Andropause - symptoms and methods of male menopause

Over time, the human body undergoes certain physiological changes. These are a direct result of cellular aging and the associated menopause. In men, one of the consequences of aging is andropause. What is it and how can we cope with it?

Andropause what is it?

Around the age of 40, the body, both male and female, begins to enter the menopausal transition. So what is andropause? It's a term similar to menopause, the female menopause. It's also called male climacteric. Importantly, like menopause, it also has a hormonal basis. Andropause is an irreversible period of intense physical and mental change, during which a man requires appropriate support, and often the care of a sexologist.

Andropause age

While this process is completely natural and occurs in every man, its onset can be somewhat delayed through a proper lifestyle and diet. It's crucial to know the age at which andropause occurs. Men most often experience its first symptoms between the ages of 45 and 55. However, it's important to remember that premature andropause can occur, for example, in men who don't take care of themselves and are only 30 or 35 years old.

Causes of male menopause

The direct cause of andropause symptoms is a decline in testosterone production. This hormone is responsible for, among other things, muscle strength and libido. In addition, levels of dihydrotestosterone, melatonin, and growth hormone also drop. As for the causes, andropause isn't directly related to a poor lifestyle, but is intertwined with it. When a man neglects his diet or physical activity, smokes and/or abuses alcohol, and leads a stressful lifestyle, his hormone production may be impaired. This can indirectly contribute to accelerated aging!

Symptoms of andropause

Many men experiencing andropause experience vague symptoms, which is why they aren't associated with this condition. Initially, they typically cause some discomfort in daily life, and are therefore not associated with menopause. Only when they persist for a long time and become bothersome do they prompt a referral to a specialist for hormonal testing. Symptoms of andropause can be divided into physical and psychological.

Andropause psychological symptoms

The psychological symptoms of andropause are nonspecific and may be confused with those of other illnesses. These include:

• difficulties with memory and concentration

• insomnia

• irritation

• reduced self-esteem (often resulting from masculinity issues)

• anxiety, restlessness,

• deterioration of mood

When andropause occurs, men's behavior often changes. Not only apathy can occur, but sometimes aggression can also develop, stemming from a decreased sense of well-being and an inability to cope with this challenging situation, both physically and mentally.

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of andropause, like the psychological ones, often coexist with other conditions, so andropause may be confused with them. These include:

• decreased libido (andropause and sexuality)

• premature ejaculation

• erection problems

• osteoarticular pain

• hot flashes

• excessive sweating

• disorders in urination (too frequent, feeling of constant pressure on the bladder, urinary incontinence)

Moreover, men in the andropausal age often gain weight around the belly and also notice a significant weakening of their muscle strength and a decrease in their physical condition.

How to deal with andropause?

Andropause is primarily a significant discomfort for men. It results from physical ailments and insomnia, which impedes normal functioning. One of the most challenging symptoms for men is sexual problems, which lead to lower self-esteem and mood swings. Andropause is a period in life that signals menopause and does not require specialized treatment. It is an irreversible process, but the patient's comfort can be improved by using various methods to slow its progression. After a thorough diagnosis, primarily a patient interview and hormonal testing, the doctor may decide to administer hormonal therapy with testosterone or chorionic gonadotropin.

How can you help yourself with andropause?

Men who have begun to experience the first symptoms of menopause should not ignore this problem. It is advisable to consult a doctor who will initiate hormonal treatment, if possible and necessary. They should also take care of their diet, physical activity, and well-being. It is worth visiting a psychotherapist who will help them accept the changes associated with inevitable aging. During andropause, it is also important supplementation . A good choice are preparations for men that support their strength and vitality, containing the necessary Vitamins and minerals , as well as antioxidants and other ingredients. Their role is primarily to supplement the diet, but also to provide antioxidant benefits, including anti-aging benefits, and to boost energy. Above all, it's worth remembering – andropause is not a disease! You can live with it, but to make it as painless as possible, you should slow down and take care of your body.