Introduction

The body’s hormone system makes sure that everything is working properly. By regulating hormones that are secreted out from the endocrine system, the hormones travel through the bloodstream and attach themselves to their proper organ systems. When this happens the organ systems can then start doing their jobs and making sure that the body continues to function normally. When there are unwanted pathogens that enter the body and start disrupting the hormone signals that are coursing through the bloodstream, it can cause the body to do one of two things if it is not taken care of. The hormone production can overproduce or underproduce in the body, causing a variety of health issues that can lead to chronic illnesses over time. In this 3 part series, we will be discussing and taking a look at andropause, its symptoms, and supplements that can alleviate the symptoms. Part 2 will be taking a look at menopause, its symptoms, and the supplements to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Part 3 will be discussing about the thyroid and its functions when dealing with stress as well as supplements that help thyroid health. Andropause, menopause, and thyroid health are essential when it comes to hormone health in both male and female bodies. Since hormones naturally decline with age, it is crucial to take vitamins and supplements to optimize hormonal health and make sure the body functions normally. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is Andropause?

When the body starts to slow down, it is due to their hormone levels decreasing naturally through age. When the hormone levels start to produce less over time, it can cause the body to go through symptoms that a person wasn’t feeling when they were full of energy. For older males, they go through a process known as andropause. Andropause is different than menopause where the production of testosterone starts to decline in the body over time for older males at the age of 50 years old. Studies have shown that andropause causes testosterone levels to decline about 1% due to age and can vary for each individual that is suffering from low testosterone levels. These low levels of testosterone can cause the body to have an insidious onset and slow progression from the adrenal glands.

 

Andropause Symptoms

When testosterone levels start to decline in a male’s body, it can cause unwanted symptoms that can cause problems and androgen deficiency. Studies show that andropause can cause a variety of symptoms that can cause physical, sexual, and psychological complications for males that are dealing with andropause. Some of the symptoms that andropause can cause include:

• Osteoporosis
• Erectile dysfunction
• Insomnia
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Low energy

 

Supplements For Andropause

By choosing the right botanicals, nutrients, and supplements that help support hormonal health, it’s important to know that these supplements help support the sex hormone axis production and even help balance the conjunction with the HPA axis. Adding supplements into an everyday routine can help boost hormonal growth and health while replenishing the lost hormones that have been declined naturally due to age. For andropause, here are some of the supplements that can help boost testosterone levels for older males. They are:

• Eurycoma Root
• Thai Ginseng Root
• Tribulus Fruit
• Zinc
• Fenugreek Seed Extract

 

Eurycoma Root

Known as Tongkat Ali or “Malaysian ginseng”, the Eurycoma root is used in SE Asian cultures to improved testosterone levels and libido for the male body. It is an adaptogenic botanical for male sexual health and performance. This root contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and alkaloids that can help the body fight off the free radicals that enter the body.

 

Eurycoma Root Benefits

The Eurycoma root has many benefits for the male body since it has been reported that it can improve testosterone levels (free and total) in men and women. Other benefits include:

• Erogenic
• Improves libido
• Also improves the testosterone/cortisol ratio

 

Thai Ginseng Root

 

Thai ginseng root aka Black Ginger is actually part of the ginger family, not part of the ginseng family. The Thai ginseng root contains a high level of antioxidant poly methoxy flavones specifically 5, 7 dimethoxyflavone. Studies have shown that Thai Ginseng has beneficial properties and it has a PDE5 inhibitor, which helps improve nitric oxide utilization in the body and is traditionally used in erectile dysfunction.

 

Thai Ginseng Root Benefits

One of the benefits that Thai ginseng root has for the body is that it can improve mitochondrial biogenesis/function while increasing energy production. Thai ginseng is also neuroprotective, which means that it protects the brain against glutamate excitotoxicity. Studies also found that Thai ginseng can increase physical performance by improving the body’s own inflammation and energy metabolism. Some of the other benefits that Thai ginseng provides include:

• Increases whole‐body energy expenditure (EE)
• Improves brown adipose tissue (BAT) production
• Cardiovascular support
• Reported to improve athletic performance based on stress response and cardiorespiratory performance
• Supports post‐exercise recovery
• Upregulates antioxidant enzymes
• Metabolic Support
• Weight management

 

Tribulus Fruit

 

Tribulus fruit has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as an aphrodisiac. The steroidal saponins were identified to improve free testosterone levels in lab animal studies. The Tribulus fruit is located in dry climates and is native to warm-temperate, tropical regions in Eurasia and Africa. Its features are consist of small green leaves and yellow flowers that grow on the ground forming a dense mat.

