Return to Menopause Articles Index Page	Share |

What about Male Menopause

Male Menopause

Many women wonder if there partner is experiencing something akin to menopause as they grow old together.

Truth be told, men do go through many physiological and emotional changes that involve hormones and chemicals in the body, much like traditional menopause.

The Facts about Male Menopause
Male menopause is often referred to as “andropause.” It is used to described hormonal, physiological and even chemical changes that occur in men.  Just as women start experiencing the symptoms of menopause around the age of 40, so too do men.

Men might start experiencing symptoms between the age of 40 and 55, though like women some men will experience male menopause symptoms as early as age 35.

For many men the changes associated with male menopause are less dramatic than those experience by women, but are just as moving and emotionally impacting.

Some men worry that their sexuality will be impacted as they age. Like women going through menopause, they worry about a loss of libido among other things.

The good news is male menopause can actually enhance sexual fulfillment and intimacy, just as menopause can in women.

Common Symptoms of Male Menopause
There are several physical and psychological symptoms that are associated with male menopause.

Among the more common symptoms include:

• Weight gain

 
• Fatigue

 
• Loss of or thinning hair

 
• Sleep disturbances

 
• Lowered libido

 
• Lowered endurance

 
• Chills and irritability

 
• Stiffness

 
• Anxiety and Depression

 
• Less ejaculate urge

 
• Impotence

Not all men will experience all of these symptoms, just as no two women experience the symptoms of menopause the same.

Treatment Options for Male Menopause
Fortunately there are many treatment options available for men experiencing the symptoms of male menopause.

Some are hormonal related, thus if you or someone you love might be experiencing the symptoms of male menopause it is important that they seek out advice from their healthcare provider.

For other men, lifestyle changes alone are enough to address many of the symptoms associated with male menopause. Among these include:

• Eating a well balanced diet low in saturated fat.

 
• Getting 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

 
• Having an annual physical fitness exam that includes screening for prostate and testicular cancer.

 
• Engaging in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercise.

 
• Minimize stress.

Men, just like women need understanding, companionship and support as they get older.  Remember that it is perfectly normal to change as we get older, that is the nature of being human.  As long as we are well informed of the changes that will occur, we will be armed with the power to embrace them.