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Bodybuilding
Program after 40-Male |
Hormone Replacement
Andropause
and Testosterone
by Cathy Taylor
Andropause occurs as a result of plummeting levels
of testosterone, the dominant male hormone. This hormonal
function starts to decline gradually as men age. Just
like menopause, when decreasing levels of estrogen (the
most dominant female hormone) play havoc on the female
body - it can apply to men as well. Because of this
condition, symptoms such as the loss of libido, impotence,
and depression may present themselves.
Let's shy away from Andropause for a second and focus
on testosterone. What comes to your mind when you think
of the word: testosterone? Body builders hugging their
10 lb jars of whey protein before a pose down? Mark
McGwire and the bottle of andro found stored in his
locker? Pumped-up, muscle-packed men strutting the boardwalk
in Venice Beach?
Testosterone is much more than defining the idea of
an alpha male. This hormone regulates numerous processes
in the male body besides sex-related functions and muscle
building. Blood sugar controlled to normal levels, the
regulation of cholesterol, oxygen uptake, enhances the
immune system, and helps to create healthy, strong bones.
All of these are all attributed to the work of this
one hormone.
Metabolic processes are also speeded up, like cell
production and cell growth. In addition, Testosterone
appears to help in mental concentration, improves mood
and is reported to prevent depression and even Alzheimer's
disease. Testosterone isn't simply an ingredient found
in steroids that pack muscle mass. It is an integral
part of the human body that helps shape, build, and
maintain bodily processes.
Andropause is responsible for plummeting testosterone
levels. Before learning more about testosterone, let's
examine how Andropausal men's bodies work and result
in this decline. Testosterone is developed in the brain.
The pituitary glands in the brain produce a hormone
called luteinizing hormone responsible for giving one
special order to the testicles: produce testosterone!
Remember, the brain does not produce ¨T.¨ It
regulates the glands which produce the hormones that
send receptor messages directly to the testes. The combination
of failing testes and the inability of the pituitary
gland to send messages to the testes is the reason for
testosterone decline.
If the pituitary gland is not secreting enough of the
luteinizing hormone, the testes will not function. On
average, 5 grams of testosterone are made daily. The
secretion of this hormone is prominent during certain
times of the day, most notably in the morning and sundown.
Semen is also affected - less is produced as we age.
¨T¨ hormones work by connecting themselves
to proteins in the blood. These proteins follow through
the bloodstream and reach the vital areas of the body
where the hormone works. A small amount of testosterone
does not attach themselves to any protein - these are
called free testosterone.
This free hormone is the most impactful hormone in
your system. When Andropause comes to fruition, more
testosterone attach themselves to proteins, leaving
less of the free testosterone available. As you can
see, proteins can have a reverse effect on us as well!
It is a paradox - a hormone working too hard does more
damage than good!
As men grow older, androgen levels start to decline.
Remember guys, estrogen is to women as androgen is to
men. Androgens are produced in the adrenal gland (located
above the kidneys) and in the testicles. These hormones
are responsible for producing sperm, promoting sex drive,
aiding with erectile function, and helping determine
the gender of an unborn child. If you are a bodybuilding
enthusiast, please note that lack of androgen will affect
your muscle build, causing decreased muscle mass and
loss of strength.
No amount of whey protein, creatine, or glutamine can
remedy this problem. Instead of building six-pack abs,
you will have increased body fat in the areas you need
it least. Squats (total body building exercise) and
deadlifts (compound exercise that works the back) are
nearly impossible to perform, as Andropause can cause
osteoporosis (loss of bone tissue) and back pain. This
should not deter you from having a daily exercise regimen,
however.
Exercise has been scientifically proven to lessen the
effects of testosterone loss and your routine should
be altered to accommodate this as you age. There are
also alternatives such as testerone cream that can help
you regain your sex drive and stamina. With the right
nutrition, including diet and exercise, Andropause can
be a comfortable passage.
About the Author
Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25
years experience. She specializes in internet marketing,
strategy and plan development, as well as management
of communications and public relations programs for
small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative
Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting
www.everythingmenopause.com or read her book at www.howtoconquermenopause.com
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