Does Male Menopause Really Exist

May 20th, 2008 by admin

There has been some debate about the reality of male menopause. During the past year, many healthcare and other professionals have pondered this matter, does this condition really exists or not. Recently new research has found that male menopause does exist.

Menopause in men is associated with the same named condition that presents similar symptoms that occur in case of women. However, a major difference between the two genders’ conditions is that menopause in men does not end their reproductive ability.

Furthermore, it is still argued that such a condition cannot be called menopause because menopause refers to the stage when the menstrual cycles stop, and since men do not have menstrual cycles, one might wonder how the term menopause applies to them. Apart from this, one more thing that favors this argument is that male menopause is not as universal as menopause in women. Many men never go through the condition.

Actually male menopause refers to Andropause, which is a state in which the testosterone levels go down. However, it does not completely cease. Levels are just lowered and this gives rise to menopausal symptoms. Further, note that men who have developed male menopause do produce sperm, so their potency is not lost.

Age is the reason for the lowering of testosterone and therefore for the male menopause as well. It starts at the age between 40 and 50. However, in some cases it can start anywhere between the age of 35 to 65. Some other factors contribute to the occurrence of male menopause. Some are listed below:

• Hypothalamic sluggishness,
• Over consumption of alcohol,
• Hormonal deficiencies,
• Poor diet,
• Medications,
• Depression,
• Problems with blood circulation,
• Increase in estrogen levels

Some of the symptoms of male menopause are given below-

• Lethargy depression
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Hot flushes
• Increased irritability
• Weakness
• Decreased libido
• Loss of bone mass as well as body mass,
• Difficulties in sustaining or even attaining erections

Most individuals do not anticipate these changes and therefore they may consider them a major crisis or cause of concern. In addition, if these men do not receive support from their partners at this stage, their various symptoms may result in anxieties and doubts, all of which can lead to sexual frustration and eventually total impotence.

The chances of occurrence of male menopause or its severity can be reduced through some activities. Some of them are:

• Keep yourself free from stress
• Eat a good high-fiber, low fat, and nutritious diet
• Keep your body fit through exercises
• Stay away from depressive situations
• Reduce the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water

If you experience these symptoms, you need to consult a doctor. Testosterone replacement therapy is very effective in relieving from these symptoms. However, this can develop some side effects as well. Therefore, it is important to diagnose whether your testosterone levels are down, also you must decide if you want to proceed with some type of therapy. During testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone is available orally, through injection, or through trans-dermal implants.

Posted in Health, Male Infertility, Mens Issues, Sexual Health

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