 

Tribulus Fruit Benefits

Some of the beneficial properties that Tribulus fruit provides is that it can be used as herbal medicine to help regulate blood pressure due to its diuretic activity, antihyperlipidemic activity, and cardioprotective activity. Other beneficial functions that Tribulus fruit offer include:

• Support for male sexual vitality
• Antibacterial properties
• Is anti-inflammatory
• Stop cancer symptoms
• Lessen effects caused by diabetes

Zinc

 

Zinc is a necessary mineral for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes in the body. It plays a vital role in a balanced metabolism and is an antioxidant. When zinc is consumed in the body, it helps balance out the immune system and helps maintain testosterone balance in the body. In the endocrine system, the prostate epithelial cells contain high amounts of zinc, and laboratory studies report zinc has 5 alpha‐reductase and aromatase activities. When there is a deficiency in zinc in a male’s body, it can directly affect the T levels.

 

Zinc Benefits

Zinc has many beneficial properties that the body actually needs. There are many foods that provide zinc naturally. Whole grains, meats, shellfish, and certain vegetables like mushrooms, kale, and peas are naturally rich in zinc, making it easier for individuals to consume zinc. Some of the benefits that zinc can provide include:

• Boosting the body’s immune system
• Accelerate wound healing
• Decrease inflammation
• Reduces certain age-related diseases

 

Fenugreek Seed Extract

Used in both traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, fenugreek seed extract is part of the soy family and is the oldest medicinal plant that is used for everyday ingredients in common products. There are also clinical reports that it can help improve testosterone levels in the body and can decrease androgen scores significantly in physical exams. Fenugreek seed extract also contains many essential nutrients and is an antioxidant that the body needs. These nutrients include:

• Biotin
• Vitamin A, D, and B
• Soluble and insoluble fibers
• Iron 

 

Fenugreek Seed Extract Benefits

One of the beneficial properties that fenugreek seed extract can provide is that it can improve both men’s and women’s sexual desire. Fenugreek can also improve lean muscle mass and decrease body fat. Another beneficial property that fenugreek can offer is that it can treat a wide variety of conditions like:

• Migraines and headaches
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Low testosterone
• Diabetes
• Muscle pain

 

Conclusion

All in all, incorporating supplements and whole foods filled with nutrients is essential for hormonal health in the body. Without it, it can cause the body to develop unwanted chronic illnesses that can cause the body harm and pain. By utilizing supplements in a healthy diet the body can produce hormones naturally and cause them to function normally as well. Supplements that provide hormonal health can be beneficial for anyone who is suffering from low hormones levels naturally without the use of pharmaceutical medicines and those individuals can live a healthy lifestyle.

 

References

Chen, Chee Keong, et al. “Supplementation of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Extract for 6 Weeks Does Not Affect Urinary Testosterone: Epitestosterone Ratio, Liver and Renal Functions in Male Recreational Athletes.” International Journal of Preventive Medicine, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, June 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4085925/.

Chhatre, Saurabh, et al. “Phytopharmacological Overview of Tribulus Terrestris.” Pharmacognosy Reviews, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931200/.

Huizen, Jennifer. “Fenugreek: Benefits and Effects.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 31 Jan. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324334.

Krans, Brian. “Male Menopause: Overview, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/menopause/male.

Kubala, Jillian. “Zinc: Benefits, Deficiency, Food Sources and Side Effects.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 14 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc.

Saokaew, Surasak, et al. “Clinical Effects of Krachaidum ( Kaempferia Parviflora): A Systematic Review.” Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, SAGE Publications, July 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871153/.

Singh, Parminder. “Andropause: Current Concepts.” Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4046605/.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Understanding Aging and Testosterone.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 June 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/male-menopause/art-20048056.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Zinc.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112.

Toda, Kazuya, et al. “Black Ginger Extract Increases Physical Fitness Performance and Muscular Endurance by Improving Inflammation and Energy Metabolism.” Heliyon, Elsevier, 24 May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4946221/.

 

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