25/10/2021
Almost everyone is familiar with the fact that when women reach middle age, their bodies begin to go through a process known as menopause.
However, did you know that a percentage of men go through a similar development?
This process is known as or male menopause.
What is Andropause?
Andropause refers to the symptoms men experience as their testosterone (male *x hormone) production levels decrease with age.
After the age of 40, levels start to decline and the symptoms associated with andropause begin to manifest.
Andropause shares many symptoms with menopause, albeit milder.
Andropause does not involve a complete shutdown of the male reproductive organs. However, s*xual complications may arise as a result of lowered levels.
While menopause affects all women at some point in their life, andropause is said to occur in only a portion of men...
The rate of decline in testosterone levels varies in different individuals and is affected by chronic disease, such as obesity, illness, serious emotional stress, and medications.
The decline can be slowed down by management of health, healthy living and lifestyle modifications.
Testosterone fuels:
- s*x drive
- changes during puberty
- mental and physical energy
Testosterone
- maintains muscle mass
- regulates fight-or-flight response
Andropause can cause physical, s*xual, and psychological problems.
These include but not limited to:
-low energy
-depression or sadness
-anger (road rage...)
-decreased motivation
-brain fog
-lowered self-confidence
-difficulty concentrating
-insomnia or difficulty sleeping
-increased body fat (beer belly)
-reduced muscle bulk and strength,
-fatigue and feelings of physical weakness
-mild unexplained anemia
-digestive disorders: excessive gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation or diarrhoea
-adult onset allergies or worsening allergies
-development of breasts
-decreased bone density
-reduced s*xual desire and activity
-decreased spontaneous erections or erectile dysfunction
-infertility
-breast discomfort or swelling
-decreased testicle size
-loss of body hair
-hot flashes
It is normal for men to experience a decline in testosterone levels as they get older. The symptoms are manageable for most even without treatment.
Treatment
-eat a healthy diet
-get regular exercise
-get enough sleep
-reduce your stress
If your symptoms are causing you hardship, speak to your doctor...
I wish you good health and happiness,
Dr Nse