Growing older decreases* the level of sex hormone in both male and female. This lowering of hormone is menopause. On attaining a certain age menopause shutdowns the reproductive system in females. In men it is a slower process.
What Is Menopause In Men?
Men do not go through a well-defined menstrual cycle as compared with women. Male menopause is a decline of androgen or a low level of testosterone. This actually hits male with ageing. Male menopause involves a drop of testosterone level in men at the age of 50 or later. This is as same as hypogonadism.
Diminished* functional activity of gonads is hypogonadism. Andropause and hypogonadism are likely to have same symptoms. Both results in a lowered testosterone level. According to a popular medical survey, approximately thirty percent of men experience menopause. The male menopause strikes after the 50s. In few cases the onset of menopause is usually late.
Testosterone is a hormone produced in testes. This mainly works as the sex hormone in men and also helps in maintaining the muscle mass. The hormone also controls fight or flight response, also called the “hyperarousal”.
The significant changes to testosterone levels occur during puberty. It also maintains mental states such as mood, anger and sexual stimulation. Male menopause actually differs with female in few ways. Men menopause might affect only a few but every females experiences menopause.
Hyperarousal
Symptoms Of Male Menopause
Male menopause can affect a man with physical, sexual and psychological problems. Effects of menopause can vary from person to person. In general menopause can involve complications like:
Fatigue or lowering in energy.
Depression.
Lowering in motivation.
Lack of confidence.
Lack of concentration.
Difficulty sleeping.
Increases* body fat.
Makes a person feel weak.
Development of breasts.
Lowering of bone density.
Dysfunction of erection.
Reduction* of libido.
Infertility.
Menopause can also cause swollen breasts, loss of body hair, hot flashes and change in testicles size. Low level of testosterone may also link up osteoporosis with menopause. In this condition a person can experience weak and brittle bones. These are very rare symptoms which may or may not affect a person.
Causes Of Men’s Menopause
The lowering of testosterone level is the prime reason of menopause in men. With ageing the production of testosterone reduces*. Another hormone called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) begins to increase*. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) pulls and binds the available testosterone in blood.
The amount of testosterone not bound to the SHBG is bioavailable testosterone. Bioavailable testosterone is the part of testosterone used by our body. Men experiencing symptoms associated with andropause have lowered bioavailable testosterone in their blood.
The tissues stimulated by testosterone receives a lower amount of stimulation. This lesser stimulation affects the amount of changes needed in the body. Men can have sexual and other health complications during menopause. For example, male menopause effects the physical and mental states, resulting mood swings or fatigue.
Changes In Testosterone Levels Based On Age
Changes In Testosterone Levels Based On Age
Before puberty a male has low level of testosterone. After hitting puberty the testosterone level goes up as a person matures sexually. Testosterone is the hormone that triggers some typical changes involved in male puberty. It increases* muscle mass, body hair, changes voice and boosts* sexual functioning.
With ageing this hormone level starts to drop. On an average the testosterone level drops by one percent per year after attaining an age of thirty. Some health issues can trigger lowering of the hormone at an early age.
For example, problems with the pituitary glands, genetic disorders and damage to testes. When it starts to decrease* drastically it’s time to consult a doctor. The lowering of testosterone level is natural with ageing. The sperm count also decreases*. Most health conditions experienced by the person during menopause are natural changes.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Male Menopause
Generally doctors prescribe the person for blood tests. This tests will determine the testosterone level. Unless the menopause onset causes major impacts on daily life, treatments are not needed. Men usually shy away from discussing the sexual symptoms with their doctors.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Male Menopause
The most natural treatment that a doctor suggest is to have a healthy diet, have enough sleep, fight stresses and indulge in physical activity to have a healthier life. An adult requires at least seven to nine hours of sleep to be healthy. Exposure to UV light through sun exposure helps in reviving T levels.
A balanced diet includes vitamins, minerals and proteins. To boost* up the energy level, men can eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, low fat dairy and plant based proteins.
Zinc plays an important role in the production of testosterone. This mineral is easy to get through foods like pork shoulder, cashew nuts, chickpeas. One can take natural Zinc supplements if necessary.
Alcohol consumption relaxes us by releasing endorphins into the brain. Endorphins usually impact the T production. For example, beer contains hops which contains potent phytoestrogen. Hops is responsible for flavoring and stability in beer. This is converted into oestrogen which reduces* T levels.
All men should follow a routine workout that includes cardio and resistance training. Many Doctors suggests at-least twenty to thirty minutes of intense workout. That includes at least three days of weight training per week.
Following a routine and a healthy lifestyle, all men can experience good effects. With the execution of these habits a menopause affected person will be able to see a gradual change in their health.
Since menopause causes depression, few doctors also prescribe antidepressants. However, continuous use of antidepressants may cause side-effects like nervous disorders, fatigue, drowsiness.
Hormone replacement therapy is another process available for menopause affected people. This is a controversial process. This is like few performance-enhancing steroids. One can take artificial testosterone through skin patches, gels, capsules, injections and supplements. Initially, artificial hormone usually drive you out of menopause.
Symtoms of men menopause
Prolonged use results in serious side-effects such as blood clots, chest pain, strokes, muscle pain and high blood pressure . It can even trigger the growth of prostate cancer cells. Those men having cardiovascular disorder are mostly prescribed with blood thinners. These generally enlarge the prostate and can cause liver or kidney problems. If your doctor prescribes hormone replacement therapy it is better to judge both the positive and negative consequences.
Read More: What Is The Normal Testosterone Level For Men In 40s And 50s?
Conclusion:
Testosterone is important for a healthy body and sexual well-being. Menopause in men is not very common. In most cases, men aren’t able to understand the onset of menopause. They consider it to be a natural degeneration. Type 2 diabetes, obesity and kidney problems often trigger low T symptoms. Natural remedies to boost* T production can help in postponing the onset of menopause in men.
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