Male Andropause
Most of us have heard of women experiencing menopause, but how many of us know that men go through what is called Andropause?
Often mistaken for a "mid-life crisis", men begin to question their values, accomplishments, and even the direction in which their life is headed. What’s the reason for this? It's important in overall health and well-being that we focus on all aspects of these changes, rather than just the physical bodily changes that has led to the male andropause phenomenon. Furthermore, we will discover how My Weight Doctor can help?
What is Male Andropause?
Men between the age of 40 and 55 have experienced male andropause, which can causes noticeable changes in weight gain, attitudes, moods, energy level, sex drive, confidence, and physical agility, to name a few. External factors affecting these changes include psychological stress, the consumption of alcohol, injuries, surgery, medications, and obesity can contribute to its onset.
The physical changes that are attributed to andropause can be classified into 2 categories: urinary and sexual changes. Within these two categories, these issues can vary or develop into other issues, such as:
- Reduced sexual desire or libido.
- Reduced sexual potency or difficulty maintaining erections.
- Ejaculatory problems.
- Reduced fertility.
- Urinary symptoms (frequency, stream issues, hesitancy, and incontinence).
Metabolic Effects of Testosterone
The significance of testosterone to sexual and urinary functioning seems to be instinctively evident. Testosterone is classified as being an anabolic hormone, assisting in the building of protein tissue to muscles, bones, and connective tissue. This aids in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis among women and men. A deficiency of testosterone can trigger a bone and muscle weakness, and this is a characteristic of andropause.
Weight-Gain in Men
Although there is no direct correlation, studies show that there is a strong connection between male weight gain and andropause-related hormonal imbalances.
The deficiency of testosterone and high cortisol can increase body fat mainly around the midsection, while decreasing the muscle mass in men. In addition, body fat seems to advance the hormonal imbalance by converting testosterone into estrogen. Weight gain and the loss of muscle mass can lead to the body carrying more weight and less muscle to hold it, resulting in weakness and low energy levels.
Hormones Affected by Male Weight Gain
High stress or high cortisol levels in the body are strong contributors to weight gain. As the cortisol levels increase, the body goes into survival mode, inducing the production of fat cells. Consequently, your metabolism declines due to its inability to store food for later use. Excess cortisol levels also increases the appetite in order to attain energy for survival. Male weight gain naturally follows.
Elevated cortisol levels weaken the levels of testosterone, which already becomes impaired during Andropause. As the testosterone levels decrease, low energy and fatigue result in less physical activity and male weight gain. Other conditions that can also cause weight gain include thyroid disorders, specifically hypothyroidism, and low levels of the human growth hormone (HCG), through decreasing the body's metabolic rate.
What Can My Weight Doctor® Do to Help?
Hormonal imbalances are definitely related to male weight gain. It is apparent that balancing such hormones will have a big impact on weight loss. With the help of natural bio-identical hormones, My Weight Doctor® can balance hormonal levels such as testosterone, cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid imbalances into more favorable levels. As a result, you will discover that your goals for weight loss will become more attainable.
My Weight Doctor® focuses on four areas of weight gain through male Andropause:
- Bio-Identical Hormone Therapies.
- Medication & supplements.
- Nutrition & Counseling.
- Fitness & Exercise Regimen.
As you commit and continue with the My Weight Doctor® program, you will discover that male weight loss will become more of a reality!
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