<p>Some people use the term “male menopause” to refer to hormonal changes that men can experience as they get older. Men experience the development of symptoms resulting from a decrease in the male hormone testosterone. This condition is referred to as andropause or in other words is called male menopause. It is a set of symptoms directly related to a decrease in testosterone levels that occur with age. It affects up to 30% of men in their 50s and becomes more prevalent with age. Unlike menopause in women, when hormone production stops completely, testosterone decline in men is a slower process. The testes, unlike the ovaries, do not run out of the substance it needs to make testosterone. However, as a result of disease, subtle changes in the function of the testes may occur as early as age 45 to 50 and more dramatically after the age of 70 in some<br />men. </p>.<p>Male menopause differs from female menopause in several ways. Not all men experience andropause and also, it doesn’t involve a complete shutdown of your reproductive organs. However, sexual complications may arise as a result of your lowered hormone levels. Male menopause can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems. They typically worsen as you get older.</p>.<p>The symptom most associated with hypogonadism (low level of hormones) is a low libido. Other manifestations of hypogonadism include: erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis, and decreased vitality and depressed mood. Osteoporosis is twice more common in hypogonadal men as compared to eugonadal men (6 vs 2.8%).</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Diagnosing & treating andropause</strong></p>.<p>Experts recommend only testing older men for low testosterone if they have signs or symptoms. If an initial test shows low testosterone, the test should be repeated to confirm the results. The most common type of treatment for symptoms of male menopause is making healthier lifestyle choices. A healthy diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep and reducing stress levels can benefit all men. After adopting these habits, men who are experiencing symptoms of male menopause may see a dramatic change in their overall health.<br />Hormone replacement therapy is another treatment option. Testosterone replacement therapy has potential risks and side effects. Replacing testosterone may worsen prostate cancer and increase the risk of heart disease.</p>.<p>These lifestyle habits can benefit all men. After adopting these habits, men who are experiencing symptoms of male menopause may see a dramatic change in their overall health. It’s normal to experience a decline in your testosterone levels as you get older. For many men, the symptoms are manageable, even without treatment. If your symptoms are causing you hardship, speak to your doctor. They can provide recommendations to help you manage or treat your symptoms.</p>.<p><em><span class="italic">(The author is a consultant obstetrician gynaecologist & fertility specialist.)</span></em></p>
<p>Some people use the term “male menopause” to refer to hormonal changes that men can experience as they get older. Men experience the development of symptoms resulting from a decrease in the male hormone testosterone. This condition is referred to as andropause or in other words is called male menopause. It is a set of symptoms directly related to a decrease in testosterone levels that occur with age. It affects up to 30% of men in their 50s and becomes more prevalent with age. Unlike menopause in women, when hormone production stops completely, testosterone decline in men is a slower process. The testes, unlike the ovaries, do not run out of the substance it needs to make testosterone. However, as a result of disease, subtle changes in the function of the testes may occur as early as age 45 to 50 and more dramatically after the age of 70 in some<br />men. </p>.<p>Male menopause differs from female menopause in several ways. Not all men experience andropause and also, it doesn’t involve a complete shutdown of your reproductive organs. However, sexual complications may arise as a result of your lowered hormone levels. Male menopause can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems. They typically worsen as you get older.</p>.<p>The symptom most associated with hypogonadism (low level of hormones) is a low libido. Other manifestations of hypogonadism include: erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis, and decreased vitality and depressed mood. Osteoporosis is twice more common in hypogonadal men as compared to eugonadal men (6 vs 2.8%).</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Diagnosing & treating andropause</strong></p>.<p>Experts recommend only testing older men for low testosterone if they have signs or symptoms. If an initial test shows low testosterone, the test should be repeated to confirm the results. The most common type of treatment for symptoms of male menopause is making healthier lifestyle choices. A healthy diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep and reducing stress levels can benefit all men. After adopting these habits, men who are experiencing symptoms of male menopause may see a dramatic change in their overall health.<br />Hormone replacement therapy is another treatment option. Testosterone replacement therapy has potential risks and side effects. Replacing testosterone may worsen prostate cancer and increase the risk of heart disease.</p>.<p>These lifestyle habits can benefit all men. After adopting these habits, men who are experiencing symptoms of male menopause may see a dramatic change in their overall health. It’s normal to experience a decline in your testosterone levels as you get older. For many men, the symptoms are manageable, even without treatment. If your symptoms are causing you hardship, speak to your doctor. They can provide recommendations to help you manage or treat your symptoms.</p>.<p><em><span class="italic">(The author is a consultant obstetrician gynaecologist & fertility specialist.)</span></em></p>