HOLISTIC HEALTH NOTEBOOK

We know that, of course. We just don't talk much about it. While times of female hormone imbalance is referred to as PMS or menopause, male hormone instability is called the "male climacteric" or andropause. When this subject was first noticed in the research and medical communities, it was rejected as a legitimate medical condition, probably because of the differences of how men and women experience the phenomena. To make matters worse, inconvenient and dangerous treatments, coupled with men's notorious aversion to medical care, have slowed medical attention on this condition.

Andropause refers to the condition of lowered androgen hormones, including androstenedione, DHEA, and testosterone. The main androgen testosterone, peaks in a man's mid-20s and begins a slow decline, dropping approximately 1.6 percent per year. It can begin as early as the mid-30s.

Common symptoms of lowered testosterone include muscle loss, decreased bone density, increased coronary artery disease risk, decreased cognitive function, and increased myocardial infarction (heart attack) risk. It can also include fatigue, erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, weight gain and hot flashes. Mental changes include irritability, depression, anxiety (the grumpy old man syndrome).

Andropause really does exist so get a sure diagnosis. When it does exist, it requires treatment. As you may suspect, modulation of testosterone levels can be achieved using naturally derived substances. Each of the following

natural substances wields its own effects, and you may wish to secure the services of a knowledgeable physician before beginning to explore this area on your own.

Nettle roots have the ability to bind sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), allowing for more free testosterone to be available. Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that works by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to a metabolite known as 5-hdroxytestosterone. (It is also useful to the prostate gland.)

Luteolin, from the herb perilla frutescens, inhibits the aromatase enzyme responsible for transforming testosterone into estrogen. Eurycoma longifolia jack (tongkat ali) improves male virility and sexual prowess (part of Asian culture). Myricetin from grape skin extract also inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha reductase.

Treating hormone dysfunction is not a do-it-yourself project. You really do need some help in this area, but nature can provide tremendous benefits. You may not need to rush to the drugs if you can do it naturally.

— Carol does lifestyle and nutrition coaching at the o f f i ce of Dr. Alan Gruning in Fort Myers. For more information or to set an appointment, call (239) 939-3303.