Some people call it a myth, while others believe it is most likely to happen. Medical experts estimate that 408 million men between the ages of 40 and 55 years old worldwide are undergoing male menopause. This number increases by about 10% or 15% by the time men reach 70 years old.
Male menopause or andropause is a symptom complex, experienced by a man aged 40 years and above, characterized by waning interest in sex, body malaise, hot flushes, mood swings, or feeling of uneasiness which may be brought about by the decrease in the male hormone, testosterone.
The most common physical symptoms of male menopause include longer recovery time from injuries or illness, lessening endurance for physical activity, feeling fat or gaining weight, difficulty reading small print, thinning or loss of hair, and sleep disturbance.
These physical changes have accompanying psychological and sexual symptoms as well. The most common psychological symptoms are irritability, indecisiveness, anxiety and fear, depression, loss of self confidence, loss of purpose in life, feeling lonely, unattractive and unloved, forgetfulness and difficulty in concentrating.
Its sexual symptoms include reduced interest in sex, fear of losing sexual potency, increased fantasies with new and younger partner, more relationship problems over sex, love and intimacy, and loss of erection during sexual activity.
One solution to male menopause is hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for men that are available in three different testosterone preparations – oral, intramascular and transdermal. These preparations may not be widely available in some countries, though. Urologists cautioned that HRT should only be used in certain specific cases only and be given after a thorough medical examination to rule out conditions like hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
HRT is also not recommended for long term use. It should only be used intermittently between one to three months. Prolonged use may result to side effects like severe liver problems, certain vascular conditions, lowered sperm count resulting to sterility. Other effects are enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Instead of HRT, men undergoing andropause are advised to keep a positive outlook in life. Exercise keeps one in the peak of health and proper frame of mind. Eat less fats and sweets but rather indulge in vegetables, fish, lean meat and high fiber foods. Also, consume less alcohol and avoid smoking.
Male menopause is a normal recurrence among healthy males. The good news is that the decline in male hormone is only minimal unlike in women where the drop in hormone is drastic and completely gone after menopause.
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Spongebob photo from the Internet.
Male menopause or andropause is a symptom complex, experienced by a man aged 40 years and above, characterized by waning interest in sex, body malaise, hot flushes, mood swings, or feeling of uneasiness which may be brought about by the decrease in the male hormone, testosterone.
The most common physical symptoms of male menopause include longer recovery time from injuries or illness, lessening endurance for physical activity, feeling fat or gaining weight, difficulty reading small print, thinning or loss of hair, and sleep disturbance.
These physical changes have accompanying psychological and sexual symptoms as well. The most common psychological symptoms are irritability, indecisiveness, anxiety and fear, depression, loss of self confidence, loss of purpose in life, feeling lonely, unattractive and unloved, forgetfulness and difficulty in concentrating.
Its sexual symptoms include reduced interest in sex, fear of losing sexual potency, increased fantasies with new and younger partner, more relationship problems over sex, love and intimacy, and loss of erection during sexual activity.
One solution to male menopause is hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for men that are available in three different testosterone preparations – oral, intramascular and transdermal. These preparations may not be widely available in some countries, though. Urologists cautioned that HRT should only be used in certain specific cases only and be given after a thorough medical examination to rule out conditions like hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
HRT is also not recommended for long term use. It should only be used intermittently between one to three months. Prolonged use may result to side effects like severe liver problems, certain vascular conditions, lowered sperm count resulting to sterility. Other effects are enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Instead of HRT, men undergoing andropause are advised to keep a positive outlook in life. Exercise keeps one in the peak of health and proper frame of mind. Eat less fats and sweets but rather indulge in vegetables, fish, lean meat and high fiber foods. Also, consume less alcohol and avoid smoking.
Male menopause is a normal recurrence among healthy males. The good news is that the decline in male hormone is only minimal unlike in women where the drop in hormone is drastic and completely gone after menopause.
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Spongebob photo from the Internet.