Male Menopause: Cause, Symptoms and Treatment Options

It has been found that men can suffer from male menopause. The difference between male and female menopause is male menopause occurs in a small population of men, while menopause affects every women. There are certain facts and conditions that can contribute to having male menopause. There are symptoms a man may experience that could be signs he is going through male menopause. There are also ways a doctor can diagnose male menopause, and treatment options that are available.

Cause of Male Menopause

Scientist and researchers have found that the main cause of male menopause is the reduction level in testosterone in middle aged men, and especially in elderly men. Poor health and obesity can also contribute to the onset of male menopause.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

A man going through male menopause may experience weight gain, excess sweating, depression and decrease in bone density. The most common symptoms a man may experience are erectile dysfunction and lack of sex drive.

Diagnose Male Treatment

If a man is experiencing a few or all of these symptoms, it is important to get a full exam from a doctor. This exam will rule out any other conditions or medical problems such as diabetes, which can also be the cause of low testosterone. A doctor will give many blood test including a blood testosterone level test.

Treatment Options

If it is found that a man has low testosterone, a doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy, which could help relieve the male menopause symptoms. This therapy can be done through patches, injections, gels, creams and oral form. Before any treatment begins, discuss the pros and cons of having testosterone replacement therapy with a doctor. Negative side effects from the replacement therapy can worsen prostate cancer, and put men at a higher risk of having a stroke and increase liver toxicity. Having regular PSA tests, otherwise know as a prostate test, may be necessary to make sure there are no changes in a man's prostate. Testosterone therapy is advised if there is visible bone density or sexual dysfunction.

Lifestyle Changes

There are lifestyle changes that can help a man through male menopause. Changing eating habits and going on a low-fat diet can help with symptoms. Also, getting on a regular exercise program will help. Drinking plenty of water is also important, and the key to maintaining good health.

For more information on male menopause go to www.medincinenet.com, www.webmd.com and www.howstuffworks.com.