Supporting Men Through the Decades: A Functional Health Approach Webinar

This webinar explores men's health through the lens of ageing: whether 'andropause' exists, what symptoms it may include, why testosterone levels may be falling, and how clinicians can take a holistic approach. Hosted by Ella Kaur (Practitioner Lead, Registered Nutritionist and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner) with guest speaker Mark Killick, Senior Lecturer at CNM & Registered Functional Nutritionist, mANP.

Key Points Discussed

Men's health urgency and disparities

Statistics highlight shorter male life expectancy and higher avoidable/treatable mortality compared with women. This frames men's health as an urgent clinical area.

Andropause framing

'Andropause' is defined as androgen deficiency in the ageing male, but Mark emphasises that this definition can exclude many broader ageing changes. He argues that men's transition into later life is not marked by the same 'rites of passage' as women's life-course events, which may affect identity, purpose and psychological wellbeing.

Multifactorial symptom profile

Symptoms affect the body, mind and emotions, including:

• Body composition changes (less muscle, more abdominal fat)
• Decline in vitality and energy
• Psychosexual impacts (lower libido)
• Psychological effects (mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, reduced self-esteem)

Testosterone decline over time

A graph from the reproductive biology/endocrinology literature shows testosterone levels falling across the decades. Testosterone peaks in the 20s and then declines steadily (about 1–3%).

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

TRT should depend on clinical assessment and thresholds, with reference to BSSM guidance. TRT can suppress the body's own production and may affect future fertility. Potential risks and side effects include cardiovascular, prostate-related and skin/fluid/breast changes, worsening sleep apnoea, and psychological effects with misuse.

Not 'just testosterone' (metabolic and cardiovascular mechanisms)

Andropause-related changes are linked with:

• Insulin resistance and inflammation
• Gut health decline and neurotransmitter balance
• Reduced growth hormone
• Mitochondrial changes
• Reduced microcirculation and nitric oxide (NO) function

Erectile dysfunction (ED) as a health signal

ED is described as a potential early marker of systemic atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This is because vascular changes show up in smaller arteries, including the penile arteries. Diabetes and endothelial dysfunction are discussed as contributing factors.

Holistic lifestyle approach

1. Nutrition quality (protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, nitrates) and minimising processed food.
2. Resistance training, flexibility and social play.
3. Sleep hygiene and stress management (breathing, meditation, mindfulness), plus mindset practices.
4. Avoiding harmful habits (alcohol, smoking, substance misuse) and maintaining social connections.

Nitric oxide support via diet and biology

NO is central to vascular function and erections. Dietary routes include citrulline/arginine and nitrate-rich foods such as leafy greens and beetroot. The oral microbiome and stomach acid help convert nitrates to NO-related compounds. One practical caveat: fluoride mouthwash may disrupt oral bacteria.

Key Takeaways

1. Andropause and ageing changes are multidimensional: physical, emotional, hormonal and social/psychological factors interact.
2. Testosterone decline is important but not sufficient on its own. Insulin resistance, inflammation, NO/microcirculation, gut health and mitochondrial changes are central mechanisms.
3. ED may indicate broader cardiovascular risk and should prompt holistic assessment rather than being viewed in isolation.

Conclusion

This webinar reframes male ageing as more than a testosterone story. It gives practitioners a holistic framework that brings together hormonal, metabolic, cardiovascular and psychological changes. It also positions nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and social connection as core levers for supporting men's health.