Male Menopause

Earlier menopause was thought to be a woman’s problem but studies show that men are also affected with menopause, A.K.A viripause or andropause. They feel the same symptoms that women experience.

Men also go through a decline in the production of a male hormone known as testosterone. Being a slow process it becomes difficult to give a well defined period like in women but men feel certain changes at the age of forty five to fifty and more after the age of seventy.

The levels of androgens and testosterone, hormones which help to maintain good health, start coming down causing fatigue and making the man slow in his activities. Sexual frequency declines, he find sex less enjoyable, he starts getting angry and irritated on actions that once were dealt with ease. He also becomes more forgetful. Other symptoms are – lack of sleep, osteoporosis, weight gain and low self esteem causing depression.

Age is the main cause of the decline of testosterone. However, sometimes heavy smoking, chemotherapy, certain viral infection, surgical removal of testis can also lead to low levels.

Instead of suffering alone talk to your doctor. You need to accept that this disorder exists. It is like any other problem and is treatable. The diagnosis is very simple. After ruling out any other medical problem the care giver can get some blood tests done to know the levels of testosterone. With a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment and thorough lab assessment the doctor can make a diagnosis and decide the course of treatment.

You can be recommended hormone replacement therapy. It is available in the form of injections, tablets and skin patches. But you need to discuss the pros and cons of this therapy as it can lead to prostate cancer and heart disease. Your doctor can find the best way to cope with male menopause making some lifestyle changes may also help you.