Is There Such A Thing As Male Menopause?
June 6, 2008
When someone mentions menopause the initial thoughts that enter a mind are of women over the age of 45 years old. Surprisingly enough, men suffer from menopause similar to women, although the reasons for the condition may vary from man to man. Becoming more aware of the male menopause condition can help men deal with symptoms, which are often much different than the symptoms experienced by women.
The symptoms of male menopause have been reported by men as not being quite as severe as the symptoms women undergo during menopause. Andropause, the clinical name for male menopause, has been linked to the testosterone decline in men as they age. Those who go through male menopause often describe symptoms that are similar to those initially described by women going through menopause.
Hot flashes, sudden and recurring episodes of sweating, tender mammary glands, and also an unstable libido are symptoms typically related to female menopause. Andropause sufferers also experience these symptoms; however the level of severity is often varied. Doctors find those who are aware of the frequency and severity of their symptoms are often able to get successful treatment.
Sadly, most men don’t talk often about Andropause and a multitude of men don’t even know the condition exists. Sometimes men become clued into the condition when they or their doctor becomes concerned because Andropause symptoms mimic those associated with kidney and liver disease. Of course, although they may recognize unusual symptoms, men often will not seek out medical help due to fear.
Men and women around the world will admit menopause is not something pleasant to go through, as it’s very uncomfortable. Due to the uncomfortable nature of menopause, there has been a surge in herbal medicines that are said to treat hormonal changes associated with menopause. One should know however that these herbs cannot cure menopause, but only lessen bothersome symptoms.
It’s wise for men and women to talk about herbal supplementation with their family doctor, before using them. This is most important due to the fact that some herbal supplements counteract the effects of medications you may regularly take. Some combinations of herbs and prescription medications can be dangerous or even fatal. Asking a doctor before using herbs can prevent a bad situation.
Andropause is treated by physicians with simple testosterone replacement therapy. In this aspect, the treatment mimics that of female menopause which is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy as well. Sufferers of both forms of menopause have reported that this greatly relieves the symptoms that make them most uncomfortable.
In some cases a concurrent course of treatment will involve talking therapy or counseling sessions, especially when andropause or menopause severely affect the libido. Sexual problems have been determined to be a premier reason for divorce among older couples, and seeking to avoid this issue is imperative. Additionally, in many cases men have to come to grips with a false but persistent impression of a loss of manhood.
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