Probably, one of the most controversial topics is the question of whether men, just like women, also undergo menopause. People are divided over the issue and many debunk it as a mere myth. However,  doctors have reported the presence of symptoms similar to those of menopausal women among men.  As men get older, they get into a hormonal imbalance phase. The issue of male menopause is a largely overlooked despite its significant impact on men’s health. Therefore, it is time to investigate what male menopause is, its symptoms, and how to deal with it.

Examining male menopause

Before answering whether male menopause exists or not it is important to understand male sex hormones or androgens. In men, testosterone plays a critical role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair. It is also responsible for maintaining sexual drive in men. Therefore, when the question of menopause crops up, it is one of the significant issues of concern.

How andropause differs from menopause?

Unlike the sudden and sometimes dramatic onset of female menopause, male andropause progresses gradually. As a result, the age when it occurs cannot be clearly marked out. There is, however, a collective agreement among health experts that it arises from the progressive decline in the levels of testosterone. Its slow manifestation is what sets it apart from the well-defined women menopause.

When it comes to women, the age when their menopause sets in, followed by a sharp change in production of hormones is clear. A similar occurrence completely lacks in men to conclusively define decrease in testosterone as male menopause. Because of the unclear manner in which these changes manifests in men, terms such as andropause and testosterone deficiency have been used to describe this phenomenon. Another term used is late-onset male hypogonadism. Often, the reported changes frequently affect men aged 50 years and above

What are the typical symptoms?

Though not universal to all men, a majority of those in their middle ages may suffer from one or more of classical symptoms associated with andropause. Of these, reduction in sex drive is probably the most alarming. Some of the typical symptoms include:

  • A gradual decrease in muscularity
  • Depression
  • A sharp decline in concentration
  • Frequent pangs of depression and mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain and loss of confidence
  • Gynecomastia
  • Infertility

There are many other psychological, physical and emotional disruptions you can find when testosterone levels start dwindling in men. However, experts are divided on the root cause of symptoms, with some linking them to lifestyle diseases quite common in this age group.

What are the causes?

Your age is a  primary determinant of the level of testosterone your body can produce. In fact, experts assert that there is a 10% decline in the production of testosterone every decade after the age of 30 years. Moreover, while this decline is taking place, production of sex hormone binding globulin, a hormone that limits testosterone coincidentally is on the rise. The consequence of this is a deprivation of all the body tissue dependent on it for stimulation, triggering the classical symptoms associated with andropause. As mentioned in an earlier para, chronic diseases such as diabetes may also aggravate progression of this problem.

What is the diagnosis and treatment of male menopause?

if you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional advice from a healthcare provider. As many symptoms may be due to the faulty lifestyle than due to decline in testosterone it is important to carry out detail investigations. Blood tests together with physical examination are critical to rule out any serious health condition. Once the tests ascertain a decline in the sex hormone, the best allopathic treatment alternative is testosterone replacement therapy.

You should, however, be aware of the likely side effects of hormone replacement therapy. Further, the doctor can also prescribe behavioral therapies, together with exercise routines to complement your treatment and stabilize hormonal fluctuations.  Alternatively, you can look at Ayurveda which has many natural herbs and safe treatments in its arsenal for rejuvenation of sex hormones.

Is it a common phase just like in women?

Considering the high frequency with which men are reporting menopause-like symptoms today, experts point out the need for more seriousness while addressing this issue. In fact, there is a 20% rise in the use of hormonal replacement therapy since 2012. Despite this increase, men should not forget that aging comes with challenges too. However, giving male menopause significant attention may save many middle-aged men from wrong medications. All they need to know that male menopause is completely different from women menopause. Unlike women whose hormone production comes to an end, theirs only decrease and can be reignited with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

 

 



Nurture Health, Cure Disease, and Experience Bliss

Subscribe to Soulguru Weekly Wellness Bytes for inspiring content on health and well-being

Privacy Preference Center