What is Male Andropause?

Once it was known as a man having a “Midlife Crisis.” If you’re a male between forty and fifty-five years of age, you may be experiencing this condition that now has a medical name. An estimated twenty-five million men experience this condition.What is Male Andropause? It can be defined by using its nickname, “ADAM”, which stands for “Androgen Decline in the Aging Male”. Testosterone is the dominant androgen in a male.

Just like women go through Menopause, a time in their lives when their bodies produce less female hormones, it’s now known that a man goes through a time when his body produces less male hormones as well.

But, there is a big difference between these two phases of life: women exhibit definite symptoms of Menopause such as hot flashes, moodiness, changes in the skin, and a reduction of sexual desire. They also cease to have menstrual cycles. Men who are going through Male Andropause, on the other hand, have physical symptoms they may not associate with this condition. The symptoms are usually a reduction in their sexual desires, problems with impotency, and urinary problems.

When a man’s body produces less testosterone, it also affects other parts of his body as well. Women who are experiencing Menopause, for example, run a high risk of Osteoporosis because of bone loss. Men who are experiencing Male Andropause run the same risk because testosterone plays a role in the production of tissue, muscles, and bones. Not enough testosterone can cause muscle and bone weakness. A lack of this male hormone can also cause moodiness and fatigue, two other symptoms that menopausal women typically experience..

It’s fortunate that the medical community is now realizing that Male Andropause does in fact exist. Because, before this condition came to light, many males were being treated for their symptoms, and not the actual cause of them. For example, if a man complained of anxiety, his doctor would probably prescribe antidepressants. The antidepressants might help the anxiety problem, but they, of course, couldn’t treat other symptoms associated with the Male Andropause condition. It’s kind of like having the flu and complaining of a headache. You can be treated for the headache, but that medicine isn’t going to remedy the actual cause, which is the flu virus.

Once a man is diagnosed with Male Andropause- a simple blood screening can diagnose the problem- he can now be treated with replacement testosterone hormones. A healthy change in diet and exercise can also be beneficial in the treatment. Some doctors recommend eating foods that are lower in fat. Foods that are made from soy can also be beneficial, as well as eating more vegetables and tomatoes. Tomatoes have been shown to reduce the risks of many cancers, including prostate cancer.

Many men who have been diagnosed with Male Andropause and have been treated with replacement testosterone hormones have experienced positive results. Urinary, as well as sexual problems, have been resolved. Not to mention that the chances of getting prostate cancer was reduced.

On the average, the testes in a man normally manufactures approximately fifteen milligrams of testosterone every day. To replace the right amount of this hormone, a man’s healthcare professional can determine the right dosage he needs in order for his body to function properly.

Men who are experiencing Male Andropause can take replacement testosterone orally, by injections, by using a cream, or by wearing a patch on the scrotum.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of Male Andropause, consult your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.