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We've all heard about female menopause. But did you know that andropause or male menopause, also exists? Read to know what its causes, symptoms & treatment are.
The medical community may be split when naming the condition unanimously because it is nothing similar to female menopause. Male menopause is often deemed by many as an inappropriate term as the term ‘menopause’ usually refers to permanent changes in the case of females.
But the fact that there is an increased observation in the hormone change in some men as they age into their fifties is undeniable. And though it isn’t something that many men may experience until their fifties, the loss of testosterone actually begins by the time they hit their forties. It is a stage that accompanies them with fatigue, weakness, depression, anxiety, and low libido.
And so, to be very specific about male menopause, it is caused by the deficiency of androgen in older men. This is definitely different than what women go through but it does take a significant toll on the mental and physical health of individuals who suffer from it.
The Reality Of Male Menopause
Male menopause or more accurately andropause, as it is sometimes known, is the decrease in sexual gratification. This usually happens due to a decrease in the levels of testosterone in men as mentioned earlier but it’s also resulted from an increase in estrogen levels. And yes, men have estrogen too, albeit at a much lower level than women. Testosterone can actually get converted to estrogen in men with a higher percentage of body fat. This obviously doesn’t increase testosterone levels in their body and actually reduces it.
With that being said, it is important to also understand that male menopause and what women experience during menopause are different in the following ways,
- Men don't go through a well-defined menopause period
- Hormone production doesn't stop completely
- Not all men experience it
The various male menopause symptoms are the primary reasons why it is important to take andropause seriously, some of which are:
- Depression
- Lack of self-esteem and self-confidence
- Insomnia
- Reduced muscle mass
- Decreased bone density
- Erectile dysfunction, etc.
Causes of Male Menopause
Fair warning: Every male is going through a reduction in testosterone production as they age, but this is more prominent in some men than others. While the primary reason for male menopause is the reduction in testosterone levels, there are other factors that may be catalysts too. An example of something of such a caliber would be psychological issues that an individual may be going through. These may stem from relationship issues, challenges at work, or going through some sort of midlife crisis. All of it is pivotal in this case.
How To Treat Male Menopause?
Learning about this may be a very mind-boggling learning experience for you as it was for me. But there is a silver lining here, guys. The male menopause treatment is as simple as a manageable change in lifestyle such as eating healthier, indulging in exercises, quitting smoking, getting more sleep, etc. While we are talking about healthy lifestyles, why leave masturbation out of the loop when it helps in reducing stress and relaxes you while improving your immunity, heart, etc.? I would suggest that you get some sex toys for men like Beat. It is a great vibrating ribbed massager that can be an absolute ally for your self-care sessions.
However, in some cases, making mere lifestyle changes may not be enough and so it is advised to consult a doctor who may suggest medications like hCG or Clomiphene (Clomid) or vitamin supplements for male menopause that help offset a hormone imbalance.
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