Men and their ‘Manopause’

You’ve heard of 'menopause'-that stage in a woman’s life when her sex hormone levels begin to decline, ultimately leading to the cessation of her monthly period. The term ‘manopause’ or andropause, however, is used to describe the correlating condition in aging males.

Symptoms of ‘manopause’ include:

• A reduced libido… sexual thoughts/desire/drive
• Trouble achieving/maintaining an erection
• A decrease in energy levels
• Mood changes/mood swings
• Loss of muscle mass and bone density
• Reduction in cognitive function

Chronic stress and a nutritionally deficient diet can inhibit the production of the male hormone testosterone. This hormone plays a vital role in male health. It impacts cardiovascular health, sexual health, total body composition, cognitive function, and mood. Men need to take care of their protein, essential fatty acids, zinc and selenium intake to provide the necessary building blocks for testosterone production. They should also try various methods to keep stress levels minimal because the ingredients needed for testosterone production are also used to produce the stress hormone cortisol. A highly stressed male body will make more cortisol and lesser testosterone.

What can you do to delay the onset of ‘manopause’?

• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, minerals and essential fatty acids to provide all of the building blocks for healthy testosterone production.
• Maintain a healthy body composition, keep body fat levels down to reduce the conversion of testosterone to the female hormone estrogen.
• Decrease sugar and alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress effectively. 
• Ensure good quality sleep to regulate cortisol production, which is crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels as you age.               

Most of the older couples who consult us take time to come to terms with manopause and menopause. Even if the more superficial aspects of testosterone deficiency are not of concern, the role that testosterone plays in wellness and aging means that all men who wish to live a long and healthy life should be looking to support their testosterone levels in a natural, holistic manner. So if you are feeling fatigued or cranky, your mojo isn’t wasn’t it used to be or you notice that you are losing muscle mass, chances are that your testosterone levels are on the decline. Please consult a qualified dietician/clinical nutritionist to address manopause scientifically.

Stay blessed with good health…always!!!

Warm regards,

Charmaine D’Souza.