Male Menopause

Many of us are well aware that women suffer from the biological process of menopause, however now researchers have had the rising awareness that men are showing signs of male menopause also known as Androgen decline by many physicians. Menopause is often described as the body¡¦s ceasing to make the proper hormones for fertility to be possible. Male menopause however is slightly different than the common known female form. Unlike female menopause, male menopause is the slow drawn out process of testosterone decline, and has many times been referenced as having a "mid-life crisis". Most common forms of male menopause is found in aging men and usually begins between the ages of forty and fifty then more dramatically after seventy. The positive side of male menopause is that it does not affect everyone.

Lower than normal testosterone levels do not always give symptoms, in fact some of these symptoms could be signs of normal aging. You can assure yourself about male menopause only by specific blood testing by your physician. Some of the symptoms of male menopause are as follows:

"X A reduced sexual desire

"X Infertility

"X A decrease in spontaneous erections (often during sleep)

"X Loss of body and pubic hair

"X Thinning bones or loss of height

"X Testes that are small or shrinking

"X Reduced strength and muscle bulk

"X Decreased energy, self confidence and motivation

"X Feeling depressed

"X Poor memory and concentration

"X Sleep problems such as sleep apnea

"X Increased body fat

"X Diminished physical or work performance.

If you have spoken to a physician and been diagnosed with male menopause or androgen decline there are ways to treat low testosterone levels such as hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement can be given in many forms, such as oral, implants, injectible, herbal and trans-dermal, however it is not recommended to use oral hormone replacement as it could increase liver toxicity or cause or worsen other medical problems and herbal remedies have not been approved safe or effective for aging elated low testosterone. You should talk with you doctor prior to use of any hormone replacement as they could cause side effects or problems with other medications.

While there is no sure way to avoid lowering testosterone levels there are several ways you can reduce your risk or even reduce the affect they have on your body such as:

"X Eat a balanced nutritious diet

"X Get regular exercise

"X Limit alcohol and caffeine intake

"X Drink plenty of water

If you have been diagnosed with male menopause be sure to talk with your physician about erectile problems as your physician can help you find the best way to cope. Spouses always remember that if you are not understanding of your partners¡¦ condition it could bring about a powerful combination of anxieties and doubts that can result in total impotence and sexual frustration. However with proper diagnosis and treatment male menopause can be a controllable biological process.