility and vigour. It has an important role in HPT Axis by acting upon luteinizing hormone and ensuring sexual hormone balance in men.

Black gram, Wheat, Sesame, Butter, saffron ((Health Benefits of Saffron or Kesar or Crocus Sativus – As per Ayurveda View)), Safed Musli, garlic, drumstick (moringa) , pumpkin seeds, nutmeg, cinnamon are also used as traditional herbs.

Exercise, nutritious balanced diet, Sleep and Meditation help in rejuvenation of body, mind and soul thus giving a boost to the medications to work efficiently.

Note: Medicines and diet mentioned in this article are indicative only. Consult a homoeopathic doctor for management of your symptoms. Self prescription is harmful.

———————-**************************************——————-