Male Menopause: Symptoms and Treatments

Male menopause is an actual condition that affects men as they age and is referred to as "andropause" by the medical community. Unlike menopause in women which consists of a sudden drop in hormones, andropause is a gradual drop in testosterone in men as they age. Beginning around age 30, testosterone in men begins to drop by 1% a year. However, most men do not see the effects in the drop in testosterone until around age 50 to 60. By the age of 70, most men have lost up to 50% of their testosterone.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

As men age they begin to see signs of the occurrence of male menopause. According to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, these signs include:

- Sexual Changes - A reduced desire for sex and less spontaneous erections may occur. Infertility may also occur. Men may also see a change in testes as they become smaller.

- Physical Changes - As testosterone levels fall men may see changes in their physical appearance such as weight gain, loss of muscle mass and strength, tender or swollen breasts, hair loss, and decreased bone density. Loss of energy and hot flashes may also occur.

- Sleep Disturbances - Insomnia, sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders may occur due to low testosterone levels.

- Changes in Emotional Well-Being - Low testosterone levels can cause some men to experience depression, low energy, concentration and memory problems, low self-esteem, irritability and a sense of isolation. Some men turn to unhealthy and dangerous behaviors such as drinking alcohol excessively, engaging in risky behavior and using illegal drugs. Working excessively may also be a behavior change for some men.

Treatment of Male Menopause

Before a man can be treated for male menopause it is important for him to have his testosterone levels checked by a doctor. This is done by a simple blood test. Some of the symptoms of male menopause can be explained simply by the natural aging process or the use of certain prescription medications. It is important for your doctor to know what is causing your symptoms so he can prescribe the right treatment.

Testosterone replacement therapy is available to help men who have low levels of testosterone, but this treatment is controversial. Some men find this treatment to work without any problems, but in older men testosterone replacement therapy can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer as well as cause other health problems. You should have a serious conversation with your doctor about the pros and cons of this treatment before trying it.

Safer ways to treat male menopause include:

• Eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean meats and low in fats and refined sugar.

• Exercising at least 30 minutes each day. A regular exercise program will not only help build muscle and lose fat but is also beneficial for raising mood and increasing concentration and memory.

• Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.

• See a doctor if you are experiencing depression or mood changes, especially if it is causing dangerous behaviors or thoughts of suicide.

What about Herbal Remedies?

There are many herbal remedies that are marketed for male menopause, but to date there is no proof that any of these products can raise testosterone levels in men. Many can also be unsafe or cause dangerous side-effects. Talk to your doctor before trying any over-the-counter herbal remedies for male menopause.

Male menopause is a real condition and men should seek treatment if they are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding the signs and symptoms of male menopause and finding the appropriate treatment can help men find relief and stay healthy as they age.

Source:

Male Menopause: Myth or Reality? by Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN