Male Menopause: Does It Happen?

Have you ever wondered if male menopause happens? Mood swings, irritability, hot flashes, and insomnia may sound like a few issues you do not mind letting your woman handle. But if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be in the throes of male menopause, or andropause. Menopause has been associated with women for thousands of years but they are not alone. The good news is that medical professionals now recognize that some men go through a similar change of life generally around the age of 40. There is no need to panic. Treating male menopause can help return the vitality to live a full life.

What Causes Male Menopause? Testosterone levels decrease with age, but can also be precipitated at anytime due to poor eating habits, little exercise, extreme alcohol consumption, weight gain, smoking, circulatory problems, and medication. During male menopause, some health conditions of the lungs or heart can cause significant changes in the output of testosterone. Units of testosterone are decreased when an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen is present in male menopause.

Signs Of Male Menopause As testosterone levels decrease, additional commonalities of menopause that men share with women include night sweats, extreme tiredness, low libido, and depression. Because testosterone is significant to sexual maturity, a once healthy sex drive may start to curtail in the beginning stages of male menopause. Healthy testosterone levels are also vital to lean muscle growth. Muscle weakness may be a sign of diminishing hormone levels.  

Diagnosing and Treating Male Menopause If you believe you are experiencing male menopause, make an appointment with your doctor. He, or she, will begin with a physical assessment, and health questions followed by testing to diagnose your condition. To find out if other health conditions exist, diagnostic testing is conducted. Laboratory tests are ordered to check hormone levels in the blood. After determining the status of your condition, the doctor can ascertain the appropriate steps to handle the situation.

With a medical diagnosis of male menopause, your doctor will discuss treatment options. Though Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is available to improve testosterone levels, it increases the risk of prostate cancer or worsens the condition if it exists. Changes in mood and energy level can also be affected by the use of TRT. Additional options include holistic remedies to improve sex drive and emotional well-being. Improving diet and physical activity may be advised to regulate sleep and encourage healthy living. Talk with your doctor to determine what treatment is right for you.  

Resources:

Male Menopause

Risk of Prostate  Cancer

Testosterone