Have you ever seen a man in his 40s or 50s feeling more tired than usual? Maybe he gets annoyed easily or does not enjoy things like before. Some people think this is just part of getting older, but another reason exists. It could be male menopause. This happens when testosterone levels slowly drop. It can affect energy, mood, and health. Many men do not talk about it, and some do not even know it is happening. In this article, you will explain what male menopause is, how it affects men, and how can a man manage it.
Male menopause?
The male menopause indicates a gradual decrease in the testosterone levels along with the decline in age. And, it is different from a woman’s menstrual cycle as it doesn’t have any fixed duration like periods.Â
Still, there is a common thing, which is age; menopause is highly interconnected with age in both men and women. Menopause occurs in women over a certain age. The other conditions are the ovaries run out of eggs and produce less estrogen and progesterone. This usually occurs in women around the age of 45 to 55 years. Some women may experience menopause earlier due to less ovarian reserve or other underlying health issues.Â
Meanwhile, male menopause refers to the gradual decrease of testosterone levels. This is also associated with the age of men as the testosterone levels decline as years pass by. And this decline starts around the age of 30 to 40 and the rate of gradual decrease is about 1% per year.Â
However, male menopause will not be a huge concern until the symptoms of low testosterone hit men hard. People confuse some other terms with male menopause, are you aware of it?
Andropause or male menopause: What it indicates?
Yeah, andropause, male menopause, and late-onset hypogonadism indicate similar conditions that are used interchangeably. All three conditions indicate declining levels of testosterone with age. Men should be aware of this condition and consult the doctor to learn about the ways to identify whether it can be treatable or not.
Symptoms of male menopause
Men can identify male menopause through these emotional and physical symptoms, they are:
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Reduced bone density
- Loss of body hair
- Men can notice an increased body fat, particularly around the belly
- Men could also sense different types of emotional symptoms such as depression, mood swings, irritability, poor concentration, low self-esteem, and anxiety.
- Sexual symptoms such as decreased sex drive, impaired ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.
What to do to diagnose male menopause?
Diagnosing male menopause is possible as doctors can perform a physical examination, discuss symptoms, and order tests and blood tests. Order tests are to rule out the medical problems contributing to this condition and order blood tests are important to measure the testosterone levels.
Is it possible to treat male menopause?
Once doctors identify that the testosterone levels are low they would suggest testosterone replacement therapy.
This therapy may relieve symptoms like decreased libido (loss of interest), depression, and fatigue.Â
However, it may have some potential side effects such as it may worsen prostate cancer and increase heart disease risks. In this case, when you consider androgen replacement therapy after a doctor’s advice. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes that help during male menopause.Â
The modifications can be diet, exercise, and medications like antidepressants to cope with the symptoms of male menopause.
Some health tips for men to follow in their 40s & 50s
Medical interventions
Regular health screenings are mandatory to monitor testosterone levels and overall health conditions. It can effectively detect the current volume of testosterone and help in maintaining health properly during menopause. As stated above, doctors may suggest testosterone replacement therapy and give some prescriptions according to individual health status.
Lifestyle modifications
Healthcare providers suggest particular lifestyle modifications that help in several things. Men need to focus on maintaining a healthy weight, adequate sleep, and limiting or cutting off alcohol and smoking habits. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of mandatory sleep every night, because insufficient sleep can result in decreased testosterone. Thus, try to focus on such things, men need to intake healthy foods that manage weight gain.
Exercise
Physical activity helps in maintaining muscle mass, boosting metabolism, and enhancing overall well-being. Men can do strength training, resistance exercises, and cardiovascular workouts to improve testosterone levels. These activities also reduce the risk of heart disease. And also, men can try simple aerobic activities like walking, jogging, or cycling. Consult your doctor to know the right exercise to overcome male menopause.
Stress management
Men in their 40s and 50s should prioritize stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that promote relaxation. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and seeking professional support when needed can also contribute to mental well-being.
Diet - a concern
A balanced diet is very important for maintaining the reproductive system and overall health. Therefore, you can consult a dietitian or fertility doctor to know what are the right foods for your body.Â
Try to consume foods rich in healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, support heart health, while zinc and vitamin D play a role in testosterone production.
Along with focusing on practising good habits and healthy foods. Men must avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats. It helps to maintain energy levels and support overall health.
The bottom line
Male menopause is a natural part of ageing. It may bring changes, but men do not have to suffer in silence. Simple steps like exercising, eating well, reducing stress, and talking to a doctor can help. Understanding this phase can make it easier to handle. With the right approach, men can stay strong, healthy, and happy as they grow older.
People also ask
Having foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrition, and lean protein can effectively help to manage male menopause. Men can prefer options like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, chicken, beans, fish, and other nutritious foods in their diet.
You can’t consider the male menopause condition a myth, because it is a term used to describe decreasing testosterone levels. It is generally associated with ageing. However, it is not a familiar term that is the reason many people consider menopause a myth.
These symptoms are some important indicators of low testosterone. Men with low testosterone experience low libido, low energy levels, decreased muscle mass and strength, reduced hair growth, sudden weight gain, mood swings, and hot flashes.
Men can consume prescribed supplements to increase testosterone levels. Consultation is essential as the decrease in testosterone is a natural process and fertility doctors can provide you the best medications. Therefore, men should the doctors before taking medicines for effective outcomes.
There is no particular timeframe for male menopause as it is not a fixed period like women’s menstruation. The gradual decrease of testosterone levels over a man’s age can be the reason for this condition. Men can consult their healthcare provider to know the personalized treatments.
