How Long Does Andropause, aka Male Menopause Last?
Are you a male past middle age? Have you been feeling weak, tired, and experiencing mood swings lately? Do you have little or no interest in sex? Well, these are probably the signs of the onset of andropause or what is commonly known as male menopause. We have compiled this article to share with you more information on this condition. Read on.
According to William Kormos, an Editor in Chief at the Harvard Men’s Health Watch, by age 80, 40 to 50 percent of men have their testosterone levels in the “low” range. This decline in testosterone is what is referred to as andropause or male menopause. You are probably curious to know what causes male menopause, when it starts, how long it lasts, and most importantly, how it can be treated. We will be answering all these questions here.
What Causes Andropause?
Male menopause is often triggered by low testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone or androgen that is produced in the testicles and the adrenal glands. The high concentrations of this hormone are responsible for male characteristics such as body and facial hair, deep voice, muscle strength, strong sexual drive, fat metabolism, production of red blood cells and sperms, and competitive behavior. For an aging male, less testosterone is produced. It is important to note that women also require and produce low levels of testosterone.
A man’s testosterone levels typically peak somewhere between the age of 20 to 30 years. After this time, they will gradually decrease for the rest of his life at a rate of 1-2 percent per year. By age 70 or 80, men’s testosterone levels would have decreased by half. Factors like obesity, poor diet, stress, lack of exercise often result in faster testosterone loss and aggravate andropause symptoms. Menopause for women happens to be a rapid process. However, for andropause, the process is slower and may go unnoticed in some men.
How is Male “Menopause” Diagnosed?
To make the diagnosis of male menopause, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing. To be sure, the doctor may order a series of blood tests that may include checking testosterone levels. To rule out any other medical problems the doctor can perform other diagnostic tests.
What are the Symptoms of Andropause?
The symptoms of andropause may vary from one male to the next, all in all, common symptoms of men going through andropause are:
- Low sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Increased body fat mostly around the abdomen and chest
- Fatigue
- Irritability and mood swings
- Depression
- Decreased muscle mass
- Hot flashes
- Memory and cognitive decline
Men may shy away from speaking about the symptoms of male menopause. This is very risky and could result in low quality of life and other health problems like heart disease or diabetes. Always consult with a specialist in this area to diagnose and get the best treatment for this condition.
When Does Male Menopause Start?
Andropause or late-onset hypogonadism is a common disorder that increases in prevalence with advancing age. As men age, they experience declining testosterone levels. Blood tests done in different academic research institutions indicate that men begin to experience low testosterone levels between the ages of 40 and 60. Sometimes, younger men in their late 30s may also experience andropause due to certain health issues.
How Long Does Male Menopause Last?
Male menopause isn’t as clearly defined as female menopause. It, therefore, becomes a challenge to tell how long it lasts. According to an article written by the Centre for Men’s Health, male menopause has no set duration and may come gradually over a period of months or years. If not treated appropriately, male menopause may become long-lasting, damaging a man’s health and well-being.
Other sources indicate that the uncomfortable effects of male menopause can last for 15 to 20 years as the body systematically adjusts to lower testosterone production. Some men may fail to notice this hormonal change completely while others who experience a rapid decline in testosterone levels would feel the discomforts more.
Can Male “Menopause” Be Treated?
The good news is that the answer to this question is, yes. In the past, people had no choice but to endure many uncomfortable health conditions. Currently, advancements in the medical field have brought forward solutions and treatments that have greatly improved the quality of life.
Treatments for Andropause
Here are some of the treatment options and solutions available for andropause:
Testosterone replacement therapy: The same way women choose to undergo hormone replacement therapy to ease the discomforts of menopause, men can also benefit from this. Testosterone replacement therapy may help relieve symptoms such as decreased sex drive, depression, mood swings, and fatigue. However, testosterone therapy comes with a lot of risks and side effects. Your doctor will provide medical advice on everything you need to know about replacing testosterone in your body.
Health supplements: The negative effects of andropause can be so bad affecting one’s quality of life. Luckily, a solution like the all-natural supplement known as Morilite is available for you. Morilite is a supplement that will help you increase your vitality and brain function. It is made from a magical ingredient called “Cistanche Tubulosa” which has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. This natural extract has been proven to provide a remedy for sexual dysfunction, memory loss, aging, fatigue, etc. What’re more Morilite supplements have absolutely no side effects. Find out more about Morilite and Cistanche Tubulosa here.
Lifestyle changes: Changing your lifestyle through regular exercise, reducing stress, and having a balanced diet can offer a lot of relief for the symptoms of andropause. Regular exercises are good at balancing testosterone hormone production. A nutritious diet will help you improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel and perform your best.
Conclusion
We trust that you have been adequately educated on the matters that surround male menopause. You now know what causes it, its symptoms, when it starts, and how long it can last. We are especially glad that you know how to treat it after reading this. It’s always been our wish that you remain healthy, happy, and productive.
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