During male menopause, hormone levels in men begin to drop. This is more than a male midlife crisis; it’s an actual physiological condition that affects men heading toward middle age. Though not every man experiences andropause, men who do can really suffer with it. Let’s take a closer look at male menopause and your treatment options.
What is Male Menopause?
Some people, women especially, don’t really think male menopause exists. But don’t tell a man over 40 that. Male menopause, also called, “andropause” occurs when testosterone hormone levels in men being to drop. Testosterone is the sex hormone responsible for releasing sperm from the testes, driving libido, and increasing muscular strength.
Symptoms of Male Andropause
When testosterone hormones decline, men may experience some irritating symptoms. Common symptoms of andropause include:
- Hot Flashes
- Night Sweats
- Muscle and Joint Aches
- Fatigue
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- Low Libido
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Listlessness
Male menopause can sometimes cause friction in a relationship because of the mood swings and loss of interest in sex. This can double if the female partner is going through menopause as well.
Treatments for Male Menopause
Conventional
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can increase testosterone hormone levels in men and help improve muscular strength and improve libido. It can also help combat the moodiness and depression sometimes associated with andropause. The problem with testosterone replacement therapy is it doesn’t always treat erectile dysfunction and there are some side effects associated with it.
These include:
- Acne/Skin Irritation
- Brain Fog
- Irritability
- Breast/Nipple Tenderness
- Infertility
- Increased Red Blood Cell Circulation
Because of these side effects, some men turn to natural testosterone-boosting methods instead.
Natural
- Dietary Changes
Eating a healthy diet is the key to maintaining a healthy mind and body. When your hormones are fluctuating due to age, this is especially important. A well-balanced diet for men should include plenty of organic vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains. If you’re looking for natural ways to build testosterone, you can try these foods to increase testosterone.
- Exercise
To decrease feelings of moodiness and maintain muscle strength, men experiencing male menopause should continue to exercise. Aerobic and resistance training exercises can help you maintain balance, improve your metabolism, and increase testosterone levels naturally.
- Fennel
Fennel is an herbal remedy that can help treat the erectile dysfunction and low libido associated with male menopause. Take care in using this herb, however, as it can have side effects such as contact dermatitis, seizures, and hallucinations.
When your hormones are fluctuating and you’re having a hard time sleeping or getting in the mood, you want something to ease the symptoms. Talk with your doctor about testosterone replacement therapy or look into your natural male enhancement options. Andropause can be a hard time for a man but it’s not permanent. It’s only a time of transition.
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