Men's health and the male andropause As we age, we all experience changes in hormones. For a woman, these changes are much more pronounced. Predominantly, progesterone and oestrogen levels fluctuate during each monthly cycle and in pregnancy, before falling in the transition towards menopause. But what isn’t so widely known, or certainly discussed, is a man’s natural decline in testosterone levels and, as a result, the transition that happens for him around middle age. Called the male andropause (sometimes referred to as the ‘male menopause’), when coupled with big life changes or emotional turmoil, the process can cause fatigue, irritability and feelings of anxiety and depression. And while changes are slower and more subtle than what a woman can experience during perimenopause (the phase before her last period), they are still just as profound. In fact, the symptoms of andropause are often overlooked or misunderstood. Worryingly, some men come to believe that there’s just something ‘wrong’ with them. A transitional stage for men For International Men’s Health Day last year, I attended a webinar run by Lee Anthony Taylor about the male andropause. Lee is an internationally renowned reflexologist of 30 years, and a respected author and trainer for reflexology practitioners around the globe. Having experienced the transition himself, he says the impacts of the drop in testosterone, plus other symptoms of the andropause, can come as ‘quite a shock’. Sadly, some men are simply dismissed as ‘grumpy’ in their older age.
Testosterone: from puberty to adulthood Regardless of our gender, our bodies all contain the hormone testosterone – along with progesterone, oestrogen and many others. It’s the quantity of each of these hormones that helps to define our characteristics. For a man, testosterone plays a key role in male sex characteristics. At puberty he would have experienced a rise in levels, an increase that will continue through to the end of his twenties. Lee illustrates further. “This surge in testosterone encourages bone growth, helps with the production of red blood cells and opens up the end plates of our bones.” “It alters our jaw line, deepens our voice box, increases muscle mass and is the driving agent for the emergence of libido. “It also increases aggression,” he adds. “But this is in a self-motivated way rather than a negative way – it’s for getting up off our backsides and doing something!” Between 40 and 60 years, a man’s testosterone levels reach their natural climax before beginning a gradual decline. But for some men, this can happen as early as their late thirties. Other factors affecting testosterone levels It’s important to note that in today’s world there are factors, other than age, that reduce levels of testosterone. Overuse of alcohol, poor diet, obesity, chronic diseases and some medications, such as chemo drugs, steroids and opioids, have all been found to lower testosterone levels in the blood. Another big contributor are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, personal care products and pesticides. Evidence has revealed that increased exposure of phthalates in plastics have even affected boys as young as six years old. Changing inner and outer landscapesThe signs and symptoms of the male andropause – the natural age-related decline in testosterone – can present as loss of muscle mass, mood swings, irritability, lack of enthusiasm, difficulty sleeping and poor concentration. During this time, some men experience blood pressure issues, bladder issues, an enlarged prostate, pelvic pain, pain during ejaculation or even erectile dysfunction. But Lee is quick to point out that not everyone experiences these symptoms and it has much to do with the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the individual. “There is always an emotional and spiritual dimension to the physical symptoms we experience.” Lee says that when things go awry, it is because an individual’s spiritual essence needs addressing. “It is about looking at the ‘why’ that has brought you to experiencing those symptoms,” he shares. Testosterone is a key driver in a man’s hormonal makeup. Understandably, experiencing a decline in this hormone is enough to shake a man’s very sense of self. When combined with major life upheavals or traumas, and with the backdrop of men’s changing roles – in society and within his own family – he can start to question his place in the world. Here in Australia, the suicide rate among males has been three to four times that of females since the 1970s. In 2023, the highest suicide rates were among men in the aged 55–59 age bracket, followed by ages 45–49, 40–44 and 50–54, respectively. While there are many complexities and contributing factors to suicide, you begin to wonder whether the peri andropause stage has any influence. “As men, we place a lot of self-imposed pressure on ourselves to conform in a certain way. We want to be a ‘good’ man, partner and father. Plus, some of us have a deeply entrenched primal idea for protection and provision that motivates and drives all aspects of our lives. “When we’re unaware of the pressure we’re putting on ourselves, that pressure keeps piling on. Then, if a man can’t express how he feels, he starts