Male menopause, also called Andropause, refers to a gradual decline in a man's testosterone levels. Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for creating and releasing sperm, initiating sex drive, and providing muscular strength.
Male menopause is also often referred to as "mid-life crisis". Not all men will go through this condition but it is still unknown why those that will do. Hormone levels tend to peak around the ages of 15 to 18 in most males. During a man’s mid to late 20s, his hormone levels will begin to drop slowly. These hormone levels should remain at a healthy state. However, some men experience a significant drop in their testosterone levels by the time they are 40. By age 50, half of all men experience a significant reduction in testosterone levels, causing a variety of uncomfortable ailments.
Causes of Male Menopause
Male menopause can occur naturally with age in some men. More often than not, though, it is triggered by illness, depression, dementia, and obesity. Certain diseases that attack the heart and lungs also seem to affect the production of testosterone. Men who have had autoimmune diseases or cancer seem to be at an increased risk for low testosterone levels. Men at their 40s and 50s also start to develop testicular problems. These may also result in a decrease in the levels of testosterone produced.
Effects/Symptoms of male menopause
1. Drop in sex drive (libido)
Not only does the man have less interest in sex, he will also have sex less frequently. From an average of 3-4 times a week in his twenties, sexual frequency declines to once a week or so in his fifties to 1-2 times a month in his late seventies. A related symptom is that sex becomes less enjoyable for the man.
2. Fatigue, mental exertion
The amount of energy a man usually needs to go on for one whole day may have a slower pace in the event of male menopause. The same level of physical activities he had in the past may take more of his time now with considerably more effort.
3. Forgetfulness, decreased ability to remember and to concentrate
There is a noticeable change in the ability to remember in male menopause. It also becomes more difficult to focus, which ordinarily is one of men’s strengths.
4. Feelings of anger, anxiety, irritability and depression
Dealing with others on their actions or events that were once easily accepted may not be as easy as before.
5. Weight gain
Increase in body fat and body weight accompanied with loss of muscle mass is usually observed in male menopause. A male that is sedentary will lose about 10% of his muscle each decade.
6. Sleep difficulties
Sleep, especially uninterrupted deep sleep, is the time when the body repairs itself and rejuvenate before it gets ready for another bout through the next day.
One of the male menopause symptoms is having difficulty in falling asleep, not sleeping well and having a restless time during the last part of sleep before awakening. Not getting enough quality sleep over time can have serious health consequences.
7. Osteoporosis
Even though a male begins to lose bone mass considerably later in life than a woman on the average does, bone loss will happen and may be considered another symptom of male menopause. Women often begin losing bone mass as early as in their thirties, whereas bone loss begins later in life for a man.
8. Confusion, indecisiveness, declining self-confidence
Part of being a healthy male is the ability to solve problems, to be efficient, to be competent, to have power, and to achieve. A consequence of experiencing male menopause symptoms is the depletion of these crucial aspects of being a man.
If you notice your father, brother or partner behaving strangely, seek help so that they are able to understand this change better.
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