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Male Menopause
Male Menopause?
"Menopause". This period of life is usually associated with women and women only, but some researchers have suggested that males may go through a similar experience. Doctors are still divided over the issue of the male menopause, with some arguing that it is an emotionally triggered mid-life crisis, while others insist that it is a physical condition, similar to that suffered by women and, likewise, brought on by changing hormone levels (in particular, of the key male hormone, testosterone).
Regardless, the fact is that levels of available testosterone (called "Free Active Testosterone" or FAT) do start to fall between the ages of 45 and 55. It is this decrease that is responsible for many of the symptoms reported at this time.
Male menopause (also called viropause or andropause) begins with hormonal, physiological, and chemical changes that occur in all men generally between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can occur as early as 35 or as late as 65.
These changes affect all aspects of a man´s life. Male menopause is thus a physical condition with psychological, interpersonal, societal and spiritual dimensions.
World-wide, there are 408 million men between the ages of 40 and 55 who are now going through male menopause. In less than 25 years, the number of men world-wide going through male menopause will grow to approximately 690 million.
What causes Menopause?
Hormonal changes greatly affect men going through male menopause. Lowered levels of hormones at mid-life are central to the changes associated with male menopause.
Increased depression and weight gain, in addition to decreased sex drive and sense of well-being and health, correspond to lowered levels of particular hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, vasopressin, growth hormone, melatonin, DHEA, pregnenolone, thyroid hormone and testosterone). Although these hormones tend to decrease with age, each man is unique and individual levels vary widely.
Am I going through male menopause?
In a recent study, when men were given the same checklists of symptoms from a typical PMS questionnaire (omitting the female specific symptoms, such as breast tenderness) men reported having as many premenstrual type symptoms as women do (reduced or increased energy, irritability, and other negative moods, back pain, sleeplessness, headaches, confusion, etc.).
A decline in testosterone levels affects bones, joints, muscle, arteries and veins and almost every major organ system, because they all require testosterone to maintain optimum function. Hence, quite a number of symptoms are seen at male menopause.
The most common physical symptoms of male menopause include:
- Taking longer to recover from injuries and illness.
- Less endurance for physical activity.
- Feeling fat and gaining weight.
- Difficulty reading small print.
- Loss or thinning of hair.
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue.
- "Sore body syndrome" - stiffness.
- Excessive sweating.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Itching.
The most common psychological symptoms of male menopause include:
- Irritability.
- Indecisiveness.
- Anxiety and fear.
- Depression.
- Loss of self-confidence and joy.
- Loss of purpose and direction in life.
- Feeling lonely, unattractive and unloved.
- Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
The most common sexual symptoms of male menopause include:
- Reduced interest in sex. Men may require direct physical stimulation to get an erection; a sexy sight or fantastic fantasy may not arouse them as it did before.
- Increased anxiety and fear about losing sexual potency.
- Increased fantasies about having sex with a new and younger partner.
- More relationship problems and fights over sex, love and intimacy.
- Loss of erection during sexual activity (impotence). Erections may take longer to occur and the full erection may not get quite as firm as it used to.
- There is less of an urge to ejaculate. Sometimes a man might not feel the need to orgasm at all.
- The force of ejaculation is not as strong as it once was. The amount of the ejaculate is less and one may have fewer sperm.
- The testicles shrink and the scrotal sack droops. The sack does not bunch up as much during arousal.
Since the physical, psychological and sexual aspects are interconnected, most of these symptoms can be prevented and treated by concentrating on the whole man.
What can I do?
Certain lifestyle changes have helped men in going through this period of their lives:
1. Diet. A healthy diet, which includes a balanced amount of vegetables, fruits, meats, fish and diary products, is essential.
2. Fitness. Engage in regular exercise, including aerobic, muscular and flexibility exercises.
3. Get regular health checkups. Regular health care visits and screenings are important contributors to men's health and longevity, due to the potential risks of developing, for example, cardiovascular problems, prostate and testicular cancer, and strokes.
4. Check hormone levels as you get older. Generally between 40 and 55 a number of important hormones in a man's body begin to decline.
5. Reduce stress and worry in your life. Stress is a major source of trouble for men at midlife. Exercise and relaxation help to reduce stress, as does talking to your partners, friends and family about your problems.
6.Sex can still be important to a man, but, as you go through the menopause, you might start to view sex as only a part of a relationship which also includes friendship, love, intimacy, sharing and spirituality.
7. Get plenty of sleep.
8. Find a supportive friend or group and talk to them about what you're going through.
How is male menopause treated?
The individual symptoms of male menopause may be treated individually. For example, the new drug, Viagra (sildenafil) has been suggested to overcome the problem of impotence.
However, since the underlying cause of the changes associated with male menopause is the low level of free active testosterone (FAT), some researchers believe that giving men replacement hormones may allow them to remain vital and healthy well into old age. These replacement hormones may, for example, come in the form of pellets placed under the skin which release testosterone over time. Certain clinics, such as the Gold Cross Medical Centre in London, offer the combined treatment of Viagra and Testosterone, which they claim is a good treatment for the menopause.
All men should note, however, that research on hormone replacement therapy for men is relatively new and men should be cautious in embarking on such therapy. The condition of your heart, liver and prostate gland must be monitored and treatment should only be undertaken under supervision of a physician trained in this medical specialty.
How is it going to affect my life?
The way in which every man handles menopause depends on his own character. Certainly, a lot of stresses tend to appear around this time of life. For example, it is a time when your children might be leaving; when friends might be getting sick; when job horizons are narrowing; and when some marriages may be breaking up. Combined with the physical, psychological and sexual symptoms that we've talked about, it is critical for men to acknowledge and address the problems that they experience. A variety of support groups are available - many men have found men´s support groups to be a positive influence in their lives. In addition, the role of the family doctor and your own family (especially spouse) and friends should not be dismissed at this time. The menopause is certainly not all doom and gloom - it is the start of a new period in one's life and it should be welcomed in by finding the best way for you to deal with all of these lifestyle changes.
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