How to Understand Male Menopause

Between ages 40 and 55, about half of all men experience some symptoms of male menopause due to a decline in the level of testosterone circulating in the blood - all major organ systems require testosterone for optimal performance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand that declining testosterone affects every part of the body, not just the sexual organs.

2. Be prepared for physical symptoms that may include loss of hair, less energy, weight gain and slower recovery time from illness.

3. Anticipate the psychological changes associated with male menopause, such as depression, anxiety, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating.

4. Expect changes in intimacy, including reduction of sex drive, anxiety about potency, fantasies about a new, younger partner and loss of erection during intercourse.

5. Understand that testicular function declines gradually, so symptoms appear over a long period of time. If signs of male menopause occur all of a sudden, this may be due to a viral infection, surgical removal of testis, lupus, vascular diseases such as diabetes, or tumors.

6. Realize that vegetarians and men on a low-fat diet will have lower levels of circulating testosterone than men who eat moderate to high-fat diets and those that contain animal protein.

Tips & Warnings

• By age 80, a man's testosterone level drops back to below his prepubescent levels.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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