The Truth about Male Menopause

Menopause used to be a condition experienced only by women. When a woman reaches the age of 40 and above, her menstrual cycle stops and she can no longer get pregnant. During this time, a woman may feel a rollercoaster of emotions since her hormonal levels drop significantly. Most women undergoing menopausal phase become prone to depression, irritability, mood swings, and hot flushes.

Today, menopause is no longer about women only. Over the recent years, it was discovered that men also experience a similar phenomenon. Male menopause, which also comes by the name, “andropause” occurs when a man reaches the age of 45 to 60. Production of testosterone, which is the male hormone, reduces considerably. However, unlike women, men can go on to have children.

The concept of male menopause has debunked the myth that men are ageless in terms of sexual activity. While women experience mid-life crises, men go on with their lives. Many even believe the adage that “life begins at 40” because for men, mid-life crises do not exist. This is why, male menopause has stirred up much issue and controversy in the society and in the medical community as well.

So what is the truth about male menopause? Does it really exist? Or is it a just a ploy towards gender equality? If it does exist, what are its symptoms? Are there external factors that can contribute to this condition? Can it be treated? This article will seek to answer these questions and give clarifications to controversial issues surrounding this phenomenon.
Male Menopause: Truth or Myth?

The truth is: male menopause does exist. However, this condition does not affect men in the same degree and intensity. Some men experience intense symptoms, others have symptoms that are so feeble, they could hardly notice it.

Symptoms
The physical and psychological symptoms of male menopause are similar to the symptoms that women experience. An estimated 40 percent of men aged 40 to 60 would experience lethargy, irritability, mood swings, reduced libido, depression, hot flushes, insomnia, lack of energy, decrease in strength and endurance, loss of body and bone mass, and erection difficulty.

Coping with male menopause
Just like with female menopause, male menopause is not easy either. However, there are many ways to cope with this condition such as finding new ways to relieve stress (massage, new hobby, sports, yoga, and so on), having a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and sleep, exercising regularly, joining a support group, and reducing intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Treatment

One of the ways to treat male menopause is through the Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). This is effective in relieving some symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue and depression. However, this kind of treatment may have potential side effects and risks such as prostate cancer for instance. It is important to choose responsible physicians and to undergo a thorough check up before having this kind of therapy.

Male menopause is a reality that many men have to face. If you are among those who experience low-intensity symptoms, you are lucky. But if you are suffering from this condition, there is no need to despair as there are various ways to cope with male menopause and have it treated.