The sudden obsession with protein shakes, golf clubs, or “just browsing” for a new motorcycle might have you wondering: is this a midlife crisis or something deeper? Before you roll your eyes at another impulse buy or late-night mood swing, consider this: your husband may not need a new Harley. He might need a hormone check.
When “Not Feeling Like Yourself” Becomes the Norm
In the 40s and beyond, men’s hormones, especially testosterone, start to decline faster than most people realize. But unlike the abrupt hormonal shifts many women experience, men’s changes are slow, quiet and often go unnoticed until they’re affecting everything.
Does this sound familiar? Low energy. Decreased libido. Restless nights. Unexplained weight gain. A shorter fuse. More naps and fewer smiles. The guy who used to light up the room is suddenly flat, irritable, or just off.
We hear it all the time: “He’s just not himself.” And chances are, he feels it, too. He might not know where to start looking for answers, but we can help.
A Familiar Story
One patient’s wife brought him in after months of begging. He was always tired, struggling to sleep, and just “grumpy.” He joked about a midlife crisis and nearly bought a boat he didn’t even want. But what he really needed? A full men’s hormone panel + lab review. His testosterone was low. His adrenals were overworked. And once we put a tailored plan in place – hormonal support, acupuncture, and targeted lifestyle changes – he felt like himself again. And his marriage? Better than ever.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Andropause
You don’t have to wait for things to hit a breaking point. Low testosterone, also known as andropause, isn’t just about libido. Andropause impacts sleep, muscle mass, mood, energy, and even motivation.
Yes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help. But for many men, it’s not the whole solution. That’s why we take a more holistic approach at Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture. We combine functional testing and naturopathic medicine, including herbs, acupuncture, and lifestyle shifts, to address why the hormones are off in the first place. For example, testosterone therapy might bring energy back, but sleep and mood still lag. Acupuncture and adaptogenic herbs can help regulate stress, soothe his nervous system, and encourage deeper restorative sleep.
Want to help naturally boost testosterone? Here’s a short list of where to start:
- Prioritize sleep (testosterone is produced during deep sleep!)
- Stay active and lift weights to maintain muscle mass
- Keep stress in check
- Get 1,000–2,000 IU of vitamin D daily (during the school year)
- Eat more protein: aim for ½ to 1 gram per pound of body weight (to maintain) or 1-2 grams per pound of body weight (to build)
- Cut back on alcohol
And, yes! Get a men’s hormone panel done first.
If you’ve been worried – and wondering how to help – this is a good place to start. We’re here to support the whole journey, with compassion and care.
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult with Dr. Graves to explore a natural, functional plan for andropause. Call us at (303) 688-6698 or book online.
A licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, Dr. Adam Graves, ND, LAc, owns and operates Colorado Naturopathic Medicine & Acupuncture in Castle Rock, CO.
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