Simply stated, yes. By the time the average Joe rolls into his mid to late 40s, testosterone deficits of about 40% from peak levels, are impacting stamina, brain power and sex drive.

Fatigue; sleep disturbances; headaches; depression; anxiety; nervousness; apathy; decreased libido; decreased stamina; erectile dysfunction; prostate problems; decreased urine flow; increased urinary urge; premature aging; thinning/sagging skin; insulin resistance; hot flashes; night sweats; mood swings; stress; abdominal fat; decreased strength; decreased mental sharpness; elevated triglycerides; bone loss; decreased muscle mass; memory lapses; decreased exercise capacity; decreased beard; thinning hair; breast enlargement; Irritability. All of these comprise the symptoms of andropause.

Andropause is a part of aging, and declining hormones go with the territory. In his prime, 95% of a man’s testosterone is made by the testicles in response to signals from the brain. By the time he’s 50, the signal to "make more testosterone" has grown weaker and aging testicles are less likely to respond. As total hormone supplies slide, the growing shortage strikes at the core of the virility, stamina and drive we associate with the male of the species.

Hormone imbalances common to andropause can add to the total decline. For example, an excess of estrogen: 1. Increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) proteins that bind-up available testosterone; 2. Activates an enzyme in fat cells that changes testosterone into more estrogen.

An excess of cortisol (stress hormones): 1. Inhibits testosterone/DHEA; 2. Breaks down bone and muscle; 3. Blocks thyroid function; 4. Zaps sex drive.

The first thing a man usually notices as his hormones taper off, is a subtle downward shift in strength and energy. He may lose his enthusiasm for things he used to enjoy, the challenge of work, competition and exercise. If fatigue sets in more quickly and the only desirable bedroom activity is a good night’s sleep, chances are, our man is entering The Andropause Zone.

How does the Heritage Center test for which hormones are affected? Both saliva and blood spot testing provide a reliable index of andropause status.

For instance, we test hormone levels in saliva and blood spot tests and look at the levels of the following: total testosterone (T); sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG); prostate screening (PSA); IGF-1-for adult growth hormone deficiency. In saliva specifically, we test: testosterone/DHEA (S); estrogen (Estradiol); progesterone; cortisol (am/pm).

As normal aging puts the brakes on androgen action, male hormones start to dwindle by about one or two percent a year. But the speed of decline and whether we age well, or prematurely, has a lot to do with lifestyle. The bottom line is balance. We help you take steps to restore and maintain proper hormone levels, and the zest for living rebounds.

We work with a doctor to monitor hormone levels. We also have highly targeted supplements that help restore hormonal balance. You can make lifestyle changes that slow down the depletion of important hormones. Working with your doctor, we can provide you with bioidentical, natural hormones that are familiar to the body. RTo help yourself, you can reduce testosterone robbers: caffeine, alcohol, sugars. Counteract chronic stress with exercise. Boost testosterone with weight-bearing workouts; Go for organic, hormone-free foods and vitamins/minerals with adequate zinc. Hit the sack earlier. Make time for fun and relaxation.

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