From Mood Swings to Solutions: Navigating Male Menopause

By Your Health Magazine

Low-hitting jokes aside, male menopause is real and affects less than 10% of men younger than 50. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wary of it. Understanding the symptoms and signs will better prepare you to navigate these changes that come with aging.

Also called andropause, this condition occurs when testosterone levels decline after age 30. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding andropause.

Heart.org says the biggest falsity is equating it to menopause. For women, menstruation stops and estrogen production declines. With men, when testosterone levels slow down, it occurs gradually. The American College of Physicians says testosterone will continue to decrease by about 1.6% a year.

Symptoms of Andropause

Unlike menopause, andropause is rarely spoken about in the male community.

British singer Robbie Williams previously spoke about it and blamed the drop in testosterone for his reduced sex drive and insomnia.

By the time some men reach their 40s or 50s, they could develop depression, erectile dysfunction, mood swings and irritability. The symptoms play havoc with your mental health and physical well-being.

Men have reported physical symptoms, from thinning hair to decreased testicle size. Tender and swollen breasts were another indicator.

Lowered testosterone is also associated with hypogonadism. According to the Mayo Clinic, male sufferers are either born with it or can develop it later in life. The body produces insufficient male hormones, hindering masculine growth and sperm production. In some cases, men can exhibit both issues.

A diagnosis might vary. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask about your symptoms to rule out other conditions. Blood tests will include measuring your testosterone levels.

Possible Treatments

While symptoms of male menopause can be treated, there is not yet a known cure.

HRT

WedMD does however say that hormone replacement therapy for men has proven effective. Sometimes referred to as testosterone replacement therapy, the treatment aims to restore testosterone levels, improve mood, and increase muscle mass and bone density.

Before embarking on HRT, discuss it with your healthcare professional or endocrinologist. They’ll address your specific needs and monitor your progress. If you have underlying conditions like prostate cancer, it’s not advisable to undergo HRT.

While low testosterone is the most common hormonal imbalance in men, thyroid disorder could be worth investigating. EVEXIAS Medical Centers notes that low thyroid symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, and weight gain.

Replacement therapy can be administered in several forms. Injectables, topical gels, pills and nasal sprays are a few options.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes can have beneficial effects, adds The Conversation. Taking care of your heart and implementing a healthy diet in midlife increase brain function and prevent dementia.

Regular exercise like jogging and swimming helps improve cardiovascular health, while strength training maintains muscle mass and bone density.

A diet rich in antioxidants has the potential to reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Adding whole grains and lean protein promotes overall health.

Prescription Medication

If you’re experiencing depression, your doctor might prescribe antidepressants and therapy.

Prescription drugs like Viagra are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, a side effect of andropause. Originally used in patients with high blood pressure or heart disease, the drug blocks an enzyme called PDE5.

In turn, PDE5 breaks down another enzyme, cgmP, which relaxes erectile tissue in the penis. Viagra allows this area to be filled with blood, resulting in an erection.

Male erectile dysfunction and issues around libido are still seen as taboo and very rarely spoken about. Doctors agree that awareness campaigns are positive ways of advocating for treating male menopause.

Men who struggle with sleep apnea and poor-quality sleep, also a sign of low testosterone, are often referred to a sleep medicine doctor. This subsection of medicine focuses on sleep health and treating sleep disorders.

Fighting Against the Stigma

Understandably, age-related hormonal changes differ in men and women. The difference is that women are having honest, open conversations about their conditions.

Men may not be aware that they’re going through “changes” because it’s not socially acceptable to talk to your buddies about night sweats or decreased libido.

All it takes is a simple blood test to detect a testosterone deficiency. If you’re exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned, don’t ignore them. They could snowball into more serious conditions.

If left untreated, andropause can lead to cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of dementia. Talk to your doctor and they’ll find a treatment offer that suits your needs to improve your quality of life.