Is Male Menopause For Real?

When women reach menopause, it results in the end of their fertile period. This is when their bodies stop producing the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and the symptoms can be long drawn. With men, it works a little differently. Male menopause, also referred to as andropause, results in the testosterone levels dropping by around 1-2% every year after a certain age, and can bring about fatigue, weight gain, depression, and even sexual dysfunction.

While symptoms of male menopause can start as early as one's 45th or 50th year, more prominent signs are often visible past the 70 year mark. Now, thanks to factors like increased awareness and people shedding their inhibitions in getting medically consulted, there has been a significant increase in the number of men seeking help for this condition. Data collected for a study in the U.S showed that there has been a 65% rise in pharmacy dispensed testosterone prescriptions in between 2005 and 2009.

Male Menopause Symptoms:
Apart from the fact that men can continue to produce healthy child bearing sperms well until their 80th year, the symptoms for male and female menopause are actually quite similar. Some common symptoms includes irritability, mood swings, fatigue, joint & muscle pain, night sweats, and hot flashes. In case there is a considerable drop in your testosterone levels, it can also affect your sex drive adversely, and you might feel that sex isn't enjoyable any longer. In such a scenario, getting medical advice is important.

What Causes Male Menopause?
Although aging is the primary factor linked to the onset of male menopause, there are other factors that are believed to contribute as well. These include:
· Leading a sedentary lifestyle
· Smoking
· Drug and/or alcohol abuse
· Excessive use of medications
· Poor diet
· Hypertension
· Obesity
· Depression

Diagnosing Male Menopause:
Once you visit a doctor, expect to be quizzed about the various symptoms that you suffer from, and also prepare yourself for a physical examination. The doctor might then run some diagnostic tests, and these can include blood tests to identify your body's testosterone levels. The treatment, then, will be based upon the findings of the diagnosis.

Treatment Options:
If the diagnosis shows low testosterone levels, the doctor might suggest testosterone replacement therapy, and this can work in alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and loss of interest in sex. However, do bear in mind that any kind of hormonal treatment can come with potential side effects and risks, and should be undertaken under only under proficient medical supervision. In addition, you should also educate yourself about all probable side effects of your treatment at the very onset.

So, if you or someone close to you suffers from male menopause, do see a doctor to find out more about the condition. Based on your symptoms, your doctor would chart out a relevant course of action. This can include putting you on a medication program and asking you to make certain lifestyle changes. Realize that suffering from this condition does not have to mean it's the end of the road, because there is much that can be done to address it.