MANOPAUSE – (ANDROPAUSE) or Male Menopause
Manopause is the male version of menopause. Yep, this is real. There are books on the subject; I promise I didn’t make it up! Hormone levels in men affect mental health, physical health and sex drive. Manopause is an age related slowdown and can start as early as men’s 30’s.
This information makes some men uncomfortable, but it’s the truth. Lots of men don’t like discussing this information but as we age we need to know what can or is going to happen to our bodies. There are medications available for symptoms of Manopause too, so please check with your doctor if you think you might be experiencing any of the symptoms listed.
In Manopause, testosterone decreases. There are also cultural pressures men feel that can contribute to the way they are feeling. It typically begins around the age of 40. However, most men are in the full swing of Manopause between 51 and 60.
Symptoms include:
- Low testosterone (Low T) – Is the underproduction or lack of production of testosterone. Less than 300 ng/dl is considered low. It is a common condition that affects millions of men around the world. There are a variety of ways testosterone can be delivered to men with low T. They include: Injections, patches or gels, tablet shaped patch know as a buccal system and pellets (inserted under the skin of the buttocks) The following signs or symptoms can also contribute to low T.
- Fatigue – Is the extreme tiredness or feeling lethargic, exhausted, etc.
- Decreased muscle mass – Causes diminished strength and muscle on the body.
- Increased body fat – It can cause fat increases especially around the midsection.
- Mood disorders – Includes mood swings, concentration issues, grumpiness, or lacking confidence.
- Trouble sleeping – It can cause insomnia and other changes in your sleep patterns.
- Weight loss or gain – It’s hard enough to lose weight as we age and throwing low T in makes it worse.
- Memory loss – Inability to remember events, occasional forgetfulness, and loss of short-term memory.
- Diminished libido – Is the lack of desire to have sex.
- Infertility – Is usually caused by problems that affect either sperm production or sperm transport.
- Depression – Not finding joy in things you used to or sadness. In men it often manifests as anger, physical pain or reckless behavior.
- Erectile dysfunction/ED – Occurs when a man can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. There are prescription medications available for ED including; Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra. Talk to your doctor to see what’s right for you.
There may be more symptoms, so check with your healthcare professional before diagnosing yourself.
The following are some natural ways to increase testosterone:
Encourage Discourage
Nutrient rich diet Smoking
Vitamin D (Sun) Drinking alcohol
Regular exercise Sedentary life
Healthy weight Poor nutrition
Sleep Stress
Men have things happen to their bodies too. Women’s estrogen levels drop and men’s testosterone levels drop. Aging is often unkind to men’s sexual function too. 30 Million Men have erectile dysfunction or ED.
What happens to a man’s body as they age?
- Testosterone levels drop so it takes longer for a man to get aroused.
- Color changes on the penis and the tip gets lighter.
- Weight alters size of penis. Extra weight around middle section (tummy area) makes the penis look smaller.
- Shrinkage – Fatty plaques in tiny arteries in the penis which reduce blood flow can lead to smaller erections.
- Less sensitivity – Testosterone drops which leads to difficulty climaxing and a softer erection.
The truth is, we are getting older and we need to accept that fact. Both women and men age and have things happen to their bodies that they’re not happy with. We need to realize that it happens to all of us, and we need to get through it together. My hope is that both men and women can understand what our partners go through and can be sympathetic.
This time in life can be a rite of passage too. More than likely the kids are gone and now you have more time together alone with your significant other. So enjoy!