Andropause is a name that has been given to a menopause-like condition in aging men. This relates to the slow but steady reduction of the production of the hormones testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHT) in middle-aged men.

Unlike women, middle-aged men do not experience a complete and permanent physiological shutting down of the reproductive system as a normal event. Historically, by the age of 55 the amount of testosterone secreted by the testis is significantly lower than it was at the age of 40 years. By the age of 80 most of the male hormone levels decrease to pre-puberty levels.

There exists a relationship between the testis, testosterone, the brain and the pituitary glands in the male body.   Andropause is simply an endocrine imbalance that can be easily corrected today. All male hormones gradually decline with passing years. Testosterone (from the testis); Human Growth Hormone, from the pituitary; and DHEA and androstenedione, from the adrenal Glands, all begin to drop steadily.

During the last couple of decades this steady drop in hormone production has been accelerated due to estrogens in our environment (herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, Hormones used to produce fatter animals, larger eggs, more milk, etc.) causing estrogen dominance in men. The overall effect is less bio-available testosterone in the body of adult males young and old alike.

The impact of low levels of testosterone are identified symptoms of what they labeled the "male climacteric" including loss of libido and potency, nervousness, depression, impaired memory, the inability to concentrate, fatigue, insomnia, hot flashes, and sweating.

Andropause has been observed in association with Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis.

Many clinicians believe that Andropause is not a valid concept, because men can continue to reproduce into old age. Their reproductive systems do not stop working completely, and therefore they do not exhibit the sudden and dramatic drops in hormone levels characteristic of women undergoing menopause. In some men before the age of 60 there is a complete loss of libido, erectile function, and orgasmic ability.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) along with exercise, diet changes and reduction of stress are all effective in countering the effects of low testosterone.  Symptoms decrease dramatically when patients follow the recommended therapy.
 

Estrogen dominance generally occurs when a body has too much estrogen in relation to progesterone and testosterone. It can cause a host of problems and health conditions such as:

• Prostate problems
• Man boobs
• Impotency
• Male patterned baldness
• Weight gain
• Low libido

Men too, not just women, can suffer from estrogen dominance.  As men age, their estradiol levels gradually rise, whereas their progesterone and testosterone levels gradually fall. The hormone balance changes. These gradual changes lead to reduction in testosterone benefits and eventually to estrogen dominance. That is, his estradiol effects emerge since his testosterone level is not sufficient to block or balance them.  The “beer belly” seen on the aging male is typically a sign of estrogen dominance.

Estrogens from plant estrogens and environmental sources, also known as xenoestrogens, produce hormonal stimuli that can contribute to inappropriate growth of mammary tissue cells.  In men, estrogen dominance stimulates breast cell growth and prostate hypertrophy.  Since the male prostate is the embryonic equivalent of the uterus, it should not be surprising that estrogen dominance is also a major cause of prostate cancer.

We are constantly assaulted by estrogens in our environment from the food we eat and the chemicals we use.  Estrogen mimickers in the form of food/plants (phytoestrogens) and chemicals (xenoestrogens), can mimic the action of estrogen produced in cells and can alter hormonal activity. Exposure to xenoestrogens is a concern for everyone, and those with an estrogen dominance condition should be particularly concerned about avoiding xenoestrogens.

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring estrogenic compounds that are found in a variety of foods, herbs, spices.  Their chemical structure resembles estrogen. These compounds are generally weak estrogens, in comparison to real estrogen and xenoestrogens, but in a body that is already experiencing too much estrogen, adding more may contribute to the problem.

Some of the strongest phytoestrogen containing substances are soy, the lignans found in flax seed products, red clover, black cohosh, chasteberry, and dong quai. Soy includes soybeans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, textured vegetable protein, roasted soybeans, soy granules, miso, and edamames.

