Male Menopause (Andropause)

Is there such a thing as male menopause? Menopause is usually associated with a time in a woman's life marked by the end of her monthly menstrual cycle in conjunction with other psychological and physical symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, and severe mood swings.

However, some of these changes, which are physiological and chemical in nature, have also been reported by men between the ages of 40 and 55. In years past, these symptoms of male menopause might have been ignored or just accepted as part of the natural aging process. In recent times however, this "andropause", as the male equivalent is called, has sparked much attention

Is Male Menopause Truth or Myth?

Is this a true medical condition? What's certain is that many men are reporting these familiar symptoms at the suggested age. These might include poor sex drive, fatigue, a change in body shape, reduced muscle mass, irritability, depression, aches, sweating and flushing--most of which are also common in menopause.

However, many doctors believe that this andropause is merely psychological change in men, not necessarily a hormonal change as with menopause. Psychologically speaking, at this age men are coming to terms with middle age and realizing that their youth has left them behind. Additionally, the appearance of wrinkles, a receding hairline and additional body fat, does have a strong psychological effect.

At mid-life a man may question his emotional, mental and spiritual contentment. Such life evaluation can take its toll on a man's body and may affect his sexuality, energy and mood. This is understandable since anxiety can also affect a person on physical and sexual level.

There are also other physical factors which could account for the menopause-like symptoms. These might include anemia, thyroid gland dysfunction, alcohol abuse, as well as psychological issues such as marital difficulties, financial problems or job dissatisfaction.

Help With Male Menopause

Andropause, like menopause cannot be "cured" as it is a natural phase of aging. However, the symptoms can be treated. If testosterone levels are low then testosterone replacement therapy could be used to relieve symptoms related to low sex drive, depression and fatigue. Treatments can be administered by patches, injections or by taking tablets.

Some doctors recommend lifestyle changes to their patients to improve testosterone production, such as dieting, exercise or stress management. Talk to your doctor for more information on these treatments.

How Sex Therapy Can Help

One important point to remember is that growing older does not mean that you will naturally lose your sexual functioning. While some older men do experience sexual dysfunction, just as many are still capable of having erections and enjoying passionate sex. The stereotype that sexual desire disappears at the age of 60 (or 50, or 40) is a worn-out myth. The fact of the matter is that a healthy man, even in later years, can anticipate a healthy sex drive. Nobody runs out of sex!

If you have a problem with male menopause or other symptoms such as low testosterone, then why not look into sex therapy as a solution? The sad alternative would be living without sex, perhaps due to misconceptions that older people can't have sex, or that it's no longer an enjoyable activity. The truth is that sex can be enjoyable at any age and that it is a healthy and anti-aging activity. Why deprive yourself of such pleasure?

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tova@sextherapylosangeles.com