Men. They think that we are the crazy ones – after all that is how “hysterectomy” became named – a middle aged woman in “hysterics” – so you take out the part that makes her “hysterical” – the uterus – and call it a hysterectomy. Then she will be ok. If not – give her some laudium.

What men often don’t realize is that they “cycle” too. They have hormonal imbalances, mid-life crisis’s, and they have the male equivalent of menopause which is called andropause, or male menopause, or manopause! It is hard – if not impossible – to remove a uterus from a man so what does one do with a man who is in andropause?

First, let me give you some information: andropause is the result of the gradual drop of the testosterone hormone. When a man reaches his early 30s, he begins to lose about 1 – 2% of his testosterone each year. In fact, a recent World Health Organization report stated that a man in his 70′s has about 10% of the testosterone level that he had in his mid twenties. Men can begin to experience the symptoms of andropause between the ages of 40 and 55 – roughly the same age that women experience the symptoms of menopause.

What is so important about testosterone? Testosterone helps men in building protein, and it is crucial for a normal sex drive, stamina, and to produce erections. Testosterone also contributes to bone formation, liver function, and the health of the prostate gland. Women, by the way, also produce testosterone, just not as much as men do.

Some of the symptoms of andropause include: weight gain, memory loss, diminished libido, sleep apnea, male pattern baldness or hair loss, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, depression, fatigue, hot flashes and night sweats!

It is no wonder that often if a couple reaches menopause and andropause at the same time, and with no nutritional support, a divorce or a breakdown of the relationship will follow.

What can be done? In a previous blog I mentioned Maca for menopauseand it is also very helpful for andropause as it is an adaptogen and will help out the hormonal situation. Saw Palmetto is another good choice to increase testosterone. Tribulus Terrestris will also increase the testosterone in a man. Remember that just as women benefit from a good diet, so will a man.

Remind him to ease up on the beer, or any alcohol, the coffee, the donuts, sugar, white flour, and have him eat more servings of vegetables and good quality protein. And, to keep your relationship on an even keel – both of you head out for a walk after supper!