Restore Your Inner Vitality
Andropause
Men can be affected by their own type of menopause, known as andropause.
The term “male menopause“ actually characterizes the age-related hormone changes that gradually take place in all men as they age. In particular, this natural transition affects a man’s testosterone levels, which is why doctors also refer to this stage as testosterone deficiency.
Testosterone naturally declines as men age. As the male body ages, testosterone levels gradually start a steady decline that can begin as early as age 30 without any related symptoms. The hormone will decrease by approximately 1% per year with many men noticing the effects between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. By the time most men reach 70, their testosterone levels have decreased by 50%.
Andropause may happen so gradually that some might not even notice the transition taking place at all. However, other men, especially those with poor diets and activity levels, may experience more severe male-specific symptoms including the following:
- A Reduction in Libido / Lower Sex Drive
- Decreased Sexual Function
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Infertility
- Lower Energy Level
- Irrational Mood Swings
- Insomnia
- Unexplained Depression
- Weight Gain / Body Changes
- Other Symptoms
Those men who experience more severe symptoms may have exacerbation due to existing health conditions or secondary issues due to medications taken for unrelated conditions, alcohol, drugs, poor diet, or a thyroid condition.
Male Menopause and Sleep
A common sign of andropause is insomnia, trouble falling asleep, disturbed sleep, or interrupted sleep patterns. You may suddenly require more sleep or rise earlier. Some men also complain of low energy and fatigue throughout the day.
Unexplained Depression
One way that andropause is similar to menopause is reflected in the unexplained emotional changes it can create. For instance, reduced hormones, like testosterone, can cause mild or severe depression.
Weight Gain / Body Changes
Another way that menopause is similar to andropause is that both can cause sudden weight gain or increased body fat, particularly around the midsection of men and women. This is because a loss of testosterone can cause the deterioration of muscle tissue and bone loss in both men and women.
Other men experience shrinking testes, swollen breast tissue (a condition called gynecomastia), and loss of body hair.
Other Symptoms
Andropause can also cause memory loss, which can make those affected embarrassed and irritated. Many men also feel a loss in self-confidence, which can be written off inaccurately as a midlife crisis.
Diagnosing Andropause
If you bring your symptoms to the attention of your doctor, he or she may recommend a blood test to diagnose testosterone decline. A blood test is the only method available to men to confirm low testosterone or decline in the bioavailability of your testosterone hormone levels.
Testosterone Replacement
Typically, a doctor will recommend natural lifestyle changes, including a balanced, healthy diet, exercise, and testosterone replacement to counteract associated depression, reduced libido, plummeting energy levels, and sexual dysfunction. By increasing your levels of testosterone, your symptoms will improve.
