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Jun 10, 2006
What is Aging Male Syndrome (AMS)?
by SirGan
 Aging Male Syndrome is one very specific syndrome or better- a collection of symptoms that occur in the latter portion of a male's life that are directly linked to the decline of testosterone in a man's body. Men go through this syndrome between the ages of 35 and 65 when their hormone levels go down.Although most women aren’t aware of this fact- the truth is that the aging male confronts many changes in the body that aren’t so obvious but definitely-present. Several researches done in the past have proven that all men are subjects to a decline in their hormonal levels as they progressively age. Although, women disagree about this- it is definitely evidence that males are subject to their own –menopause. This is called Aging Male Syndrome!
Aging Male Syndrome and TestosteroneWhat exactly is a purpose of testosterone? Well, testosterone is a hormone that helps many functions in male body, such as:
Similar to the female menopause, this male syndrome is also known as andro-pause. It is also called Partial Androgen Deficiency or Aging Male Syndrome.
It is a proven fact that testosterone levels decrease over time and there is nothing that male can do about it! They simply must understand that this decline is normal in healthy males as they age. This is a bit different like with females because it doesn’t strike a male’s fertility! Women lose their fertility when they reach menopause, while men do not lose theirs.
Symptoms of Male Aging SyndromeAll men have different experiences' some men's hormone levels go down more than others, and some have more symptoms than other men.
Diagnosis of Aging Male SyndromePhysical examinationThe first step in finding the accurate diagnosis should always be a good physical examination.
Psychological evaluationPsychological evaluation could also be very helpful in determination of right diagnosis. Psychiatrist should also exclude all other possible reasons and introduce a patient with his symptoms and possible treatment!
Determine the level of testosteroneOnce a physician is contacted a test can be run to detect the level of testosterone that is in the body and a plan for treatment can be obtained and followed. The test is rather simple because it represents a simple blood test. Test is usually performed in the morning, when the testes release more testosterone that during the day or at evening.
There is one big problem-because a normal level of testosterone is different for each man, it may be hard to know if some has low testosterone or not. It helps if someone had a testosterone test earlier in your life, so he will be able to see any change.
Treatment of Aging Male SyndromeAlthough, the fact is that unfortunately for treatment of Aging Male Syndrome there has not been nearly as much research as has been done for menopause. But still- there are several possible treatments of low testosterone levels. They could be divided into the natural ones or simple- hormone replacement therapy! If someone decide to go naturally, acupuncture, naturopathy and herbology should relieve most of the symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy – the western approachProblem is that, regardless of the reasons, hormone replacement therapy involving testosterone has not been proven to be either safe or effective. More researches are being done on females and replacement of their hormone estrogen in menopause. The results were great! Time has shown that hormone replacement therapy for female menopause has been effective in balancing out all the body changes that occur as the body prepares for its final stage of life.
Testosterone may come in different forms:
Skin PatchThese patches should be applied daily to the upper arm, back, thigh, scrotum, or abdomen. What's so good about them? They are easy to use, and you maintain a balanced amount of testosterone in your body. Your skin could get irritated from the patch. In some men, the testosterone doesn't get absorbed well through the skin.
Injections (shots)These injections are effective form of testosterone administration and they should be given either every week or every two to three weeks. With injections, symptoms of low testosterone may fluctuate because it creates abnormal highs and lows in hormone levels.
Testosterone Buccal SystemIt is very easy to use. Person should just place a tablet in the upper gum area of the mouth. It sticks to your gum or cheek. It stays in place for 12 hours and releases testosterone into your body. The tablet can fall off and shouldn't be chewed or swallowed.
GelThis gel should be applied daily to the skin on the shoulders, upper arms, and abdomen. It's easy to use, and you maintain a balanced amount of testosterone in your body.
Benefits of HRT
Possible complicationsTestosterone Replacement Therapy is an option for men whose natural testosterone level is not within the normal range. The use of testosterone therapy is getting increasingly popular. But there are many things about this treatment that is not known:
Well known complications are:
Dehydroepiandrosterone therapyAlthough not too many people knows much about this hormone- it represents a natural steroid hormone, one of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Why it is so important? After being secreted by the adrenal glands, it circulates in the bloodstream in one inactive form and is converted as needed into other hormones. It is chemically very similar to testosterone and estrogen and is easily converted into those hormones. Supplementation with this hormone has resulted in increased levels of testosterone and androstenedione, two steroid hormones.
Natural approach to hormone replacement therapyDiindolylmethaneSeveral researches done in the past have shown that this plant has could help in regulating and promoting more efficient metabolism of estrogen, and an optimal ratio of estrogen metabolites.
Another good thing is that it has no hormonal properties in itself. Some researches have showed that it works indirectly by increasing the activity of enzymes that control estrogen production. DIM boosts levels of "good" estrogens called 2-hydroxy estrogens and reduces levels of "bad"
Puncture VineAlthough not too many people knows about this plant- this herb found in the Chinese Bai Ji Li also known as Gokshura and Gokhru (Ayurveda). It has been traditionally used for sexual and kidney dysfunctions as well as colic pains, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
ChrysinA plant called Chrysin has shown potential as a natural aromatase-inhibitor and it has been used for a long time by body builders as a testosterone boosting supplement. The problem with Chrysin is that because of its poor absorption into the bloodstream, it has not produced the testosterone enhancing effects users expect.
Nettle Root ExtractThe fact is that about 90% of testosterone is produced by the testes, the remainder by the adrenal glands. Several researches done in the past have proven that highly concentrated extract from the nettle root provides a unique mechanism for increasing levels of free testosterone. It is proven that some constituents of nettle root can bind to sex hormone-binding globulin in the blood in place of testosterone. This may influence the blood level of free testosterone. Not only that - the prostate gland also benefits from nettle root. It has been used for benign prostatic hyperplasia for decades. Nettle root inhibits the binding of DHT to attachment sites on the prostate membrane.
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