Male menopause is primarily changes in hormones due to aging. It is a normal situation and almost every man goes through it. However, male menopause is quite different from that in females in terms of symptoms, signs and treatment. The hormonal changes are extremely normal, menopause it just a situation that occurs with age and is not a disease. It just needs to be handled properly. Unlike in women which happens with the onset of menopause, it might take several years to actually happen in men. Read on to know every thing about male menopause.
Demystifying the term male menopause
The term male menopause basically points out at the decrease in the male hormone known as testosterone. It also encompasses around the age-related reduction in the testosterone’s bio-availability. Menopause in men is a different concept than that in women and thus needs to be understood differently. Menopause in women happens in a short time period unlike that in men which takes years to actually happen. Male menopause is marked by the lack of testosterone unlike in women’s menopause wherein the hormone production plunges down and ovulation comes to an end. Menopause in women is more noticeable in terms of symptoms and signs. In men these changes tend to occur stealthily. Doctors have given a term to menopause in males’ i.e. Andropause.
Understanding the time effect
The male hormone behaves differently at different time frames. The level of testosterone varies with time and must be understood properly. Younger men have higher testosterone levels as compared to that of older men. The level of Testosterone tends to decline with passing age. The advent of decrease in testosterone level starts at the age of thirty in most men and falls at the rate of 1% every year.
Identifying low levels of testosterone
Low testosterone level might cause certain complications or simple changes that might help you identify the decrease in the levels. It is not necessary that these symptoms are always present. Low testosterone levels might cause changes in the sexuality of the man. This includes erectile dysfunction along with lack of sexual desire. One visible effect of depletion of testosterone is the reduction in the size of testes. Disturbed sleep or insomnia is also sign of low testosterone levels. In some men the condition is totally different as they tend to feel sleepier when the testosterone starts to deplete. The body fat might increase and in turn lead to reduction in strength and muscle mass. Tender or swollen breasts are also signs of low testosterone levels. A person might also lose body hair because of low testosterone.
Manage the emotional changes
With the depletion of testosterone level in the body, a man might also feel emotionally disturbed. You might feel demotivated or lack confidence as a side effect. The feeling of depressions and poor concentration too can be attributed to low testosterone levels in the body. It is important to accept these issues properly and understand that they are normal. However, it is recommended not to ignore all these symptoms as they might be directing you towards some other issue in your body like thyroid, depression, medication side effects, etc.
Tests for finding out the testosterone level
A blood test is essential for determining the level of testosterone in the body.
See a doctor
It is very important to deal with low testosterone level properly, do not feel shy in expressing your situation to the doctor. The doctor might recommend certain tests for diagnosing the real problem. Explain all the signs and symptoms that you might be experiencing. Take proper treatment and be responsible towards the medication. Seek help of a psychiatrist if your feel depressed and fail to manage the stress.
Make healthy choices
It is very important to lead a happy life by making healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and stick to a well balanced healthy diet. Exercise daily and sleep properly.