Key points to reducing estrogen dominance:

• Avoid chemical sources of estrogen (xenoestrogen)
• Avoid food sources of estrogen (phytoestrogens)
• Cleanse the liver
• Exercise
• Reduce stress
• Balance hormones
• Metabolize excess estrogen (DIM, Calcium D-Glucarate)
• Do not heat food in plastic
• Drink out of glass containers, not plastic or Styrofoam

Though fibromyalgia is classified as a disorder of the musculoskeletal system, the condition is now seen as a central nervous system problem. Fibromyalgia symptoms include increased sensitivity to pain, achy and stiff joints, fatigue, and specific tender points on the back, chest, arms, and legs. Migraines, sleep disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome are also common complaints. Up to 3 percent of the population may suffer from fibromyalgia, but with no clear cause, the condition is difficult to diagnose.

In Western medicine a formal diagnosis for fibromyalgia didn't exist until 1990, but now there are three FDA-approved meds to combat the pain. Strategies are needed to improve sleep, stretch and restore symmetry to muscles that have been shortened by spasm, and raise overall conditioning through exercise.

The acupuncturist approach to fibromyalgia, which is energy-based, believes the root of fibromyalgia is a disturbance in nerves that block energy. The disturbance is caused by sensitivities to substances ranging from pollen to vaccines to chemical agents in fabrics. Anxiety and depression may also play a key role. Practitioners use acupuncture to release energy and allergy testing to identify problem substances.

The psychological approach is the belief that fibromyalgia is not caused by depression but depression can cause the patient to feel greater pain.  Mental health professionals may play a complementary role in treatment, but it's a vital one. Cognitive behavioral therapy can relieve depression and help patients identify sources of stress that magnify their symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is a system wide breakdown.  In studies, patients improved by as much as 91 percent when placed on a protocol that included nutritional supplements. Supplements help sufferers sleep, balance hormones, boost immunity, and improve nutrition. Regular exercise is also helpful in reducing the effects of fibromyalgia.
 

Sermorelin Acetate is a biological active analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) that is produced by the human brain to stimulate production and release of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.

Sermorelin stimulates production of the body's own HGH, which is also referred to as Gh Secretagogues. It is a truncated analog of growth hormone releasing factor that is naturally produced by the brain to stimulate pituitary production and secretion of HGH.

GHRH declines with age causing reduced production and secretion of pituitary HGH and thereby increasing the aftereffects of growth hormone insufficiency.

Sermorelin benefits:

• Increases natural production of Growth Hormone
• Improves Physical Performance
• Improves Immune Function
• Increases IGF-1
• Improves sleep quality
• Decreases body fat
• Increases lean muscle mass

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRP-2 and GHRP-6)

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (GHRP-2) is a synthetic 6-amino acid peptide that has robustly potent properties and GHRP-6 is a 28-amino acid peptide in the growth factor family.  GHRPs are a small family of peptides acting at the pituitary and the hypothalamus to release Growth hormone (GH) through the activation of a specific, G protein-coupled receptor.

They were discovered 20 years ago as synthetic tissue derived amino acids. Although it has no structural homology with Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), in clinical studies GHRP-2 demonstrated action on the pituitary to release Human Growth Hormone (HGH).

GHRP-2 substantially stimulates the pituitary gland's increased natural production of the body's own endogenous human growth hormone (HGH).  GHRP-2 has shown to robustly increase IGF-1 levels, and even greater results occurred when used with Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) to which also stimulates the pituitary gland to produce increased natural secretion of HGH. This also boosts the hypothalamus function as well.

GHRP-6 causes stimulation of the anterior pituitary gland which ultimately causes an increase in GH release.  Since GHRP-6 acts directly on the feedback loop which signals the inhibition of GH release, when natural GH secretion has been inhibited by long term synthetic use, GHRP-6 can be used to re-stimulate the natural production of GH.

Benefits of increased Growth Hormone levels through GHRP stimulation include:  an increase in strength, muscle mass and body fat loss, rejuvenation and strengthening of joints, connective tissue and bone mass. Enhanced GH secretion also leads to the liver secreting more IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1), which is thought to be the primary anabolic mechanism of action for Growth Hormone.

