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Is male menopause—andropause—fact or fiction?
The symptomatic effects often attached to this condition are real. In fact, many gentlemen experience this form of biological aging years before they start noticing it.
However, the term male menopause is misleading, as this condition isn’t simply a male equivalent of female menopause.
Menopause occurs when a woman’s menstrual cycle abruptly stops due to the slowed production of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, usually in their mid-40s to mid-50s.
Like women, men also experience a hormonal decline, particularly for the male hormone testosterone. However, unlike women, men undergo a steady decline in their testosterone levels.
While debilitating, it’s important to note that being afflicted by this condition doesn’t mean the end of your sex life.
It’s very possible to treat age-related low testosterone with medications, such as topical injections. Lifestyle changes can also help slow down the development of this condition.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the myths surrounding male menopause, as well as other relevant information regarding it. Let’s begin!
What Is Male Menopause?
Male menopause is an informal term used to describe the gradual decline of testosterone in men as they age. This condition is often used interchangeably with the more medically-apt term andropause, a condition that afflicts the aging male. It may also be called late-onset hypogonadism.
The most common male menopause symptoms include the following:
- Decrease in libido
- Reduced muscle mass
- Mood swings
- Lowered energy levels
- Worsening sexual function
- Loss of muscle mass
If left untreated, the symptoms of male menopause may gradually worsen. This is why it’s important to seek medical assistance to get the proper testosterone treatment.
Debunking 4 Andropause Myths
Myth 1: Only older men can have low testosterone
It’s true that aging men are more susceptible to a decrease in testosterone levels, and therefore a higher chance of developing age-related low testosterone. After all, men over 30 undergo a 0.4% to 2% reduction in testosterone yearly, according to one published study.
However, low testosterone doesn’t exclusively impact elderly men.
While andropause is specified to be age-related, low testosterone can afflict even younger individuals. This is especially the case if the man in question is suffering from either (or more than two) of the following health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Stress
- Anxiety or depression
Besides those health risks, people who participate in vices like smoking and binge drinking are also more at risk of developing andropause earlier than usual.
As such, it’s important to consider your lifestyle choices carefully, no matter your age. Even men in their 60s and 70s can delay the onset of andropause by following the right lifestyle habits.
Myth 2: Andropause only affects sexual function
Although low testosterone levels are often associated with sexual health, they can also have far-reaching effects on a man’s overall well-being.
It’s true that andropause’s side effect is a decrease in libido. That said, it’s also important to note that this condition can cause various other issues.
Here are some possible symptomatic developments that could arise due to andropause:
- Depression
- Weakness and lethargy
- Mood disorders
- Fatigue
- Bone density
- Insomnia
- Loss of strength
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s best to get in touch with a medical professional to evaluate your current health status.
Myth 3: Andropause is a normal consequence of aging and can’t be reverted
Many people in their 60s and 70s believe that they’ve passed the age of testosterone production, and that their current level of testosterone can’t be increased.
However, this notion is untrue. While your energy levels and physical capacity are no longer at their peak, it’s still possible to maintain healthy levels of testosterone with the right lifestyle and treatment.
One noteworthy treatment plan that many patients go through is testosterone replacement therapy. This testosterone deficiency therapy utilizes a combination of therapies such as gels, creams, and injections, all supervised by a medical professional, to restore testosterone levels in the body.
This treatment plan has been medically proven to alleviate and even revert symptomatic effects of andropause, making it a worthwhile option for many patients.
Myth 4: Andropause treatment cannot be helped by lifestyle changes
Many people think that andropause can only be treated via injections or by undergoing several medical treatments.
While a personalized medical treatment plan prepared by a medical professional is essential, there are also several natural ways you can enhance your testosterone levels to compliment a medical approach.
Here are some ways you can naturally boost testosterone levels:
- Shake up your diet: The food you eat plays a major role in your testosterone production. Eating a balanced diet, as well as aphrodisiac foods, can do a number in increasing your testosterone levels.
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes a day) helps you lose body fat, which consequently helps keep your hormone levels healthy.
- Decrease stress: Stress produces cortisol, which has a direct negative effect on hormone production. Meditate or do deep breathing exercises to lessen feelings of stress.
- Sleep more: Get at least 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. Sleeping more has a direct link to increased testosterone levels the following day.
Natural methods can help to manage andropause, however, it’s best to overcome your condition under the supervision of a trained medical professional.
Take Action and Improve Your Sexual Health with Preferred Men’s Medical Center at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Male menopause may not be the medically appropriate term to describe age-induced low testosterone, but it’s a condition that can sexually impair your life.
That said, you don’t have to suffer from this condition forever.
With the help of medical professionals from our clinic, you can explore treatment options like erectile dysfunction treatment, low testosterone therapy, premature ejaculation treatment. A whole catalog of other treatments to improve your sexual health also awaits.
Contact us at Preferred Men’s Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale to reclaim your healthy sex life today.