How to Cope With Andropause - Male Menopause

Most people know that women experience menopause, (the period of permanent cessation of menstruation, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 in women) but did you know that some men go through a kind of male menopause?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Desire to Lead a Healthy Life

1. Male menopause is sometimes called andropause and even though the term is not recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) the concept of male menopause is becoming more widely recognized and accepted by physicians due to the changes many middle-aged men experience. Andropause is characterized by a decrease in testosterone — the hormone that makes men men. It is important to recognize that there are major differences between menopause and andropause, as menopause is a complete and permanent physiological shutting down of the reproductive system and occurs only in women; while men are able to reproduce their entire lives. Regardless of whether you think andropause is real or not, the following tips on how to cope with decreased testosterone levels might be helpful.

2. SYMPTOMS
   - energy loss
   - depression (see, he is hormonal too)
   - loss of libido
   - sexual dysfunction
   - decreased bone density
   - weight gain

3. TREATMENT OPTIONS
   - Testosterone replacement therapy (injection, patches, cream, gel or oral form)
   Note: Risks associated with testosterone therapy include: increased the risk of prostate cancer, increase in liver toxicity, breast development, sperm production shut down. Ironic isn’t it?
   - Exercise
   - Dietary Changes
   - Stress Reduction

4. GENERAL COPING TIPS
   • Find new ways to relieve stress.
   • Eat a nutritious, low-fat, high-fiber diet.
   • Take zinc and vitamins C and E
   • Get plenty of sleep.
   • Exercise regularly.
   • Find a supportive friend or group and talk to them about what you're going through.
   • Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
   • Drink lots of water.
   • Try herbs such as muira puama, and L-arginine, ginkgo biloba (natural vasodilator) to boost libido
   • Maintain open and honest communication in romantic relationship(s)

Resources

• Andropause

[vallain]

on 1/3/2009 Sigh, male menopause to cope with besides our own issues. What are women to do?

[brantsbabe]

on 10/7/2008 Wow this is all new to me, but I always knew men had some hormonal issues too. 5 stars

[AndrewB]

on 9/25/2008 Well the cars yes but, I don't think I'd get to far with a 19 year old :)

[AndrewB]

on 9/25/2008 Well that sort of explains me. I have THE drive still. I am tired all the time. I did buy a 2005 Mustang and 2006 FLHRC. Maybe it's just mid-life crisis?

[Alisiane]

on 9/25/2008 Didn't even know this was a thing. Some of it sounds like or maybe is the cause of the mid-life crisis that we hear so much about. Dudes figure they're getting older, fatter, are less "skillful"...might as well get a cherry red Porsche, earring, and try to pick up 19 year old girls. lol