Male Menopause – Is it Real?

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Just like menopause in women, male menopause involves changes in hormone levels and other physical characteristics. It affects a man’s psychology and sexuality.

                In women, menopause comes on fairly rapidly, around age 45 to 50. It’s clearly linked to the cessation of ovulation.

                Corresponding changes occur more gradually and are less obvious in men.

                Since men retain the capacity to reproduce as they get older, the medical community has tended to gloss over these age-related changes.

CHANGES OF MALE MENOPAUSE

                The most common signs of male menopause are anger and irritability, erectile dysfunction or reduced libido, as well as fatigue.

                These changes usually begin between age 40 and 55, though they can start as early as age 35 or as late as age 65.

                There is a decline in testosterone levels as well. The decline is usually gradual, but it can be very rapid.

                Since testosterone levels vary greatly among men, it is important for men to know their testosterone levels at various times in their lives.

                As a result of this decline, erections take longer to occur and are not quite as firm as they once were. Often, it takes more physical stimulation to become aroused. The urge to ejaculate is not as insistent as it once was, and the force of ejaculation is weaker.

                There are also age-related declines in the frequency of orgasm and sexual thoughts.

                Men can experience nonsexual changes – for example a decline in lean muscle mass and a tendency to put on weight. Aches and pains become more pervasive. Some men complain of anxiety or insomnia.

                Full-blown depression often occurs during male menopause, although feelings of anger and frustration are more common.

                Men report that “everything seems to bother them,” while their wives complain that their husbands “used to be loving and gentle, but now there’s no pleasing” them.

                The best way to respond to these changes is if men – and their partners-are aware of what’s happening, not only hormonally and physically, but psychologically and spiritually.

                Many of the changes associated with male menopause are actually preparation for moving from ”first adulthood” to “second adulthood,” or “super-adulthood.” If men embrace the passage, they’ll find this next phase brings more power and passion than any other time of life.

                In the second half of life, men shift from a focus on career to a focus on their “calling.” They want to do something that they enjoy, but that also helps their community and the world. This may mean a modification of their previous career, or it may involve something totally new.

TREATMENT FOR MALE MENOPAUSE

                There are now supplements and medications that are recommended for male menopause. If you’re experiencing problems, ask your doctor about getting a testosterone blood or saliva test. If your level is low, consider testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

                Testosterone is now available as a shot, patch or gel. Each has benefits and drawbacks. Testosterone is also sold in pill form, but the only type now available in the US reportedly has been shown to cause liver problems.

                TRT helps men lose fat and gain muscle, and increases their sex drive. If erectile dysfunction becomes a chronic problem, ask your doctor about Viagra… or try a natural alternative like L-arginine or gingko biloba.

                It is also recommended that men have all of their hormone levels checked – DHEA, pregnenolone, thyroid, melatonin, human growth hormone and even estrogen levels – as well as the levels of all vitamins and minerals. Talk to a naturopathic physician to see if you should be taking a daily antioxidant supplement.

                Men older than age 40 should also get an annual prostate-specific antigen test, which checks for prostate cancer. This test is essential if you’re considering TRT – because if you have prostate cancer, testosterone supplements will stimulate its growth.

                Since irritability and/or insomnia are often signs of depression in men, consider getting checked for depression and perhaps taking an antidepressant if you have these symptoms.

ANY OTHER ADVICE?

                Eat a low-fat diet and get plenty of exercise – a mix of aerobic exercise, strength training (to maintain muscle mass) and stretching (to keep your joints and back flexible).

References:

Jed Diamond, licensed psychotherapist, educator and trainer on men’s health issues in Willets, CA. Mr. Diamond is director of MenAlive, a program designed to help men live healthier lives(www.menalive.com). He is author of Male Menopause (Sourcebooks).