Andropause and Low Testosterone
Testosterone is the dominant male hormone, but you already knew that. The male version of menopause, called andropause, occurs as a result of declining levels of testosterone. This hormonal fluctuation starts to decline gradually as men age.
Just like menopause, when decreasing levels of estrogen take their toll on the female body, men's health begins to suffer Low levels of "t" as it is called, results in symptoms such as the low libido, impotence, weight gain, loss of muscle tone and
depression.
Lets focus on testosterone. What comes to your mind when you think of the word: testosterone? Barry Bonds and Mark McGuire.
Testosterone does more than make a man a man. It regulates many functions in both the male and female body besides sex-related functions and muscle building. Blood sugar controlled to normal levels, the regulation of cholesterol, oxygen uptake. Testosterone also boosts the immune system, and testosterone works to build strong bones.
As Dr. John Lee, MD taught, any hormone that ends in "one" (testosterone and progesterone) builds bone. Proper levels can stop, if not reverse, the bone loss of osteoporosis.
This one hormone, testosterone, is responsible for all these wonderful functions occurring properly. Metabolic processes are also sped up. This includes cell production and cell growth. As you get older, you worry about mental decline. Did you know that testosterone appears to help in mental concentration? T can improve ones mood, giving you that creativity and zest for life you lost long ago.
The latest research, as mentioned in the book "The Testosterone Syndrome", is showing that the male hormone at youthful levels prevents depression and Alzheimer's disease. The news about testosterone is usually bad. You must understand that testosterone isn't just an ingredient found in steroids that wrestlers and ball players take to enhance performance. They strive to elevate it to levels far above the normal level seen at any stage of life. This hormone is as important and as necessary as the air you breathe. Low testosterone hinders life as it was meant to be.