Male Menopause - What Does Andropause Mean for Men?
Menopause is usually a word that is linked with women. However, the changing of hormone levels and their symptoms is not something that is experienced only by women. More and more men these days are reporting to their doctors with symptoms of what is being called andropause in men.
What is Male Menopause?
Doctors use many terms to refer to male menopause. Andropause, testosterone deficiency or androgen deficiency in the aging male, and also late-onset hypogonadism are some of the terms used to refer to this condition.
One of the many things that occur as a result of aging is hormone changes. However, the drop in hormone levels is quite different in men than in women. In women, the hormones tend to dip instantly during menopause. However, in men, this drop generally occurs over a period of many years. This is why, often, the changes that occur in mood, energy level and sexual function are very subtle and may even not be noticed for many years.
In women, the ovaries stop producing hormones completely during menopause. However, in men, the testes does not stop making hormones completely, it is just that the production slowly begins to decline from the age of 40. The term 'andropause' refers to the decline of the androgen hormones in male body.
What Are Androgens?
Androgens are sex hormones that affect the growth of muscles, fat, skin, hair and other tissues. These also influence brain function. Although these hormones play an important role in both men and women, these are produced in much larger quantities in men.
The main androgens include testosterone, dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA), its sulphate (DHEAS), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Testosterone is the main androgen and it is produced by the testes in men. The others are produced in the adrenal cortex, skin and liver.
Although androgen deficiency can occur in younger men as a result of damage to the testes, it mostly occurs in aging men causing symptoms of male menopause.
What Are the Symptoms of Andropause?
There are various symptoms that aging men may experience as a result of the decline in androgen production. These include:
- Reduced sexual desire
- Fewer spontaneous erections
- Reduced intensity of orgasms
- Less ejaculation
- Infertility
- Decrease in the size of the testes
- Insomnia
- Increased body fat
- Decrease in muscle bulk and strength
- Decrease in bone density
- Hair loss
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Hot flashes
- Decrease in energy levels
- Depression
- Lack of motivation
- Decrease in self-confidence
- Tiredness and irritability
- Difficulties in concentration
- Memory problems
Besides the above symptoms, testosterone decline may also increase the man's risk of developing heart problems such as coronary artery disease. It also increases the chances of developing osteoporosis.
How Is Andropause Diagnosed?
A doctor will take your medical history and inquire about the symptoms that you are experiencing. Diagnostic tests may be carried out to rule out any other medical problems that may be responsible for these symptoms. A series of blood tests, which will mainly comprise testing the levels of various hormones, including testosterone, will be carried to find out if there is a decline in the production of these steroids.
What Are the Treatment Options for Male Menopause?
If blood tests reveal low levels of testosterone, the doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. This will help treat symptoms such as loss of libido, depression and fatigue. However, there are certain risks and side effects involved with this treatment. The therapy may increase the risk of prostrate cancer, for example.
What's more, the therapy may not get you the desired results. Some men do report relief from the symptoms of male menopause, whereas others do not notice any positive changes in the way they are feeling.
Considering the fact that it may not help you but increase your chances of developing certain life-threatening diseases, it is advisable to learn about the pros and cons of this therapy and then only take the decision to try it out.
There are certain herbal supplements that claim to help improve erectile functioning and sex drive. However, few of these have been proven to be really safe and effective. If you are considering taking any of these supplements, make sure to choose a doctor endorsed product such as ProSolution.
Your doctor may also treat you for other medical conditions that may be contributing to your health problems. They may also suggest medications for problems such as erectile dysfunction or antidepressants for depression and anxiety.
Making certain lifestyle changes will also help in managing the symptoms in a better way. Eating a healthy balanced diet will ensure that you get all the nutrients you need at your age. Staying physically active by exercising and taking long walks will help improve your strength and energy levels. These will also help develop lean muscle mass and help you burn fat.
Learning ways to relax such as meditation, yoga, and visualization can help lift your low mood and stay in good spirits more often. Avoid taking alcohol and street drugs since these have a negative impact on hormone levels. Smoking is another activity that negatively affects hormone levels and your health.
It is important that aging men understand what the reason behind the symptoms that they are experiencing is. If your loved one is feeling depressed, does not sleep well, is irritable and tired all the time, has reduced interest in sex, he may be suffering from andropause. Encourage your partner to seek medical help and learn about what is actually happening inside his body.