Two products used to provision Gh Secretagogues are Gho-Rhelin (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Sermorelin) and Gho-Rhelin Plus, a double dose of Gho-Rhelin.  For further information on Gh Secretagogue Therapy, call the AMOWC office at 813-341.2600.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin, or hCG, is a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women. There are many speculated benefits associated with the use of HCG such as weight loss.  However, the medical community does agree that there are some benefits to hCG in the treatment of certain conditions, including infertility and various problems related to hormones.

HCG is a water soluble hormone produced by the placenta. It is found in the urine of pregnant women, primarily during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is part of a class of glycoprotein hormones, which include FSH (follicle stimulating hormones), TSH (thyroid stimulating hormones) and LH (luteinizing hormones). It contains both alpha and beta amino acids.

HCG can help to increase an infertile woman's chances of becoming pregnant, and it can help women suffering from irregular menstrual cycles. It also aids in the production of testosterone and sperm. Finally, male children who are born with cryptorchidism (an abnormality in the testes present at birth) are aided by hCG.

More than 50 years ago Dr. A. T. W. Simeons became interested in how a pregnant woman could lose weight during pregnancy and still deliver a healthy baby. While researching this occurrence he found that the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) to be responsible. This hormone is produced by the body in abundance during pregnancy, causing the mothers adipose fat to liquefy in levels more than sufficient to supply her bloodstream with nutrition around the clock to ensure the proper development of her unborn child.

Taking his research further, Dr Simeons studied the effects of hCG on weight loss. During his studies, it was noticed that when small doses of hCG were administered, without a diet and without weight loss, changes in body measurements occurred, hips and waist became smaller. At first it was thought that this was due to redistribution of water. Later it was established that it was adipose tissue fat that was on the move.

One pound of body fat stores upwards of 2000 calories. Once body fat is made fluid, nutrition can be released to the bloodstream, reducing hunger, and waste flushed from the system. Calories provided on an even consistent level improves metabolism. With diet, women were shown to lose weight at a rate of ½ to ¾ pounds per day and men at a rate of ½ to 1½ pounds per day.

Due to lack of proven results and the government action, hCG injections lost popularity until they were revived in 2007 by Kevin Trudeau claiming that hCG injections were the cure to obesity and that the American Medical Association, FDA and other medical groups were part of a conspiracy to suppress the truth.

While shedding extra pounds helps to improve the overall health of a person on the hCG diet, additional benefits noted with hCG injections are normalized cholesterol levels, normalized thyroid gland and to balanced hormones while rebuilding the adrenal glands.

People that have arthritis, osteo arthritis, joint problems, cartilages damage or cervical problems experience a relief of pain and an overall improvement to the quality of life.
 

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a complex protein molecule of 191 amino acids linked in a specific sequence. HGH is secreted in pulses by the pituitary gland. These pulses vary between 10 and 30 per day and can be strengthened by exercise. HGH is critical for tissue repair, healing, muscle growth, bone strength, brain function, physical and mental health, energy, and metabolism.  HGH is one of several endocrine hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin and DHEA that decline in production as we age.

Until recently the effects of Human Growth Hormone Deficiency in adults were unknown.  It is now recognized as a specific clinical syndrome with numerous physiological consequences with effects on:

• Changes in body composition
• Lipids in the blood
• Muscle strength
• Bone composition
• Sagging skin, deep wrinkles
• Exercise capacity and energy
• Cardiovascular risk
• Psychological well-being

Human Growth Hormone deficiencies can be effectively treated with genetically engineered HGH.   A medically supervised HGH program has many benefits that can improve the user’s life.  HGH is truly a repair hormone and repairs wherever repair is needed.

Scientific research indicates that taking an HGH supplement can have these positive effects:

1st Month:   Improved stamina, better and sounder sleep, vivid dreams, feeling more refreshed upon awakening, increased energy, more optimistic attitude and a better sense of humor.

2nd Month:   Improved muscle tone, improved nail growth, increased strength, weight loss, enhanced sexual function, improved skin tone, better digestion, and better eyesight, especially night vision.

