Is there really a male menopause?

Do men really go through menopause the way that women do? Some doctors believe they do. Others do not and this has led to an ongoing debate. While female menopause is widely recognised by medical professionals and known by the general public, male menopause (also known as andropause) is not so widely understood.

Lower testosterone levels

Male menopause happens when a man’s testosterone hormone levels go down. Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for sexual development in males and controls the sex drive in males. Menopause can occur in men between the ages of 35 to 65. Male menopause produces symptoms that can be treated with testosterone therapy.

Symptoms

Male Menopause symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, sexual health problems and mood changes. Sexual problems can include infertility, lowered sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. The majority of men who are in male menopause will experience low libido and may not be able to maintain a strong erection.

For some men, sex may be less pleasurable. It may also cause changes in sleeping habits. Men may also notice more body fat and less muscle tone. They may also notice a decrease in physical endurance and strength. A man may also experience psychological symptoms such as forgetfulness or trouble concentrating. In addition, they may experience night sweats, joint pain and hot flashes.

Causes for male menopause

Several things can cause a man to enter male menopause. These include low testosterone deficiencies, excessive drinking of alcohol, being overweight, smoking tobacco, high blood pressure, certain medications and poor circulation. Other causes can include an unhealthy diet, not enough exercise and depression.

Difference between male and female menopause

Men’s and women’s menopause symptoms differ significantly. In female menopause, estrogen production stops completely. In male menopause, there is a slower, more gradual decline of testosterone hormone. While a woman’s ovaries will completely stop making eggs, a man can produce sperm well into old age.

Treatment for male menopause

Many men may feel embarrassed and do not seek treatment for their symptoms. They need not worry. Most doctors are now aware of this problem and will be able to help treat their bothersome symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical exam to diagnose male menopause. In addition, they will ask the patient what symptoms they are experiencing. The doctor will also do a series of lab test to measure hormone levels. Additional blood work will be performed to rule out any underlying illnesses such as hypothyroidism and clinical depression.

Your doctor may prescribe treatments for low testosterone, such as testosterone gel. This will help address the lower testosterone aspect of male menopause. While increased testosterone may increase your sex drive, you may need some additional help in order to act upon it.

Many men over the age of 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction. In order to combat this, men take medicines that are classified as "PDE5 inhibitors", such as Viagra and Cialis. If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, speak with your doctor about getting a prescription for Viagra. Buy Viagra in UK today here at UK Meds.

There is, however, a type of Viagra that does not require a prescription in the UK. It's called "Viagra Connect", and it consists of a 50mg tablet of Viagra which should be taken no more than once daily. Non-prescription Viagra costs more, so you may still want to opt for the prescription version of this ED medication.

Blood tests

Periodic blood tests must be performed to make sure the level of testosterone in the blood stays at a safe level. Testosterone therapy offers relief of male menopause symptoms is many men. However, it does have some risks and side effects. One side effect is that prostate cancer may worse with testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy can also increase a person's chances of getting a blood clot.

Easing symptoms of male menopause

There are many other things that can be done to help ease symptoms of male menopause. To reduce symptoms, try to live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet and daily physical exercise will help to ease male menopause symptoms. Strength training can help reduce body fat and keep muscles from losing muscle tone.

Try to find ways to lessen and manage stress. It is important to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Be cautious of herbal supplements. They are not regulated and may not be effective or safe. Also avoid excessive alcohol consumption and make sure high blood pressure is kept under control.

Age of men affected

Male menopause can affect many men over the age of 40 and can cause various troubling symptoms. Most doctors now recognize male menopause and can offer significant relief from these symptoms. Read more on improving your sex life and overcoming your sexual fears.