While women suffer from menopause after a certain age, men can also suffer the after-effects of a hormonal collapse. Although it is rarely, if at all, discussed, ALAD - age-related androgen deficiency - is almost taboo among both the population that suffers from it and the medical community that does not always believe in it. Indeed, andropause is not yet recognized as a real pathology, as menopause can be for women.

And yet! Despite the difficulties that some specialists may have in really diagnosing this age-related inconvenience, a significant number of men suffer and experience the consequences on a daily basis.

Andropause or Age-related androgen deficiency are terms that designate the set of physiological symptoms related to the decrease in testosterone secretions in men, generally from the age of 45. One in five men is affected after the age of 50. (Daniel Kieffer, Menopause Andropause, 2015)

It should be noted, however, that in addition to the physical causes, the psychosocial and emotional aspect is very important. It is essential to take into account social behaviors as well as life stages: retirement, existential crisis or complicated life passages are all elements that can unconsciously trigger this type of male disorder.

What are the symptoms of andropause?

• Erectile dysfunction, i.e. less firm or less frequent erections.
• A decrease or real loss of libido.
• Weight gain around the waist. Let's not forget that abdominal fat can be very dangerous to your health.
• Elevated blood sugar with insulin resistance: Beware of diabetes
• High blood pressure.
• A feeling of uneasiness, a change in mood or signs of depression (anxiety, irritability, mood swings). The loss of energy, positive energy or vitality are all elements that can raise the alarm.
• Unexplained fatigue.
• Sleep disorders.
• The color of the semen which would tend to change (from white to yellow) and to become more liquid.

If you are worried, your doctor may give you antidepressants, psychotropic drugs whose iatrogenic effects are far too important and are no longer defined. But also, unnatural sexual stimulants such as the little blue pill which is sometimes consumed far too easily. The miracle pill is a danger to the body that does not have a positive effect on the body.
By advocating this type of treatment, the symptoms will certainly be masked but the root causes will again not be treated.

Implementing a naturopathic treatment would be much more interesting because it will allow to play on several levels. Let us therefore adapt a plan as such:

• Plants or aphrodisiac foods of natural and organic quality are therefore, without major risk for the body. Choosing to treat yourself, with the agreement of your therapist, through natural sources is much more positive for the body. Indeed, this one will react better, and will have an engaging action on the long term, to the treatment set up
  A daily contribution of adaptogenic plants like Maca or Rhodiola can be a not negligible support to pass this stage of life.
• A nutritional readjustment can also be implemented by advising the right vitamins to take as well as the right nutritional supplements such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin B9 or vitamin E. It is very important not to supplement in any way.
• By readjusting the lifestyle and advising physical exercise that will be adjusted to each individual.
• Psychological follow-up can also be interesting for some people because sexual disorders can have a very important impact on the life of any man. Taking control of one's failures can be a first step towards a great evolution of life.

It is possible to live with andropause peacefully. Women, like men, deserve to age as peacefully as possible. Fortunately, nature offers us some significant advantages, so let's use them!