Andropause – The Basics About Male Menopause

Usually as a man ages, his bodily systems go through some changes. Some of these changes are very noticeable while some are unnoticeable. Women experience a certain period in their lives wherein menstruation starts its cessation. Menopause in women usually occurs between the ages 45 to 55. However, like women, men also experience andropause. In this article, we are going to tackle about some basic information regarding this “male menopause”. What is male menopause and what are its common symptoms?

Andropause is believed to be the reduction of male hormone, testosterone, and this happens as men grow older. Like women, men experience andropause around the ages 45 to 55. However, the decrease in these testosterone levels in men would start as early at around age 35. But unlike women, men experience this phase of their lives gradually and not abrupt with no visible cues to reinforce such occurrence. Usually this transition phase in men’s lives runs up to decades to take full effect. It is gradual and certainly covers a large amount of time. Certain changes in mood and attitude, agility, loss of energy and sex drive accompanies this transition phase for the male. Most medical practitioners consider this phase as a normal process of aging – which it is.

During andropause, testosterone levels of men begin to gradually go down. Because of such, this makes him at risk for other health problems which might include cardiovascular diseases and tenderness of bones. Some risk factors which might help trigger the onset of andropause would include psychological stress, alcohol intake, surgery or certain injuries, infections, obesity and some medications. Lifestyle takes a huge role in the start of andropause. Living an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle would therefore attribute to the start of the gradual decline. And although the age range has been identified when this phase takes place in man’s life, there is still no exact determinant on what specific age this event starts.

Andropause symptoms normally include the loss of libido or sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, depression, nervousness, impaired memory, generalized fatigue, irritability, insomnia, hot flushes and sweating, and the inability to concentrate and focus. However, these symptoms are very vague and broad and can be difficult to diagnose. Sometimes, different individuals would have different set of symptoms. But no matter what are the symptoms for this phase, the main thing is that the testosterone levels gradually decline in the male body.

Although our body deteriorates as we age and as we grow older, this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take care of our own body. Maintaining a good and healthy lifestyle is essential in preventing the occurrence of such condition. There are some medications that can help men deal with the Andropause symptoms.