A decrease in sexual satisfaction or decline in the sexual well-being of a male is termed andropause. This condition is also called male menopause and is a common disorder as one age. It happens due to a slow onset of testosterone reduction.
Male menopause is different from female’s. It happens slowly and is due to the effect of declining testosterone levels. The andropause age is between 40-50 years, but it slowly starts to show its effect as one crosses 30 years.
After the age of 30, there is a small decline (around 1%) in testosterone levels with each passing year. Testes take time to show a prominent effect and do not completely stop producing testosterone. However, due to some health conditions like diabetes, a person may experience minute changes in the functioning of the testes.
In this blog, we will explore what andropause is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Let’s dig in!
What is Andropause?
An age-related decline in testosterone levels is called andropause. As we know, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for male reproductive tissue development. It also works on secondary sexual characteristics like bone density, muscle mass, and body hair.
Andropause symptoms show at a particular age. The natural testosterone decline happens slowly and not at a fast rate like in women.
Let us go through the causes and symptoms of andropause.
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Causes of Andropause?
- The primary cause of andropause is natural aging. As men age, their bodies start producing less testosterone, which can lead to many prominent symptoms in the male body. Apart from natural aging, various conditions can hasten its occurrence.
- If the male is having a chronic illness like obesity or diabetes. These hinder the hormonal levels and affect testosterone production inside. Some of the medications can also affect the hormonal levels. Make sure to let your fertility doctor know the type of medications taken.
- Daily life’s stress and anxiety can also disturb the hormonal balance. It disrupts hormonal production and causes early ‘symptoms of andropause male menopause.’
- If you are eating a poor diet and do not exercise, it can lead to early male menopause. Remember: good food promotes hormonal balance.
- If you have sleep disorders like sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea, it can cause hormonal imbalance. An ample amount of sleep is also important to regulate hormone levels.
- If you are taking certain supplements or medications that can affect hormonal balance in the body, it can become a cause of andropause.
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Symptoms of Male Menopause
Now that we have learned the meaning of ‘male menopause,’ let us explore the related symptoms. These may vary from person to person and include:
- Fatigue and decreased energy levels in performing daily tasks.
- Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
- erectile dysfunction or decreased libido
- Loss of muscle strength and mass
- Memory problems and difficulty in concentrating on daily tasks
- Increased body fat around the abdomen
- Decreased bone density and risk of fractures
Diagnosing and Treating Male Menopause
- After considering all the symptoms related to andropause, your doctor will perform a couple of diagnostic tests.
- These tests are the evaluation of symptoms, physical examination, and medical history, which will form a diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for a few blood tests to measure testosterone levels.
- After evaluating these tests, the doctor will recommend treatment options for the same. These treatments are discussed well with the fertility specialist, who will make sure that you know the associated benefits and risks.
- Doctors make sure to exclude issues like depression, hypothyroidism, and the use of medications like cimetidine, corticosteroids, digoxin, spironolactone, opioid analgesics, antifungal and antidepressant agents before making a diagnosis.
- Diagnosis should not be made during acute illnesses like viral fever, as it decreases testosterone levels. It is only after a proper check-up that the doctor recommends treatment and prevention. Sometimes, these symptoms may occur due to acute or short-lived illness. Make sure to get a proper examination from a reputed fertility clinic.
Andropause Treatment and Prevention
In this section, we will explore some of the treatment and prevention options related to Andropause.
We will first go through testosterone replacement therapy and later to lifestyle modification.
Testosterone replacement
The most common and useful treatment for male menopause is testosterone replacement therapy. As the name suggests, it involves replacing the hormone through injections, gel, implants, or patches.
Testosterone replacement therapy or TRT can help to improve symptoms like mood swings, low libido, and fatigue. The main idea behind this therapy is to improve the testosterone levels that will help in sperm production and, hence, pregnancy or the couple’s personal life. It is generally done on older men with low testosterone levels.
Couples who are late in becoming parents and are suffering from andropause can opt for this treatment. It will help in male hormone production and help you get pregnant. This treatment works on androgen deficiency as well. Make sure to discuss all the risk factors associated with the treatment.
Lifestyle modifications
Your fertility specialist will encourage you to make some lifestyle modifications that will change and help in managing the Andropause symptoms.
These healthy lifestyle changes include the following:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins.
- Make sure to workout or exercise regularly. It helps to maintain muscle mass and bone density.
- Make sure to get enough sleep at night. It supports overall health and well-being.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
With these lifestyle modifications, you will be able to overcome symptoms related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
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Conclusion
Andropause is a natural aging process for men. It is categorized by lower hormonal levels of testosterone. However, with the help of some lifestyle modifications and medication, you can manage these symptoms. Discuss your health thoroughly with the medical fertility expert. Doctors at Ferty9 will guide and recommend the best options for you!
