Andropause. If you’ve never heard of the word you’re not alone. Many still don’t even believe that it exists. Also known as male menopause, it is often ignored or laughed away as some kind of a joke.
For many men, however, it is an all too painful reality… a reality that can foster feelings of inadequacy as one’s body changes dramatically. The lack of testosterone associated with andropause leads to many problems, including sexual performance issues. Which causes some men to wonder if Viagra or other erectile dysfunction drugs might help.
There are several ways to combat the symptoms of male menopause. A healthy diet and lifestyle, supplements, and prescription drugs all can play a vital role in improving your health and well-being.
The erectile dysfunction drug Viagra has become one of the most popular methods of restoring a healthy ability to enjoy sexual relations, thereby improving self-esteem and quality of life, too.
What are the signs and symptoms of male menopause?
Male menopause is very tricky to diagnose since it is different for everyone. The symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Aches and pains
- Sweating and flushing
- Reduced libido
- Decreased sexual performance.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of male menopause, be sure to ask your doctor. A simple saliva or blood test may provide answers.
Why is andropause called male menopause?
Menopause is caused by the decrease in estrogen levels in a woman’s body as her ovaries stop producing eggs and she ceases menstruating.
Andropause is caused by a shortage of free testosterone in a man’s body. The testicles may still produce testosterone and sperm, but the level of testosterone available to the body may be insufficient.
Andropause is called male menopause because it represents a change in the levels of hormones produced by the reproductive glands, just as menopause is for women.
How is andropause treated?
Treatments for male menopause / andropause include supplementing testosterone levels in the body, either by injection or by taking pills. When the dosages are correct, there are few side effects.
If left untreated, however, male menopause can have very serious consequences. It may threaten your lifestyle and perhaps even your life. The loss of muscle mass, decline in energy, and difficulty in concentrating that many men complain of during andropause can contribute to accidents.
Surprisingly, men with male menopause are at high risk of developing osteoporosis, usually thought of as a woman’s disease. Osteoporosis, or loss of bone density, is a major cause of death. Many people die from osteoporosis-related injuries, especially broken hips.
Insomnia, irritability, loss of libido, and decreased sexual performance caused by andropause may negatively affect relationships. Male menopause may even lead to erectile dysfunction, the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection.
Can I take Viagra if I have male menopause?
The good news is that if you are taking medication such as Viagra for erectile dysfunction, that drug may actually be enhanced by supplementing your testosterone levels at the same time. Please be sure to ask your doctor if these treatments are suited for you.
I don’t have andropause and don’t want to get it. How can male menopause be prevented?
Many health experts are concerned that our environment and lifestyle are contributing to the rapid increase in cases of andropause.
They worry that the use of plastics may cause male menopause because chemicals that mimic estrogen can leach from several types of plastic. Pesticides and spermicidal agents also can raise the amount of estrogen in a man’s body, throwing hormone levels off balance.
Vegetarians may want to note that certain plants, such as soy, can raise estrogen levels as well. Protein is important for men because it helps to maintain muscle mass, which helps support testosterone levels. Whey protein is suitable for a vegetarian diet and is a good supplement for most men.
Eating small amounts of protein throughout the day is much better than having one large serving. Eating a small serving of protein before and after a workout will help to build your muscle mass. Triple fish oil is also a good supplement as it provides necessary fatty acids.
It’s important to get proper sleep. It gives the body time to heal damaged tissue and contributes to adequate testosterone levels.
Those men who are inactive and consume unhealthy snacks greatly increase their odds of developing male menopause.
Warning: Beer bellies and man breasts are signs that estrogen levels are having a rather noticeable effect!
If you suspect you may be experiencing the symptoms of male menopause, see your doctor and ask about treatment options such as testosterone supplements, erectile dysfunction medications, and lifestyle changes.
