Menopause which had been known to effect women only, has caused men to become more vocal and ask what about us?
The first study on male menopause was published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in the mid-1940s, it's only recently that the U.S. medical community has taken notice of this condition, says Dr. Adrian Dobs, an endocrinologist and associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
About 25 million men in the US, ages 40-55 are experiencing male menopause today, a condition that society had previously labeled as mid-life crisis.
What is Male Menopause?
Male menopause, also called andropause (an-drə-ˌpȯz\), which is the decline in a man's testosterone levels. Testosterone also called male hormones is produced by the male testes. (Here’s an amazing piece of information: testosterone can also be converted into estrogen (the main female hormone). This occurs particularly in fat cells -- hmmm, so some fat is good.
A hormone be it; testosterone, estrogen, insulin, adrenalin and/or cortisone are chemical substances produced in one part or organ of the body that starts or runs the activity of an organ or a group of cells in another part of the body.
Male hormone levels tend to peak around the ages of 15 to 18 in most males. By the age of 40, some men will see their testosterone levels drop. By age 50, half of all men will experience a significant reduction in testosterone levels, which can cause a variety of uncomfortable ailments.
Male menopause can occur naturally in some men. More often than not, it is known that andropause is triggered by aging, illness, depression, dementia, and obesity.
Menopause vs. Andropause
Male menopause symptoms are very similar to those experienced by women during menopause, only much less intense and for many men the symptoms go unnoticed. For both, male and female this season allows them to PAUSE and take a closer look at -- where they have been, what they are doing and where are they headed with the rest of their lives.
Women
Abrupt decrease in estrogen levels
Ability to reproduce comes to an end
Changes experienced from menopause are shorter
Changes are more biological
Men
Testatorone levels decrease but most men can have babies well into their 80's
Decrease in sex drive is a high concern (this occurs usually because of low testosterone)
Changes last longer than for women, for some up to 40 to 80 years of age
Changes are more emotional than biological
While there are other causes of low levels of testerone: aging of the body, serious illness, testicular cancer and inflammation of the testes, genetic diseases and systemic diseases and other underlying physical disorders.
It is always in your best interest to consult with a physician before taking any medications or treatments. Your doctor can determine the levels of testerone in your body by ordering a simple laboratory tests.
And no matter what, it is always a good idea to develop balanced eating,
good sleeping and regular exercising habits.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: None of the information on this site is intended to act as or take the place of medical advice.
You should consult with your medical provider(s) on all aspects of your health.
The information on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition.
Resources:
http://www.epigee.org/menopause
http://www.nomoremenopausehotflashes.com/
http://www.malemenopausesymptoms.org
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