Dans Papers - June 1, 2007

Menopause treatment has been around for years. But did you know that the word 'Andropause' was written and discussed in medical books dating back to the 1940s? I'll bet your father never talked about it. The difference is this: men are now living longer and have more leisure time. Men are paying more attention to their health and well-being. Medical testing for hormonal imbalances haven't really been spotlighted on men's health until quite recently and the biotechnology just wasn't sensitive enough to test and diagnose Andropause until a very short time ago.

Here's the Skinny on Andropause:
Testosterone levels drop approximately 10 percent every ten years beginning around the age of 30. Coincidentally, the level of Sex Binding Hormone Globulin, or SHBG increases. SHBG imprisons any available testosterone it can find and this prevents testosterone from going to various tissues of the body and doing its job. That leaves only a very small amount of bio available testosterone to try to do a very big job. This is what causes the symptoms of Andropause. Because this hormone is vital to the health of a male, the decreased levels of testosterone can put a man at a higher risk of health related conditions.

So What Exactly Does Testosterone Do?
Testosterone affects the male as a whole entity. Testosterone is produced in the testes and in the adrenal glands (the 'caps' over the kidneys). Testosterone is to males what estrogen is to females. Just as females require estrogen to be female (breast development, the menses, ovulation), men need testosterone to be a male (normal sexual behavior, body hair over the kidneys). Testosterone is to males what estrogen is to females. Just as females require estrogen to be female (breast development, the menses, ovulation), men need testosterone to be a male (normal sexual behavior, body hair)

Andropause: Male Menopause
Andropause is a phenomenon similar to the female menopause and is prevalent in men between the ages of 40 and 55, although there have been diagnosed cases of Andropause as early as 35 years of age. Quite often, Andropause goes undiagnosed because men do not have a cessation of menses or other signs and symptoms that women experience while going through menopause. When Andropause occurs, there is a distinct decline in the levels of the male hormone, testosterone. Changes in the level of testosterone can manifest as disruptions in energy, attitudes and moods, libido and physical agility.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Andropause with Traditional Chinese Medicine
When a male patient experiences the signs and symptoms we have already described as possible Andropause, the first question I ask is, "have you seen your primary healthcare provider?" because I want to see results of a complete physical: testosterone levels, thyroid levels, serotonin, blood counts. Further investigation and questioning of the patient will reveal lifestyle and other physiological and psychological clues as to what ails this individual. Typically, there arises a pattern or combination of patterns. For example, Spleen Qi Deficiency, which can be responsible for fatigue, combined with a Deficiency of Heart Qi can lead to depression-like symptoms. Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency can manifest as insomnia, blurred vision, dry eyes, sudden outbursts of anger, and nocturnal emissions to name a few.

The key to successful treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine is to discover and treat the root cause of the disease; not merely address the secondary pattern symptoms (known as the limbs). Once the root of the problem is treated, usually all other secondary complaints subside. The combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas may successfully treat a large percentage of these types of cases.

- Kelley Mondesire, MSTOM, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.

If you have questions about Andropause and how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you or a loved one, please feel free to e-mail Kelley at k@kmondesire.com. Kelley also makes Hamptons House calls - personal and discreet healthcare in the privacy of your home.