It is known as male andropause or menopause, the set of physiological modifications that characterize the reduction of male sexual activity. This word was coined by Dr. Heller and Myer, in 1944.
Changes in the male reproductive system occur gradually and progressively, mainly in the decrease in blood testosterone levels, a hormone responsible for controlling sexual desire, erection, sperm production, and the strength of the muscles
Male andropause is common from the age of 40, although some men may enter this phase earlier, and in this case, what is known as early andropause occurs. The diagnosis of andropause is made through a blood test, in which testosterone levels are evaluated, and the analysis of the symptoms that the man presents.
Finally, some authors believe that male menopause is a crisis of the 40s triggered emotionally, while others believe that it is a physical disorder that results from changes in hormonal levels, and, especially, testosterone .
Etymologically, the word andropause is of Greek origin, formed by the following words “andros“ that means “man” and “pause” that expresses “cessation, pause” , and the suffix “-ia” meaning “quality”.
Early Andropause
Early andropause occurs at an early age, presenting the same symptoms of andropause in its normal process. With regard to early andropause, the same treatment is indicated for hormonal replacement through tablets and injections, prescribed by the endocrine or urologist.
Symptoms of andropause
Andropause not only causes a reduction in testosterone levels, but also other symptoms such as:
- Absence of spontaneous erections.
- Increase in body fat.
- Decrease in muscle mass.
- Decrease in body hairs.
- Decreased sexual desire
- Difficulty of concentration
- Lack of appetite.
- Sweats
- Palpitations
There are also studies that show that andropause can lead to other health problems, such as: heart disease and osteoporosis.
Andropause Treatment
It is noteworthy that andropause is a normal stage of aging of man, and can be controlled through the replacement of testosterone through tablets or injections, prescribed by the endocrinologist or urologist.
However, with respect to the above, the hormonal replacement is contraindicated to men who suffer from prostate, breast, or family members who suffered from these diseases.
Also, there is a natural treatment for andropause such as terrestrial tribulus tea or tablets of that plant, to increase sexual potency, and testosterone levels. It is not recommended for men suffering from heart problems and high blood pressure.
On the other hand, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle, under a healthy diet, practice physical exercise, sleep well, and maintain an active sex life that allows you to delay the onset of testosterone deficiency and its symptoms.
Andropause and menopause
Andropause is common between the ages 40 – 55 years, in turn menopause occurs in women between the ages 45 – 55 years. Men may perceive symptoms similar to female menopause. Different from women, men do not have a specific symptom such as the interruption of menstruation, as with the female sex.
However, both processes are characterized by a decrease in hormonal levels. In the case of men, as has been said repeatedly in testosterone, on the other hand in women it is the decrease in estrogen levels.
On the other hand, changes in men occur gradually and may be accompanied by other symptoms as previously identified, such as: tiredness, loss of energy, changes in attitudes and mood, etc.
