Male Menopause Prevention, Complications And Treatment

Andropause is more frequently referred to as "male menopause." It explains alterations in male hormone levels brought on by aging. The terms testosterone deficiency, androgen deficiency, and late-onset hypogonadism all refer to the same set of symptoms.

In males who are 50 years of age or older, male menopause entails a decline in testosterone production. It frequently has a connection to hypogonadism. These illnesses have symptoms that are related to low testosterone levels.

In men, the testes are where testosterone is created. You get more from it than just sexual desire. Also, it supports puberty changes, supports your mental and physical vigor, supports muscle mass, supports your fight-or-flight response, and supports other essential evolutionary traits.

Menopause in males varies from menopause in women in a number of ways. For starters, not all males go through it. For example, your reproductive organs are not completely shut off. Yet, because of your reduced hormone levels, there can be sexual issues.

Causes

Although testosterone levels decrease with age in males, the loss is stable between the ages of 30 and 40, occurring at a rate of around 1% per year, and is therefore unlikely to pose any health risks.

These symptoms can occasionally be brought on by late-onset hypogonadism, often known as a testosterone deficit, but frequently they have nothing to do with hormones.

Personal or dietary concerns

Several of these symptoms may also be brought on by lifestyle choices or psychological issues.

For instance, the following factors may contribute to erectile dysfunction, poor sex drive, and mood swings:

• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety

Together with any psychological reason, erectile dysfunction can also have physical causes like smoking or heart issues.

Psychological difficulties

These are frequently triggered by troubles at work or in relationships, financial difficulties, or anxiety over aging parents.

Having a "midlife crisis" is another possibility. Men who believe they have reached life's midway point may experience this.

A time of sadness might result from worries about one's accomplishments thus far, whether in their professional or personal life.

The following are additional potential reasons for "male menopause":

• Inadequate nutrition and little sleep
• Inactivity
• Excessive alcohol consumption 
• Smoking
• Poor self-esteem

Hypogonadism of late-onset

The symptoms of "male menopause" may occasionally be caused by hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes release little or no hormones, especially when lifestyle or psychological issues do not appear to be to blame.

Sometimes hypogonadism is present from birth, which can create signs like undersized testes and delayed puberty. Moreover, hypogonadism can infrequently appear later in life, especially in men with type 2 diabetes or obesity.

The symptoms of "male menopause" can result from late-onset hypogonadism. Yet, this is a rare and distinct medical illness that is not a typical aspect of aging.

In most cases, a diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism may be determined based on your symptoms and the findings of testosterone level blood tests.

How to check if you have Male Menopause?

See a doctor if you develop any of these symptoms.

They will question you about your career and personal life to see whether a mental health disorder, such as stress or concern, may be the root of your symptoms.

You may benefit from medication or talking treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy if stress or anxiety are harming you (CBT).

Relaxation and exercise can also be beneficial.

Symptoms

Physical, sexual, and psychological issues might result from male menopause. As you age, they usually grow worse. They may consist of:

• Poor energy, melancholy, or depression
• Lower motivation
• Reduced self-confidence, difficulties focusing, problems sleeping, or insomnia
• Higher body fat
• Weakened athletic performance and diminished muscular mass
• Gynecomastia, or breast development
• Lower bone density
• Erection problems
• Infertility due to decreased libido

You may also have hot flashes, thinning body hair, smaller testicles, swelling or painful breasts, or thinning body hair. Low testosterone levels associated with male menopause and osteoporosis have been linked. This illness causes your bones to weaken and become brittle. These signs are unusual. These frequently affect men around the time that women start to go through menopause.

Testosterone Changes During the Years Before You Reach Puberty

Your testosterone levels are low after you reach puberty. Then, as you develop sexually, they get worse. The hormone testosterone is responsible for the normal changes associated with male puberty, including:

• An increase in your muscular mass
• Vocal changes, voice dropping, and changes in body hair development suggest alterations in sexual function.

Your testosterone levels will normally start to decline as you get older. Around age 30, testosterone levels in males tend to decrease on average by 1% per year. Your testosterone levels may fall more quickly or dramatically if you have certain medical issues.

While they are in their late 40s to early 50s, some men experience physical and mental symptoms such as depression, lack of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and others.

Additional signs prevalent in males of this age include:

• Changes in mood and irritation
• Loss of muscle mass and a decreased capacity for activity redistribution of fat, such as the appearance of "man boobs" or a huge belly (gynecomastia)
• An all-encompassing absence of excitement or energy
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or growing fatigue
• A lack of focus and short-term memory

It is critical to identify the underlying reason and determine what can be done to treat it because these symptoms might interfere with daily functioning and enjoyment.

Treatments

To check your testosterone levels, your doctor might draw a blood sample.

You will probably be able to manage your symptoms without medication unless male menopause is severely affecting your life or giving you great suffering. Talking to your doctor about your symptoms may be the largest obstacle to treating male menopause. Many guys are too afraid or embarrassed to talk to their doctors about sexual issues.

Making healthier lifestyle choices is the most popular method of therapy for symptoms of male menopause. For instance, your doctor could suggest that you:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Workout frequently.
• Minimize your stress and get adequate sleep

These lifestyle choices are advantageous for all males. Men who are suffering symptoms of male menopause may see a major difference in their symptoms after implementing these routines. their general well-being.

Your doctor could recommend medicines, counseling, and lifestyle modifications if you are depressed.

Another therapeutic option is hormone replacement therapy. It is, however, hotly contested. Synthetic testosterone can have negative side effects, much like performance-enhancing drugs do. For instance, it can cause the cancer cells in your prostate to spread. If your doctor recommends hormone replacement treatment, consider both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.

Complications of Male Menopause

A blood test to determine your testosterone levels may also be prescribed by your doctor.

You can be sent to an endocrinologist, or an expert in hormone issues if the test findings indicate you have a testosterone shortage.

If the doctor makes this diagnosis, you can be given the option of taking testosterone replacement therapy to treat the hormone shortage, which should make your symptoms go away.

This medicine can be injected or used topically as a gel.

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