to question his abilities which in turn affects his ability to share. “It becomes a perverse martyrdom,” Lee explains. “And it is this frustration that will manifest as mental, emotional and physical problems.” Ways to better support yourself If you’re starting to feel some changes in your body and mental health, or can relate to some of the mentioned signs and symptoms of the male andropause, then maybe it’s time to take a deeper look at what’s going on. You may want to visit your GP to test your testosterone levels and blood pressure, investigate the health of your prostate, or discuss other concerns you have. Here are few extra things you can do to better support yourself: #1 Start investing in you When you feel you’re in the thick of it, it’s time to start doing something regularly that gives you nourishment. To begin with, think of something small and achievable you can add to your routine. Daily is ideal, but at least a few times each week if you can. It could be as simple as prioritising a short walk, getting down the beach, or ridding yourself of stress or excess energy on a bike or at the gym. If your energy levels are on the low side, explore breathing exercises or a guided meditation like yoga nidra will be useful (there are plenty on Spotify and YouTube). Even just spending a few minutes each morning standing outside and tuning into nature can have major benefits, helping you to ground and be more present in yourself. #2 Open up to someone you trust Speak to someone you trust, whether it is a partner, friend, family member, counsellor or other therapist. Lee is on a mission to inspire other generations of men to understand that it’s okay to not be okay, and to open up. He advises, “Ask yourself: what is the key emotion you are suppressing or spending so much energy on? “When there’s no means of outward expression, it’s so easy to internalise problems. They can then manifest as mood swings, withdrawals and lack of interest. This is a natural defence mechanism, allowing you to still feel like you’re in charge. “Women are more able to talk about their health, and there’s much more observation and sharing of information between the generations,” he adds. “Mothers are more likely to share experiences with their daughters, and women will often look to their friends, mothers or other elders for support.” Even in today’s more emotionally in-touch world, it’s rare for men to function in the same way. “We are less likely to talk about health issues, and fathers don’t necessarily share with their sons how things were for them at their age. “If men had the confidence to share, they would realise they’re not alone and they’re not going crazy.” Extra tip for getting vulnerable If you struggle with those vulnerable conversations, try opening up at a time when there’s no eye contact. One participant who took part in a 2022 study on men’s mental health in Australia, shared that he prefers to have ‘deep and meaningfuls’ in the car or running with his mates as they are situations when you don’t feel pressured by eye contact. The particpant shared, “I think that’s the only way that a lot of men will start to get comfortable having vulnerable conversations. It’s exercise and not being face to face.” #3 Try a natural therapy Natural or complementary therapies, such as reflexology and traditional Chinese acupuncture, can help to unblock stuck energy, bring about more clarity and be a catalyst for change. As part of Lee’s reflexology course on the male andropause, he shared the key reflexes on the feet that are beneficial for men’s health, covering pelvic health, urinary issues and the prostate. But these types of treatments offer more than just the benefits of a manual therapy. They can become a safe haven for reflection and a time for what Lee refers to as a ‘change in consciousness’. Again, it’s about finding the practice – and the practitioner – that resonates most with you. Explore the options and see what you like best. Final word on the drop in testosterone So how best can you embrace this transitional stage leading up to the male andropause? Lee says, “As a man becomes andropausal, he should start to realise it’s been a rocky road but find peace within himself and allow the next generation to take on responsibility. “Recognise what you’ve achieved,” he advises. “There are new functions you can now perform such as offering guidance, wisdom and counsel. “Ultimately, happiness will come from within when there is less pressure to perform.” About Lee Anthony Taylor Lee is a reflexologist, reflexology trainer and author of Effective Reflexology: A Practitioner’s Guide. Last year he became president of the International Council of Reflexologists and, among other goals for the council, has an ambition to inspire more men to become reflexologists. Lee’s practitioner training courses offer more of an experience of spectating a reflexology session rather than a simple reflex prescription. If you’re a reflexologist who’d like to find out about Lee’s forthcoming online events, including anatomy and physiology refresher courses, email [email protected] and ask to be added to his email list. Or find out more at effectivereflexology.com
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