What Is Andropause Or Male Menopause?

By Dorothy Okoth –

With age there are several changes which include a decline of hormones levels in an individual. Unlike the more pronounced in females, sex hormone changes gradually in males over a long period.  “Male menopause” is sometimes used to describe a reduction in the bioavailability of testosterone as a result of old age. Some health experts refer andropause as testosterone deficiency, androgen deficiency, or late-onset hypogonadism. At 70 years, your testosterone levels could drop by half compared to when you were 30. The gradual decline usually starts at the age of 30 but it can vary with individuals.

Andropause Sign and Symptoms

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You can have a decrease in hormonal levels without experiencing any signs or symptoms. In other individuals, a drop in testosterone can manifest as:

  • Psychological changes: you are no longer confident in most aspects of your life including work or during social functions. Low testosterone can also take away your motivation or make you feel sad or depressed. It becomes difficult to concentrate or recall thoughts.
  • Altered sleeping pattern: you may start noticing changes in sleeping pattern. Sleep disturbances including insomnia or sleepiness can be experienced.
  • Physical changes: an increase in body fat without a change in diet is common in males whose testosterone levels have subsided. Other noticeable changes include reduced muscles tissue, decreased strength and endurance, and a drop in bone density. Hot flashes although uncommon are also possible. Hair loss and tender breasts can be noticed at some stages.
  • Decreased sexual functions: these include loss of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and short-lived erections especially during sleep, or infertility. You may also notice a decrease in the size of your testes as well.

Different State of Andropause

A gradual decline of hormones earmarks the initial stages of male menopause. Loss of sexual desires is from the fact that the pituitary gland can no longer secrete hormones which a man’s sex drive totally depends on. The main indicator that a man is now starting andropause is decreased sex drive. Changes in moods can range from mild to increased irritability. This is a major cause for stress and misunderstandings in a family with an andropausal man. It’s quite advisable that such a man should avoid interactions with his family to avoid chaos. Several health experts refer andropause as puberty in reverse. There is likelihood that such men develop childish behaviors such as collecting toys and gadgets. In severe cases, a man might splurge in to buying impractical sports car much to the embarrassment of his wife and children. Due to depression, a man can cheat on his wife, live in seclusion, or become antisocial.

Condition After Andropause

After recovery from menopause, everything goes back to normal although this often occurs gradually. Some men get surprised or excited once they discover the behavioral changes that come with the condition. They shed off their childish character and uncalled for moods changes. With the help of a supportive partner, andropause signs and symptoms can be hardly noticed by a third party. After treatment, the sex drive is restored with some men claiming that it is exemplary in comparison to previous experiences. They therefore have it more often with some opting for younger partners.

Different Therapy

  • Hormone replacement therapy: this involves the administration of testosterone hormone through injections, creams, or patches. This process can also be carried out to lessen the symptoms or delay its occurrence.
  • Selective androgen receptive modulators: used as anabolic steroids, they are intended to have similar effects as androgenic drugs. They are taken orally since they don’t cause any damages to the liver.
  • Lifestyle changes: these include healthy diet and exercise. The use of supplements can go a long way in the eradication of the problem by addressing the underlying conditions which could be the trigger. Learn how to manage stress since it can potentially worsen the condition.

Medical Study on Male Menopause

According to the British Association of Urological Surgeon, andropause mostly affects older persons who have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or obesity. According to other studies, men who suffer from “mid-life crisis” elevate chances for getting depression. While coupled with other key factors, it can lead to symptoms related to male menopause. In one study, researchers were awed after discovering that some symptoms attributed to testosterone deficiency were partly or nearly exclusively caused by a decrease in the levels of estrogen.

Conclusion

Andropause or male menopause can affect any man during the later stages in life. The good news is that it can be prevented by living actively and taking healthy diet. Some lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise can increase the risk of the condition. Treatment approach is exclusively dependent on the cause. Open discussions with your partner or health care giver should be ensured on noticing the onset of any symptoms. You should seek professional advice immediately whenever the symptoms are too much to tolerate.

 

Dorothy Okoth is a medical student (University of Nairobi) who enjoys writing and reading about male sexual health, female sexual health and skin care. She writes passionately about anything that involves the human body and loves to dispense unbiased advice through her writing. Dorothy also enjoys reading, exploring alternative treatments to medical conditions, skating and swimming.

 

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What Is Andropause Or Male Menopause?
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