What Is Male Menopause?

Just as the female menopause marks the end of her reproductive cycle, men experience a range of changes and symptoms as they grow, and some people compare these changes to the effects of menopause. Some call it andropause, however, that remains an unclear term. One thing is clear: aging has certain effects within the male body; gradual drop testosterone levels is one of these changes. What are the effects of aging on men`s hormones, and how can they reduce the impact on their health? Let`s talk about it.

These symptoms that men undergo as they age are medically referred to as androgen decline in the aging male (ADAM), or late-onset hypogonadism. It entails a loss of functionality in the organs that produce sex cells, and affects only 2.1 percent of males, while menopause, in their female counterparts, is a natural part of female sexual development, and affects virtually all females. To ascertain that a man is experiencing late-onset hypogonadism, he must demonstrate certain sexual symptoms such as reduced androgen levels lower than 11 nanomoles per liter (nmol), decreased testosterone, hot flashes, moodiness, excessive sweating, depression, fatigue, irritability, loss of muscle mass, fat build-up around the abdomen and the chest, dry and thin skin, an inability to walk more than a kilometer, difficulty kneeling, bending, and stooping, as well as difficulty completing strenuous physical tasks such as running or lifting heavy objects. The most common symptoms of male menopause, however, remain decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and a lower frequency of morning erections.

Causes of Male Menopause

Poor Exercising

Older men who rarely exercise are at risk of decreasing testosterone. Health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure make older men more vulnerable to male menopause as a result of not exercising.

Other risk factors include smoking, anxiety, sleep deprivation, alcohol consumption, and stress.

Age

After 30 years, men`s testosterone levels slowly decrease, falling an average of one percent per year, however, this age factor as a reason for male menopause remains a debate because not every man experiences it.

How to Treat Male Menopause

Treatment options are usually according to symptoms

• There may be some blood tests and scans to check for symptoms of fatigue and erectile dysfunction.
• An obese person will get some support for weight management and an exercise regimen. They are also usually advised to change their diet and consume well-balanced and nutritious meals instead.
• People with cardiovascular disease and diabetes will need some regulation for their blood glucose levels.
• Individuals with signs of depression or anxiety may need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist who may prescribe psychotherapy, antidepressants, or both.

7 Ways to Prevent Male Menopause

The major part of preventing male menopause is maintaining testosterone levels, and the best way to improve testosterone levels is by adopting some lifestyle habits that can improve health and well-being. Here are a few of them.

Get Enough Sleep

Unhealthy sleep levels and patterns can have negative effects on the levels of hormones and chemicals that the body needs to function effectively. Studies have found that testosterone levels can drop in men who do not get sufficient sleep. Sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours each night to maintain testosterone levels. If you have problems getting quality sleep on a regular basis, speak with your doctor.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

People who eat healthily are less likely to experience a decline in testosterone levels and enjoy other health benefits as well. Studies have found that low testosterone levels and being overweight may be causes of various inflammatory conditions and diminished neurological function. So by all means, have a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Lose Some Weight

In many cases, the weightier men are, the lower their levels of testosterone. A study reported that some obese males between the ages of 14 and 20 about 50% less testosterone than those who aren`t overweight.

Manage Stress Better

Reducing stress levels helps to increase testosterone levels. Stress heightens cortisol, the hormone responsible for managing immune response, metabolism, and a number of other bodily processes. High cortisol levels have adverse effects on testosterone.

Stay Active

There are no shortcuts to this. The more active men have higher testosterone levels. In fact, being physically active is more beneficial for boosting testosterone than weight loss is. Note, however, that moderation is required here, as higher levels of exercise may cause low testosterone. This is particularly evident in long-distance runners.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol intake affects the glands and hormones involved in male reproductive health, and as a result, affects testosterone levels. It may also cause poor hormonal reactions and cell damage.

Get Some Vitamin D

Vitamin D and its supplements are effective at correcting testosterone deficiencies and contributing to its increase. Get at least 15 minutes of direct sunshine each day and consume foods high in vitamin D. So you probably want to enrich yourself with some salmon, other fatty fishes, cereal products, and fortified milk.

Some Fascinating Testosterone Facts

• Testosterone can improve women’s libido by targeting receptors in a section of the brain responsible for sexual activity.
• Research claims that testosterone and other sex hormones evolved 500 million years ago.
• Testosterone is produced in men’s testicles, women’s ovaries, and the adrenal glands of both sexes.
• Testosterone regulates fat distribution and red blood cell production.
• Because testosterone is a manly hormone, normal levels for women are 5 to 7 percent of those for men.
• Testosterone builds muscle by stimulating the production of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
• There`s an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among older men after starting testosterone therapy.
• There`s some correlation between aggressive behavior and testosterone levels, however, there isn`t enough research material on this.
• The timing and impact of testosterone production vary among species. Humans produce testosterone prenatally to differentiate the sexes, however, some other species produce testosterone only after birth.
• Young women usually have about 10% of the testosterone men have, but by 40, they rarely have half.
• After menopause, some women can have higher testosterone levels than men their age.
• Higher testosterone levels enable female athletes to train longer and harder.
• Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have much higher testosterone levels than those who don`t.
• Testosterone rises higher in female athletes who anticipate competition than in their male counterparts.
• Men’s testicles produce testosterone, however, testosterone production in women is divided between their ovaries and their adrenal glands.
• When women develop higher testosterone levels, they can be at increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
• Young women who have high testosterone levels usually have lean bodies, high energy levels, and a flat strong abdomen.
• Women with high testosterone levels don`t necessarily look masculine.
• Testosterone generally decreases fat mass, but also increases insulin resistance, resulting in weight gain.
• The limbic system is responsible for emotions, motivation, and sex drive.
• Testosterone deepens the voice, facilitates the growth of body hair, muscle development, bone mass, and the male sex organ, as well as sperm production.
• Testosterone usually heightens in the morning and lowers at night.
• Testosterone levels differ widely when measured at different times.
• During arousal, signals move from the cerebral cortex to other parts of the brain and nerves, and as a result, heart rates speed up, blood flows to the genitals, then the penis gets erect.