Although menopause has traditionally been identified with women, men also experience their own distinct journey through this turbulent hormonal transition. Male menopause, often known as “manopause” or “andropause,” is a complex condition that goes well beyond impacting fertility.
Are you wondering why male menopause is called andropause? Here’s why!
The word “andropause” is a combination of the Greek words “andro,” which means “male,” and “pause,” which denotes a halt or decline. As a result, the term “andropause” describes the time in a man’s life when his hormone levels start to diminish and various physical, emotional, and psychological changes occur.
“Andropause represents a natural and gradual process that occurs as men age,” explains well-known Gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr. Hrishikesh Pai. “It is characterized by a decrease in sexual satisfaction and a gradual decline in overall well-being, typically observed in older men with low testosterone levels.”
In this blog, we take a path less traveled to shed light on the landscapes of males going through menopause.
Factors that cause andropause
Several factors contribute to the hormonal imbalances and decline of testosterone levels leading to the onset of andropause, such as:
- Age: As men age, their testosterone levels slowly decline, resulting in various physical and psychological changes associated with andropause.
- Lifestyle Choices: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as sedentary behavior, poor nutrition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and high-stress levels, can contribute to hormonal imbalances and accelerate the onset of andropause.
- Chronic health conditions: Certain medical conditions, like obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, can impact hormone production and raise the likelihood of andropause symptoms.
- Medications and treatments: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, opioids, and some antidepressants, can impact testosterone levels and contribute to hormonal imbalances that mimic andropause symptoms. Also, cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy can affect hormone production.
- Genetic factors: Certain men may be more susceptible to earlier or more extreme hormonal changes due to their genetic makeup.
- Environmental factors: Hormone production may be disrupted due to exposure to pollutants, environmental toxins, and endocrine-disrupting substances found in some plastics, pesticides, and industrial pollutants.
These factors can influence the onset of andropause, although not all men will have the same symptoms or at the same age. Individual experiences may also differ.
If you are concerned about having any of these risk factors, please visit a reproductive expert like Dr. Hrishikesh Pai to rule out any severe condition. Dr. Pai is renowned for providing effective treatments for reproductive ailments and is often called the best gynaecologist in Mumbai.
Signs and symptoms of male menopause
Men experience a progressive fall in testosterone levels as they age, referred to as male menopause, andropause, or late-onset hypogonadism. Some men may have symptoms linked to this hormonal drop. However, it is not a universal phenomenon like menopause in women.
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The following are some typical symptoms and indicators of male menopause:
- Sexual dysfunction, including diminished libido (sex desire), fewer spontaneous erections, erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection), and decreased overall sexual satisfaction
- Having low energy and feeling fatigued even after getting enough rest
- A rise in irritation, melancholy, anxiety, and mood swings are some mood alterations
- Sleep disorders like insomnia or trouble falling asleep, poor quality sleep, and night sweats
- Physical alterations such as loss of muscle mass and strength, an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen, a decline in bone density, and joint pain
- Changes in cognition like poor focus, memory issues, and diminished motivation
- Hot flashes, which are a feeling of unpleasant warmth in the upper body that appears suddenly, frequently accompanied by sweating
- Changes to the hair and skin, such as thinner hair, a receding hairline, increasing body hair loss, and dry or sagging skin
If you experience any symptoms of andropause, please talk to Dr. Hrishikesh Pai for a precise and effective diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Pai is among the preferred doctors for people seeking andropause and menopause treatment in Mumbai.
Diagnosis and Treatment for male menopause
Diagnosing and treating menopause-like symptoms in men involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. Here’s an overview of the diagnosis and treatment process:
Diagnosis:
- Medical history: Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, medical background, and any current drugs or therapies that you are taking.
- Physical exam: A physical exam may be performed to evaluate general health and search for any outward indications of hormonal abnormalities.
- Blood tests: Testosterone levels are often determined by blood tests. Because testosterone levels might change during the day, several measurements may be required to confirm low testosterone levels.
- Additional tests: Further testing may occasionally be performed to rule out underlying medical disorders that might be the source of the symptoms.
Andropause treatment
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The following andropause therapy options are possible depending on the severity of the symptoms:
TRT (testosterone replacement therapy):
TRT may be recommended if low testosterone levels are confirmed, and the symptoms adversely affect quality of life. It involves injecting and applying gels, patches, or pellets to provide testosterone. It is like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a female menopause treatment.
Lifestyle changes:
Living a healthy lifestyle can help with symptoms. Managing stress, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep affect our overall well-being positively.
Psychological support:
To address mood swings, depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues linked to menopause-like symptoms, counseling or therapy may be advised.
Symptom management:
Treatments tailored to a person’s symptoms may be given to manage them. For instance, sexual dysfunction, depression, or sleep issues can all be treated with medication.
“It is important to schedule regular follow-up appointments to assess the treatment effectiveness, monitor your hormone levels, and tweak the treatment plan as required to manage andropause symptoms effectively,” advises fertility doctor Dr. Hrishikesh Pai.
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For more information on the male midlife transition called andropause, please do not hesitate to speak with Dr. Pai. He can advise alternative therapies or complementary approaches to manage the symptoms and thrive despite its challenges.
FAQs
Q. What age do men get menopause?
A. Each man experiences andropause at a different time. While there is no set age at which men go through andropause, it often starts around 40 or 50 and usually affects middle-aged or older men. However, it is crucial to remember that not all men have the same level of andropause symptoms or major hormone decreases.
Q. Can men reproduce after andropause?
A. There is no “male menopause” when men can no longer have children because men can generate sperm their entire lives.
