Doctors have become increasingly aware of male menopause -- also known as andropause. Decreased production of androgens like dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, underlie this medical condition. These decreases cause changes in physiology, psychology, sexuality and sleep, according to a May 2011 report in "Cancer Nursing." Researchers often find correlations between DHEA levels and such variables. Taking DHEA supplements can reverse some of the negative symptoms of andropause. Speak with a doctor before using over-the-counter hormone pills.
Physical Strength
Decreases in physical strength often appear in men experiencing andropause, according to a May 2011 review in the "Medical Clinics of North America." These changes place men at risk for bone breaks and ligament tears. An analysis in the February 2010 issue of "Rejuvenation Research" evaluated the variables most commonly associated with the loss of strength. Levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a marker for DHEA, served as a good predictor of physical strength. Andropausal men had both poor physical strength and low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Resistance training can reverse the age-related decline in strength. A September 2009 report in the "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness" showed that the exercise-induced enhancement of physical strength was associated with a concomitant increase in DHEA level.
Body Composition
Andropausal men also experience changes in body composition. They have a tendency to lose muscle mass and gain body fat, according to a May 2010 article in the "International Journal of Clinical Practice." This combination often causes them to become overweight. Being overweight is associated with an increased risk of major illnesses like cancer and diabetes. It can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. In a study described in the March 2000 edition of "JCEM," researchers looked at the relationship between hormone levels, body fat and age. The data showed that as men age and gain weight, they have lower levels of DHEA. Additional analyses suggested that greater body weight caused lower DHEA levels, but additional research remains necessary.
Bone Health
Osteoporosis affects both menopausal women and andropausal men, according to a June 2011 report in "Osteoporosis International." Failure to consume -- or properly absorb -- calcium underlies this disorder. With aging, the intestines often fail to properly process vitamin D. Reductions in DHEA and other hormones might contribute to this change. An investigation published in December 2008 issue of "Clinical Endocrinology" looked at the relationship between calcium absorption and DHEA level. The amount of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate successfully predicted the amount of calcium absorption. Older men had both low dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and poor calcium absorption. This combination could explain the negative changes in bone health often seen in andropausal men.
Supplementation
Taking DHEA supplements might correct the symptoms of male menopause, according to an article in the May 2003 edition of "Nutrition Reviews." These supplements remain available without a prescription despite safety concerns. Anabolic steroids like DHEA can cause side effects, but they appear safe when taken in small doses. A clinical trial offered in the December 2008 issue of "JCEM" evaluated the impact of DHEA pills on bone health. Older men received either the supplement or a placebo for a year. Relative to placebo, DHEA significantly improved bone mineral density. This finding suggests that the hormone successfully warded off symptoms of osteoporosis. Interestingly, DHEA-induced enhancement of estrogen appeared to mediate the results.
References
- "Cancer Nursing"; Andropause Syndrome in Men Treated for Metastatic Prostate Cancer; Elizabeth A. Grunfeld, et al.; May 2011
- "Medical Clinics of North America"; Late-Onset Hypogonadism; Nazem Bassil; May 2011
- "Rejuvenation Research"; Anabolic and Catabolic Biomarkers as Predictors of Muscle Strength Decline; Sari Stenholm, et al.; February 2010
- "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness"; Salivary Hormonal Responses to Resistance Exercise in Trained and Untrained Middle-Aged Men; September 2009
- "International Journal of Clinical Practice"; Practical Guide to Male Hypogonadism in the Primary Care Setting; P. Dandona and M.T. Rosenberg; Practical Guide to Male Hypogonadism in the Primary Care Setting; May 2010
- "JCEM"; Contribution of Body Fatness and Adipose Tissue Distribution to the Age Variation in Plasma Steroid Hormone Concentrations in Men; Charles Couillard, et al.; March 2000
