Male menopause also known as andropause is a term used to describe reducing levels of testosterone due to hormonal changes, a condition that affects older men. It’s responsible for regulation of sex characteristics assigned to males at birth and this is important to a man’s physical and mental wellness. But as the years goes by, a drop in hormone testosterone can cause what is commonly referred to as hypogonadism-male menopause.
The decline in testosterone In men usually begins about the same time as menopause in women in their late 40s or early 50s. This can affect the quality of life thereby making other health conditions more difficult to manage.
However, in majority of the cases, the symptoms of men menopause can be as a result of other factors and not necessarily due to decline in testosterone levels. The midlife changes are often more subtle in men than women when compared to female menopause, wherein they are unable to ovulate, that of men does not interfere with sperm production since it occurs more slowly.
Not every man will experience this but the symptoms are real and according to Luigi Simone, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Encinitas with a special focus on men’s health, “there’s a reason why it’s called male menopause, it’s because it can produce many of the same symptoms as female menopause.”
These symptoms include the following:
* Low sexual drive
* Flushes
* Increase in body fat
* Disturbance in sleep patterns
* Thinning of skin
*Dryness of skin
* Mood swings and irritability
* Depression
* Low energy/Fatigue
* Hot flushes
* Muscle mass reduction
* Reduced ability in concentrating/short-term memory problems
* Excessive sweating
Note that lifestyle activities (habits) also play a role in triggering symptoms experienced such as unstable mood, insomnia, unhealthy diet, unstable mood, smoking, decreased motivation, lack of exercise, low libido while the psychological/emotional issues can also be responsible for the root cause of men menopause.
Mental health/Depression- This is often associated with loss of sexual drive, low energy levels and mood shift even with the absence of low hormone levels.
Anxiety- Rises with middle age and is closely related to depression, changes in life status, loss of job/financial issues; these can help to heighten anxiety level.
Stress- Increased stress as mentioned above can negatively impact the quality of sexual function/libido and mood.
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The above symptoms differ from man to man and there’s the risk for guys who experience male menopause of developing certain complications like osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems. And most noticeable is the fact that, guys with low testosterone may display none of the signs above as it can difficult to identify because the signs in most men may have nothing to do with testosterone deficiency.
Male menopause symptoms are treatable but depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s overall health. The decline in testosterone levels can be reversed by certain lifestyle or other changes such as a combination of an exercise program and dietary changes. This will help with some of the symptoms of the men menopause.
There are a bunch of stuff men can do on their own as well to manage the condition- “Good health is not just about eating right and getting exercise, it’s just as important to have a good laugh, enjoy ‘alone’ time and connect with friends. Having sex is good for your mind and body because it relieves stress and helps keep your prostate healthy,” says Dr. Simone.
Every man is encouraged to ask their doctor about ways to manage stress, optimize health and enjoy life to the fullest!
Written by SissyAde, A UK certified Integrative Sex Therapist/Relationship/Marriage Coach