3rd Month:   Muscle size increase, hair growth, increased sexual desire, less pain, improvement in mental processes, faster wound recovery and less muscle soreness, reduction in PMS symptoms, greater body flexibility, and alleviation of some menopausal symptoms

4th Month:   Heightened and more consistent improvements, as listed above.

5th Month:   Impressive weight loss / inch reduction, thickening of skin and greater elasticity, thickening of hair with a shiny, health appearance, improvement in skin texture/appearance, and reduction of wrinkles.

Hormones are the most powerful molecules in our bodies, controlling the function, growth reproduction, metabolism, and repair of every cell. Our bodies require optimal hormone levels, just as they require optimal levels of essential vital nutrients: vitamins, fats, amino acids, and minerals.

Hormone levels are generally optimal in our early twenties but begin to decline at a rate of 2% per year after the age of 30. Hormone levels decline because our glands and the parts of our brain that control our glands deteriorate with age. This age-related hormone loss is natural, but it is not adaptive; it is destructive. It is one of mechanisms of aging.  It is Mother Nature’s way of cancelling us out by deterioration and death.

Hormone loss has been shown to contribute to many of the disorders and diseases that we suffer as we age – diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, fatigue, loss of muscle strength, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, cognitive decline, increased cholesterol levels, loss of libido, depression, and some cancers. Many have additional non-age-related hormone insufficiencies or imbalances due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, endocrine gland failure, hormone resistance, and metabolic disorders.

Each day nearly 200 hormones and hormone-like substances course silently through your body, acting as chemical messengers secreted by nine major endocrine glands (adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid, testis, hypothalamus, pancreas, thymus, pituitary, pineal) and other organs.  These hormones affect every cell in your body, helping to determine whether you’re hot or cold, hungry or full, calm or stressed, alert or sleepy, and naughty or nice.

Testosterone is the therapeutic agent used for Andropause. But natural testosterone should not be confused with synthetic derivatives or so-called "anabolic steroids". These are notorious for their misuse by athletes and body builders and can cause great harm.

Transdermal testosterone cream rubbed well into the skin is used to treat Andropause. It does not irritate the skin like testosterone patches. It can be applied as little or as often as your body requires. And there are a variety of dosage strengths available but typically 10% is prescribed.

Diet, exercise, supplements and, transdermal testosterone/hormone therapy should help achieve optimal results for the man impacted by Andropause.

So keeping your hormones in an optimized state is vital for day-to-day good health.
 

Common Symptoms Signaling Andropause

On the average, male hormone levels begin to decline at a rate of about 2% per year after age 30. Symptoms from Andropause or low testosterone can be experienced at any age but typically progress with age and can vary from one man to the next.  Through hormone optimization symptoms do begin to subside quickly within the first 7 to 10 days of starting hormone therapy.

Typical symptoms of Andropause may include lethargy or decreased energy, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction with loss of erections, muscle weakness and aches, inability to sleep, hot flashes, night sweats, depression, infertility and thinning of bones or bone loss.

When there is less testosterone available to do its work, the testosterone target-organ response decreases, bringing about many changes. Since there is great variability in testosterone levels among healthy men, not all men will experience the same changes to the same extent.

Here are some of the symptoms related to Andropause or low testosterone:

• Erectile Dysfunction
• Decreased Libido
• Abdominal Fat
• Enlarged Breasts
• Decreased Mental Sharpness
• Memory Lapses
• Decreased Muscle Mass
• Decreased Stamina
• Insulin Resistance
• Elevated Triglycerides
• Hot Flashes
• Night Sweats
• Sleep Disturbances
• Headaches
• Depression/Apathy
• Anxiety/Nervousness
• Irritability
• Stress
• Chronic Fatigue
• Mood Swings
• Prostate Enlargement
• Thinning/Sagging Skin
• Decreased Urine Flow
• Increased Urinary Urge
• Decreased Beard
• Thinning Hair
• Decreased Exercise Capacity
• Decreased Strength
• Cold Body Temperature
• Scalp Hair Loss
• Dry Itchy Skin
• Aches and Pains

*These symptoms can be indicative of a variety of health conditions and diseases, therefore an evaluation by a qualified health professional (to include blood or saliva testing) is warranted.

