The male menopause is real though men do not go through a well defined period reffered to as menopause, it is the most important health change that many men go through, but it is not recognised by many as important health problem that should be given much attention. The male menopause is all about a drop in testosterone production in men, it is an age related changes in male hormone levels which is also known as testosterone deficiency or an androgen deficiency, factors such as disease, stress, diet, obesity, and general health problem, change the signals that the pituitary gland sends to the testes, causing the production of testosterone to drop.
Testosterone is an hormone produced in the testes, it is responsible for mental and physical energy, sex drive and regulates key evolutionary features in men. Male menopause is different from female menopause because it does not involve a complete shut down of the male reproductive organs as it is in women, however sexual complications will arise as a result of lowered hormone levels. Low levels of testosterone associated with male menopause have also been linked to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle.Signs and symptoms
Male menopause can cause physical, sexual, emotional and psychological problems, theses includes:
- Low energy
- Depression
- Lower self confidence
- Decreases motivation
- Poor concentration
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Night sweat
- Decreases mental clarity
- Increased body fat
- Abdominal fat
- Physical weakness
- Development of breasts
- Decreased bone density
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced libido
- Infertility
- Swollen or tender breast
- Decrease in testicle size
- Loss of body hair
- Hot flashes
Your testosterone levels are low as a child but increases as you sexually mature, but as you age; your testosterone levels begin to drop. It is believed medically that testosterone level drops at average of one percent per year after men turns 30, while in some men it drops earlier causing drastic decline in testosterone levels.
All stages of life have their cchallenges, but at about the age of 40 to 55 years men begin to experience midlife changes, it is a normal development stage for men because of the psychological and physiological changes involved. It is at this time a man question is health and sexual ability which may have finally caught up with his bad habits and lifestyles, these reality of life are the unavoidable consequences of ageing, some men handle it well while others don't, it can be a frightening midlife crisis which it's transition from one phase of life to another can cause some negative effects in some men.
- Some men cope poorly by using drugs
- Some by engaging in alcohol
- Some men try cooping by seeking company of younger women
But it can be a liberating and exciting time if you choose the right way to deal with the situation by exploring life experiences with joy, peace and satisfaction with families, friends, nature and God.
Treatments
Some men can easily manage the symptoms while some may have to see the doctor to rule out the chances of diabetes, heart related diseases, erectile dysfunction and other complications due to nerves damaged.
How to increase testosterone
How to increase testosterone
- Deal with your cholesterol
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Take vitamins and minerals
- Avoid foods that spike blood sugar
- Get sun, or take vitamin D supplement
- Lift weight
- Take zinc supplements
A more holistic approach is one that include:
- Change of diet
- Water
- Regular exercise
- Reduction in stress levels
- Change in perspectives
- Overall healthier attitude
- Acupuncture treatment
These lifestyle habits can benefit all men and can help improve the overall health of men experiencing menopause already.
Friendly foods
- Flaxseeds - help balance hormone and remove hot flashes as well as mood disturbance
- Tomatoes - rich in lycopene, carotenoids and red carotene, it protect against prostate cancer
- Omega 3 fatty acids - stabilize mood swings, and help improve memory and concentration.
- Zinc rich foods - helps the body deactivate aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen
- Vitamin C rich foods - lower level of vitamin C is a midlife risk, makes testosterone level to drop.
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