Some of testosterone’s lesser-known functions
are hugely important. Hormones are one way
that cells and organs communicate.
Do you have enough?
The human body is nothing less than a marvel, and, heck, we still only know a tiny fraction of what there is to know about, say, the human brain, for instance. We do know a bit more about hormones, but there’s still so much we have yet to discover. Let’s take a closer look at testosterone.
Hormones: How Your Body Communicates with Itself
At this point, it’s accurate to say that hormones play a key role in the healthy function of our bodies, and that’s a masterpiece of understatement!
First of all, hormones script and inspire a lot of our behaviors. We like to think we’re being all independent and conscious, but really, so much of what we do throughout the day is secretly motivated by our hormones.
We know that we are animals, creatures of flesh and blood and bone. There’s no denying that.
But we also know that there is a vast intelligence and creativity behind what we are, and most of us like to believe that there is a purpose and a soulfulness to our lives.
If we get too “into our heads,” we forget about tending to our physical bodies. On the other hand, if we get too into tending to our animal selves, we forget to strive toward our higher, nobler potential. Ideally, we learn to integrate our hormones with our higher consciousness.
And we march along, admitting that we are mammals, while simultaneously believing we are something more.
Where do hormones fit into all of this? Well, who can say for sure — but, most people would probably answer that hormones represent that part of us that is “mammal.”
Without hormones, our cells and the organs they comprise, would be unable to share vital information with each other.
Testosterone
One well known hormone is Testosterone. You remember, somewhere back there in middle school, we all learned about testosterone’s role in promoting “male secondary sex characteristic?” Yeah, been there, done that.
But wait. The more subtle role testosterone plays in the health of men over 40 is not as frequently addressed. In fact, until recently, it was rarely mentioned. It’s kind of the reason that I created this entire website to begin with.
I first started noticing that I felt “different than usual” when I turned 37. My energy seemed to fluctuate more. My body sometimes felt alien to me. I had less zest. My body didn’t burn calories as easily (metabolism changes) and it was easier for me to gain fat, even though I was working out.
“Just like when your vision becomes blurry
and you get eyeglasses or Lasik,
when your hormones get wobbly
you do things to get solid again.”
Then, when I turned 39, it really started to get a bit strange. One day, I’d wake up and feel 20 years old, the next day I’d wake up and feel 60. I couldn’t figure it out. I thought it was stress.
Testosterone and Men's Health
I eventually figured out I was having Andropause-like symptoms. Not the end of the world, by any means (I was able to move into solution-mode and get my zest back!) In fact, I came to see it as a sacred, honorable life event and a positive thing (I’ll save that topic for another post). But the point is, why did it take me so long to figure it out?
Why wasn’t there more information available to me and why didn’t men talk about this stuff more with each other? Hence, I built this site. So that if somebody did a Google search about male menopause then perhaps they might find this site and know that everything is healthy and natural and, for the most part, fine.
Just like when your vision becomes blurry and you get eyeglasses or Lasik, when your hormones get wobbly you do things to get solid again. Because as we approach, and then pass, 40, our bodies often begin to produce less testosterone. When testosterone levels drop below those which our bodies need to maintain a healthy balance we may experience Andropause.
Andropause Symptoms
Andropause
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Loss of libido
Low testosterone can also impair our bodies’ ability to clear excess cholesterol from our blood and increase our vulnerability to more serious diseases.
Take Action
But don’t stress, there are ways to address Andropause-like symptoms. It starts with taking an invested interest in your own health and consulting a trusted physician. Then you can asses your options and make decisions that are right for you. It may feel a little awkward at first, but taking action is worth it.
If you want to develop a deeper understanding of this topic, I recommend this feature by William Faloon at Life Extension Magazine which more deeply explores the role of testosterone in our health. And be sure to sign-up for my site’s newsletter so that I can keep you in the loop on breaking new developments in men’s vitality and longevity.
I invite you to comment.
I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!
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Dane,
I totally relate to feeling like I am living in someone else’s body! What do you recommend as a simple supplement to enhance testosterone levels in men over 50?
Mike, thanks for the comment!
short answer: vitamin D.
long answer: I feel strongly that the best place to start is with an overhaul of one’s daily regimens: diet, exercise (and depending on the stress of one’s job: meditation). After those are in order, then one can start exploring the possibility of herbs or bio-availables that might enhance one’s vitality. But first, I believe the basics must always be in order.
I am well aware of the impact that hormones can have with females. I did not know that male menopause even existed. Thanks for keeping us informed Dane.
Thank you Dane, I’ll talk to my Doctor. I hope it won’t make me all manly
Michael, hey! Many of my natural nutritional supplements I cycle 8-weeks-on and 4-weeks-off.
Knowledge is absolutely the first step toward self-empowerment , especially when it comes to managing one’s own health — and I think that it’s really important to take an interest in doing so. Thanks! Good to know!
I was surprised to learn in the Life Extension article you referenced in your post that “a startling 86% of the men over 30 years of age had less than 15 pg/mL of free testosterone, placing them at high risk for virtually every age-related disease!