Male menopause has become a topic discussed now more than ever. Research has found that between 1999 and 2008, the number of prescriptions filled in the U.S. for testosterone gels, shots, and patches-the first-line treatment for most men-increased by more than 400 %, to 3.3 million. Clinically speaking, male menopause symptoms are similar to female menopause symptoms, however, they are not as intense.
Include night sweats, changes of sleeping patterns, sleepless nights, moodiness or unexplainable grouchiness, weight gain, anxiety, nervousness, poor concentration, loss of energy, fatigue, loss of muscular strength, muscle and joint pain, decreased sexual drive, sexual problems, and very low testosterone levels.
Although every female will go through menopause, this is not the case for males. It is estimated that only 2 % of males, between the ages of 40 and 79, will encounter male menopause. Researchers are finding that this is mainly due to poor health and obesity. They key factor here is the drop in the hormone levels at middle age and later. This drop can be triggered by a physical and/or psychological illness.
Differences between female and male menopause
A major difference between female and male menopause is that female menopause will have a total decline of sex hormones. Estrogen levels decline and then totally disappear, whereas testosterone, the male hormone, will decline, but not totally disappear. Fertility lessens with males as they get older, but men can still father children well into their 80’s.
A study conducted by The University of Manchester found that low testosterone levels alone is not enough evidence to offer a diagnosis of male menopause. Along with the low testosterone levels there must be other sexual problems, as well as, the physical and psychological symptoms mentioned. If you can identify with having any of the symptoms mentioned consult with your doctor. Once a low level of testosterone has been determined then it warrants further discussion about male menopause with your doctor. Treatment options can be discussed at this time.
Treatment for male menopause
Includes the use of synthetic testosterone gels, shots, and patches. The use of these is controversial due to their health risks. The FDA approved these treatments for younger men with certain medical problems, such as testicular cancer. Enough research has not been completed to prove whether this type of treatment is good for middle aged to older men. The risks involved with testosterone treatment include a rise in PSA (prostate cancer antigen), the increased possibility of prostate cancer, blockage of the urinary tract, the development of breasts, and the possibility that the severity of ischemic heart disease, epilepsy, and sleep apnea will be increased. For these reasons many doctors and researchers are skeptical of the wide range use of these synthetic testosterone treatments. Other treatments include the use of anti-depressants, exercising more, limiting your alcohol intake, changing your diet to include more fruits and vegetables (especially tomatoes) and taking zinc, vitamin A and E. Some research has found that men with low testosterone levels should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.
Male menopause is real: once the diagnosis of male menopause is made consider your options carefully. When deciding on a treatment option or even if you should use any type of synthetic treatment consider the risks mentioned and make a careful decision with your doctor.
Resources:
CNN Health
Medicinenet.com
Webmd.com
Mayoclinic.com
Sciencedaily.com
Epigee.org
Physorg.com
Discovery Health
