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Starting at about age 30, testosterone levels drop by about 10 percent every decade in males. Startled! Yes its true.
Men go through a form of “male menopause,” generally between the ages of 40 and 55. Distinguished by a drop in hormone levels, a male menopause, also called andropause, comes around the same age as women.
The male menopause is a real phenomenon, and it does similar things to men as menopause does to women, although less commonly and to a lesser extent. |
Some of the symptoms of andropause are:
- Loss of sexual desire for marital partner
- Problems with erections
- Irritability and anger
- Fatigue and low energy
- Marital and family conflict
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The bodily effects of andropause occur very gradually in men and may be accompanied by changes in attitudes and moods, fatigue, a loss of energy, sex drive and physical agility. Unlike female menopause, men’s “transition” is more gradual and may expand over many decades. Attitude, psychological stress, alcohol, injuries or surgery, medications, obesity and infections can contribute to its onset. Symptoms may be difficult to recognize and interpret.
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Following situations may aggravate the onset and symptoms of Male menopause
- Disability or death of parents, friends or colleagues
- Children leaving home
- Job changes or fears of job loss
- Slowing down or loss of physical abilities
- Sexual dysfunction and worries about virility
- Concerns about future goals and directions
- Financial worries
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Menopause
Andropause can impact their quality of life and may expose men suffering from it to other, longer-term risks of low-testosterone. Decline in testosterone can actually put one at risk for other health problems like heart disease and weak bones. So there is more to take care of.
Andropause has gone through a long period where it was under diagnosed and under treated because the symptoms are usually vague and vary a lot among individuals. Some men find it difficult to admit that there’s even a problem. But now, it can be diagnosed and also treated and cured. Some of the techniques used for treatment of andropause are mentioned below
- Hormone replacement therapies
- Exercise and diet
- Herbs and medications
- Stress reduction, relaxation and body-centered therapies
- Cognitive and psychotherapeutic support
- Couples and family therapy
Men and women often go through the “change of life” at the same time. A great deal of mutual understanding is needed to support each other’s process. Since all this happens at a time of life when many men begin to question their values, accomplishments and direction in life, it is important for the people around them, friends and family that is, to be understanding and compassionate.
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