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Andropause (male menopause) is a term used to describe a state of lowered androgen levels in men as a result of the aging process. Androgens are a group of hormones that include testosterone and others. Although these are often seen as only male hormones they are also present in females but in lesser amounts.
At about the age of 40 many men begin to experience a change that is often referred to as a midlife change or, for some, a midlife crisis. Having a midlife crisis, however, has often more to do with a man’s psychology than his physiology. Mid-life crisis will be discussed in the next article.
This natural physiological and chemical shift (Andropause) has to do with the gradual decline of the production of these Androgens, particularly testosterone.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the hormone that stimulates sexual development in male children, and is responsible for the sexual drive in adult men. It also is responsible for muscle and bone growth. It has been found that even in healthy men, by the age of 55, the amount of testosterone secreted into the bloodstream is significantly lower than at age 45.
This decline takes place over many years (about 1-2% hormone loss annually from about age 35) and, by the age of about 80, most male hormone levels decrease to pre-puberty levels. The term androgen decline in aging males (or ADAM syndrome) has been used to describe this phenomenon.
As this gradual decline continues it can cause men to become distracted, irritable, disorganized, dissatisfied and even depressed. Men often have loss of libido, weight gain, suffer some forgetfulness or memory loss and become fatigued more easily.
Emotional Effects
Obviously this can be traumatic to both the men and their families. It is not the type of subject that comes up in conversation among men. Men are embarrassed by these symptoms and, when asked by a spouse or significant other about them, will often deflect the inquiry with a nebulous comment like, “Things have been really stressful lately” or “I need some time to gather my thoughts” or “It’s not you, it’s me”.
Male menopause does not effect all men the same way. Many men do not feel the intensity of symptoms that others do. Although the severity of Andropausal symptoms may vary from man to man, the inevitability of aging and the decline of youth in all its glory have its impact on all men.
Testosterone replacement therapy, strictly a medical solution, is typically suggested by urologists. This treatment, although often effective, may bring with it an increased risk of elevated PSA (a blood test that indicates a man’s risk for prostate cancer) levels in the blood. Therefore blood levels are usually checked monthly when using this treatment.
Life Changes
Testosterone decline is a natural process and addressing its impact while treating its symptoms should include alternative methods as well as traditional ones. A more holistic approach, one that would include a change of diet, an increase in exercise, a reduction in stress levels, a change in perspective and an overall healthier attitude can go a long way in helping a man cope with the aging process. In fact, there are indicators that show that when a man stays active, reduces substance consumption (eg: alcohol, fatty foods, etc.) and stress, he will likely experience fewer symptoms of Andropause.
There is a natural ebb and flow in everyone’s life. Men who are experiencing a downturn in mood caused by symptoms described above would do well to talk with their doctor or therapist about how they are feeling. Once a man realizes that what he is going through may be a natural process that can be treated he is likely to get better.
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