Patient: “Good afternoon, doctor, I would like to know your opinion as a specialist: What is age-related androgen deficiency and how to deal with it?”
Doctor: “The majority of people are aware of the existence of the problem of female menopause. Its cause is a decrease in the production of female sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone – in the ovaries. It is believed that from this point begins a gradual decline in the vital functions of a woman, which unites one concept – aging.
However, few people know what the aging process is in men, which also depends on hormones. The decline in a man's vital functions is due to a decrease in the level of the male sex hormone, testosterone.
A man starts aging much earlier than a woman. Starting at age 30-35, the level of testosterone in a man's blood decreases by 1-3% annually. By age 40-49, about 8% of men are testosterone deficient.”
Patient: “Does it bother men in any way????”
Doctor: “Of course, it bothers, but rarely does anyone immediately seek medical help. After all, the manifestations of low testosterone are not specific: they are fatigue, drowsiness, decreased muscle strength, decreased sex drive, decreased mood, sleep disturbance, decreased spatial orientation, memory, ability to perceive information and so on…… Most men tend to ignore it: "I'm just tired", "I need to go on vacation", "I'm not 20 years old anymore", using these and other excuses of this kind.”
Patient: “How dangerous is androgen deficiency to men's health?”
Doctor: “This condition can lead to the development of a number of changes in the male body:
- In testosterone deficiency, protein biosynthesis decreases, which is accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass and degeneration of adipose tissue.
- Increased excretion of mineral salts of potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium, which reduces bone density (osteoporosis) and contributes to fractures.
- Androgen deficiency leads to an increase in blood cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, which contributes to atherosclerotic lesions of coronary and cerebral arteries and increases the risk of myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke.
- Testosterone deficiency leads to damage to the nerves of the penis, impaired erection initiation and maintenance, insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues of the corpus cavernosum of the penis…
And so, yes, it's quite dangerous…”
Patient: “What can you recommend as a specialist?”
Doctor: “First of all, take the necessary tests. With timely detection, any manifestations of "male menopause" are fully reversible. Currently, most of the problems associated with age-related changes in the male body are successfully corrected by modern medications and allow you to maintain the quality of life at a high level for many years!
Besides medication, you can also support your testosterone levels with a proper diet. With this in mind, I would recommend considering certain foods that contain nutrients that specifically support healthy testosterone levels, such as:
- Oysters – rich in zinc, the main building material for testosterone.
- Avocados – healthy fats act as a basis for the synthesis of testosterone.
- Egg yolks – contain a huge amount of various nutrients, including zinc and vitamin D, which are essential for testosterone production.
- Celery – contains androsterone, a hormone that is responsible for sexual functions and increases testosterone levels.
- Oatmeal – contains fiber, which has a positive effect on blood circulation in the pelvic organs and testicles, which helps increase testosterone.
- Figs – the fruit is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, which help stabilize testosterone.
- Plant milk – is a healthy source of vitamin D, an essential nutrient that can boost testosterone levels.
- Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, chard and kale) – are rich in magnesium, a testosterone-boosting mineral.
- Pomegranate- is not for nothing one of the symbols of fertility and sexual power in the ancient world. This fruit is rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that also help the body regulate testosterone levels.
In addition, it is very important for men after 50 years of age to perform exercises that load the muscles of the abs, pelvis and thighs. The best sports for men after 50 years are recognized as running, swimming, and strength training.
Also, do not forget about quality sleep, a man needs to sleep well, at least 8 hours a day.
Despite the fact that with age men's hormone production decreases, this can and should be combated by choosing the right diet, and a healthy and active lifestyle.”