Low Testosterone/Hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is defined as the failure of the testes to produce testosterone, sperm, or both. The disorder is exceedingly common.  Testosterone is the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty.

Some males may be born with low testosterone, or it can develop later in life from injury or infection. The effects, and what you can do about them, depend on the cause and at what point in your life low testosterone occurs. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.

In adult males, low testosterone may alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Decrease in beard and body hair growth
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
• Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)

Hypogonadism can also cause mental and emotional changes. As testosterone decreases, some men may experience symptoms similar to those of menopause in women.

There are two basic types of hypogonadism:

Primary hypogonadism, also known as primary testicular failure, originates from a problem in the testicles.  Common causes of primary hypogonadism include:

• Klinefelter Syndrome – Congenital abnormality of the sex chromosomes
• Undescended Testicles
• Mumps
• Elevated Iron Levels
• Injury to the Testicles
• Cancer Treatment

Secondary hypogonadism indicates a problem in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, parts of the brain that signal the testicles to produce testosterone. The hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to make follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone then signals the testes to produce testosterone.  A number of conditions can cause secondary hypogonadism, including:

• Abnormal Hypothalamus Development
• Pituitary Disorder
• Inflammatory Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Medications
• Obesity
• Normal Aging

There are several ways to effectively treat hypogonadism.  Enhancing the body’s ability to make its own testosterone is the most favorable.  This can be done with Nutraceutical supplements in combination with hCG.   Another option is to supplement with testosterone replacement (TRT) that your body would produce normally. It is critical to combine TRT with appropriate diet, exercise, lifestyle and stress management.

The alternative treatment of hCG for hypogonadism can stimulate testicular growth and does not interfere with fertility as TRT does.  If utilizing TRT, then at a later time when fertility is desired, it may be induced with either pulsatile luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) or (more commonly) with a schedule of injections of hCG and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

The testes produce nearly 95% of all male testosterone. The balance is supplied by the adrenal glands. They also produce small amounts of estrogen. The brain produces the pituitary hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the testes.  As a man gets older, testosterone levels fall and estrogen levels tend to rise.  Lower testosterone levels may affect bone density, muscle strength, body composition and sex drive.  The imbalance that occurs when testosterone is low in relation to estrogen may also contribute to prostate problems.

Adrenal Imbalances

The adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS).  Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life.  It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and promote a healthy immune system.  Aldosterone works to balance salt and water in the body. Androgens secreted by the adrenals provide the majority of DHEA for women. The adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone. Imbalances in the adrenal system can contribute to problems with the nervous and immune systems, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels.

Thyroid Function Imbalances

Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism. The brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which triggers the thyroid gland to produce two types of hormones – T4 and T3. In hypothyroidism, the body has inadequate levels of the thyroid hormones. This often leads to imbalances in relation to other hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a less common condition that exists when excess thyroid hormones are present. Because every cell of the body is affected by thyroid hormones, symptoms of imbalances are often varied and affect multiple body systems.

Insulin Imbalances

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin “unlocks” the cells to allow glucose (sugar) from food to enter and be converted into energy.  When too much glucose is present in the body, the pancreas increases the amount of insulin being produced. High insulin as well as high glucose may contribute to multiple symptoms. A number of conditions are associated with insulin and glucose imbalances and regulation problems. These include chronic stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Imbalances

In childhood, growth hormone (GH) controls a child’s height. It is normal for GH levels to decline as a person reaches adulthood, but new research suggests that some adults may have too low a level.  Low levels of GH are linked to poor muscle tone, increase body fat, low energy levels, and cardiovascular changes.  GH insufficiency is associated with pituitary gland problems, brain injury, autoimmune disorders, and nervous system conditions.