You’re turning 48 in 3 months and lead a moderately healthy life style.
Work has its stressful moments but its manageable.
The wife and kids are great and all seems perfect, except…. there is a fatigue and tiredness
that has set in over the past year.
To make matters worse, you find it hard to maintain an erection and sex doesn’t really
interest you anymore.
Because of these issues, you have become irritable and concentrating on a task seems
impossible.
You ask yourself why are you feeling this way?
Could it be a midlife crisis?
Should you see a psychiatrist?
If you are experiencing similar symptoms as described above, you could be going through Andropause.
What is Andropause? Is it a myth or reality?
Let’s take a look.
What is Andropause?
The term “menopause,” refers to a feminine process, the hormonal and physical changes women go through when they’ve experienced their final menstrual cycle. It’s a natural occurrence, coming around age 50 for most, that is accompanied by a drop in estrogen levels.
So, how can a man go through menopause?
The simple answer is they don’t.andropause
Men do however go through their own hormonal change with age that mirrors the effects of the female version.
Many doctors use the term “andropause” to describe aging-related hormone changes in men. Other terms include testosterone deficiency syndrome, androgen deficiency of the aging male, male andropause and late-onset male hypogonadism.
What causes it?
Andropause is a caused by a decrease in the male hormone known as testosterone.
Testosterone levels vary greatly among men. In general, older men tend to have lower testosterone levels than do younger men. Testosterone levels gradually decline throughout adulthood — about 1% a year after age 35 on average.
What are the symptoms?
As a result of low testosterone, when you reach your late 40s and 50s, you may develop a range of physical and emotional symptoms. These may include
- Loss of sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Mood swings and irritability
- Fat redistribution, such as developing a large stomach or ‘man boobs’
- Insomnia or increased tiredness
- Poor concentration and short-term memory loss
- Loss of muscle mass
How is it diagnosed and how can I treat it?
Andropause is diagnosed based on a physical examination, the presence of symptoms and a blood test to check if the testosterone level is within normal range.
If your testosterone levels are not in the normal range, hormone therapy such as testosterone injections, gel or patches may be recommended to help boost your testosterone levels back up.
I am experiencing symptoms but I’m embarrassed to see the doctor
It is important to remember that while these symptoms can be embarrassing and unpleasant, they’re not unusual and a normal part of aging for many men. Identifying your concerns early with a professional is key to reducing symptoms quickly and maintaining your hormonal balance.Visit a doctor if you have been experiencing such symptoms.It may change your life.
