Is There Such A Thing As Male Menopause?

When someone mentions menopause the initial thoughts that enter a mind are of women over the age of 45 years old. Surprisingly enough, men suffer from menopause similar to women, although the reasons for the condition may vary from man to man. Becoming more aware of the male menopause condition can help men deal with symptoms, which are often much different than the symptoms experienced by women.

The symptoms of male menopause have been reported by men as not being quite as severe as the symptoms women undergo during menopause. Andropause, the clinical name for male menopause, has been linked to the testosterone decline in men as they age. Those who go through male menopause often describe symptoms that are similar to those initially described by women going through menopause.

Hot flashes, sudden and recurring episodes of sweating, tender mammary glands, and also an unstable libido are symptoms typically related to female menopause. Andropause sufferers also experience these symptoms; however the level of severity is often varied. Doctors find those who are aware of the frequency and severity of their symptoms are often able to get successful treatment.

Sadly, most men don’t talk often about Andropause and a multitude of men don’t even know the condition exists. Sometimes men become clued into the condition when they or their doctor becomes concerned because Andropause symptoms mimic those associated with kidney and liver disease. Of course, although they may recognize unusual symptoms, men often will not seek out medical help due to fear.

Men and women around the world will admit menopause is not something pleasant to go through, as it’s very uncomfortable. Due to the uncomfortable nature of menopause, there has been a surge in herbal medicines that are said to treat hormonal changes associated with menopause. One should know however that these herbs cannot cure menopause, but only lessen bothersome symptoms.

Men and women both will be wise to discuss their use of any herbal supplementation with their physicians. Furthermore, it is vital to realize that some herbal supplements will counteract the effects of medications taken for a variety of conditions. This may lead to dangerous systemic reactions but can be avoided simply by seeking the advice of a doctor ahead of time.

Simple testosterone replacement therapy is how Andropause is treated by physicians. The treatment used for male menopause is very similar to the treatment of hormone replacement used for female menopause. Both genders report great success in the treatment of menopause with replacement therapy.

When male menopause affects libido, treatment may need to include counseling sessions. It can be difficult to deal with and sexual problems have greatly been linked to divorce among older couples. In many cases, men feel as if they are losing their “manhood” which can be emotionally difficult to deal with.

Tagged with: disease • Menopause

Filed under: Menopause

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!