Four myths about andropause or male menopause
Article dedicated to men in middle age
Andropause, also called male menopause, refers to a number of changes and symptoms associated with aging in men. These symptoms can include decreased libido, mood swings, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction as a result of low testosterone levels. However, there is considerable debate about the existence and definition of this disorder.
Myths about male menopause
1 Male menopause is equivalent to female menopause Reality: While there are some similarities between the symptoms of female menopause and those attributed to andropause — such as hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, abdominal fat, muscle loss, dry, thin skin, and excessive sweating — there are also significant differences. First, the signs appear more slowly and more subtly, and are generally not as severe as those of female menopause.
While female menopause marks the end of the reproductive cycle and involves a sudden and significant drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, andropause in men is associated with gradual hormonal changes and aging-related symptoms. Unlike female menopause which is a definite event, andropause is more of a gradual process that can start at different ages for each man and continue over many years. It is important to note that andropause does not mark the end of male fertility, as does menopause in women, but rather is a transition during which testosterone and other hormone levels begin to gradually decline.
2 Andropause is a well-defined condition Reality: There is a difference of opinion among the medical community regarding the definition and diagnosis of male menopause. The term andropause is sometimes considered inappropriate, and the associated symptoms might be better characterized as part of the normal aging process. Some researchers associate the symptoms with androgen deficiency in the elderly male (ADAM) or late-onset hypogonadism. This condition occurs naturally when the gonads, the organs responsible for producing sex cells, begin to age and lose function. Doctors confirm the diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism when a man exhibits three sexual symptoms and has androgen levels below 11 nanomoles per liter (nmol).
Signs and symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism include: hot flashes, mood swings and irritability, accumulation of fat around the abdomen and chest, loss of muscle mass and strength, dry and thin skin, excessive sweating,hair loss, cognitive problems.
3 All men will experience andropause Fact: Andropause does not cause symptoms in all men. Factors such as lifestyle, genetic predisposition and general health can influence the likelihood of their occurrence. After the age of 30, testosterone levels are expected to decline gradually in all men, with an average reduction of about one percent per year. However, there is a lack of consensus among doctors that the normal age-related decline in testosterone levels is the sole trigger for the symptoms associated with male menopause. If this were true, every man would have to experience these symptoms, which is not the case. Although these symptoms often occur in older men with low testosterone levels, they are more common in those who also suffer from conditions such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. This suggests that declining levels of male hormones it is not the only factor that contributes to the development of this disorder.
4 Myth: Andropause always requires treatment Reality: Unless male menopause causes significant difficulty or disrupts daily life, symptoms can be managed without medical treatment. However, one of the main obstacles to treating male menopause can be an open discussion with your family doctor or urologist. Unfortunately, many men feel too embarrassed to discuss topics related to sexual health. A common treatment for male menopause symptoms is to make healthy lifestyle choices.
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