According to some sources, the uncomfortable effects of male menopause can last 15 to 20 years as the body gradually adjusts to lower testosterone production. But because testosterone levels continue to decline over a lifespan, many argue that if left untreated, male menopause lasts indefinitely.
Some men develop depression, loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other physical and emotional symptoms when they reach their late 40s to early 50s. Other symptoms common in men this age are: mood swings and irritability.
Menopause causes infertility and impacts all women, while andropause does not cause male infertility or impact all men. Andropause can be serious, but can be treated by improving a man's low testosterone levels.
A number of testosterone preparations are suitable for men with andropause symptoms. These include oral agents, injectable formulations, transdermal patches, transdermal gels, and buccal tablets. Theoretically, each of these can restore the physiologic levels of testosterone.
Bread, pastries, and desserts
A study in the journal Nutrients linked a diet high in bread, pastries, and other desserts to low total testosterone levels in Taiwanese men. Additional factors included high dairy consumption, eating out regularly, and not eating enough dark green vegetables.
A hot flush is a sudden feeling of being very hot, which does not result from your physical surroundings. Tell-tale signs of a hot flush include sweating for no reason, your skin turning red, and sweating profusely. These sensations are usually felt most strongly in the head and groin regions.
Replacing testosterone in the blood is the most common treatment for men going through andropause. This treatment may provide relief from the symptoms and help improve the quality of life in many cases. Lifestyle changes such as increased exercise, stress reduction, and good nutrition also help.
Male menopause involves a drop in testosterone production in men who are age 50 or older. It's often affiliated with hypogonadism. Both conditions involve lowered testosterone levels and similar symptoms. If you're a man, testosterone is a hormone produced in your testes.
Andropause or male menopause is something that is diagnosed over time. For its diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical exam or even ask you about the symptoms. Moreover, in most cases, the doctor will order tests in order to rule out the medical problems that contribute to the condition.
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Irritability, anxiety, depression. Increased thirst and frequent urination. Brittle or weak bones.
Having a blood test is often among the first steps in diagnosing low testosterone. If results show a low testosterone level, an additional test may be completed to confirm results. The acceptable range of testosterone levels is generally between 250-1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for total testosterone.
Key nutrients that promote healthy testosterone levels are vitamin D and zinc.
It's hard to believe, but “male menopause” or andropause is a contributing factor for weight gain and belly fat. Fat storage and energy balance are regulated by a variety of hormones such as insulin, cortisol and sex hormones. As men go through andropause, there is an increase of fat in the mid-section of their bodies.
Debunking the male menopause myth
This is known as menopause. In men, production of testosterone and other hormones declines over a period of many years and the consequences aren't necessarily clear. This gradual decline of testosterone levels is called late-onset hypogonadism or age-related low testosterone.
That's right—men have hot flashes, too.
You may get them frequently, or just occasionally. You might feel like you're “burning up”, or you might break out in a cold sweat. Some men wake up hot and sweaty at night. These hot flashes that happen at night are called “night sweats”, and they can cause sleep deprivation.
Although there is no straightforward andropause cure, there are many ways to boost testosterone production naturally. Many natural andropause treatments can be done at home with simple lifestyle and behavioral changes.
There's a myth that because you're going through the menopause, that your sex life is over, but this does not have to be the case. If you want to enjoy the pleasure that is available to you in your body, either alone or with a partner, it is all still there after the menopause.
Andropause and psychiatric disorders are associated with various symptoms in aging males and are part of the differential diagnosis of depression and anxiety.
Acquired circumstances that can lead to secondary hypogonadism include: Normal aging: Aging affects production and response to hormones. Obesity: High body fat can affect hormone production and response. Medications: Opioid pain meds and steroids can affect function of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
The Cause: Andropause Hot Flashes
While it is true that hot flashes are more common in women, hot flashes in men are not unusual. Male hot flashes are caused by a severe testosterone deficiency that can occur in andropause (male menopause) and in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
Hot flashes in men may not be caused by low testosterone levels. Instead, they can be caused by stress, anxiety, and depression. When a man becomes stressed, anxious, or depressed, systemic inflammation may occur. In addition to this, sleep interruptions are common.