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Jakarta – Male menopause means an age-related reduction of testosterone in cisgender males. Signs include fatigue, insomnia, mood changes, and more. It can also affect fertility.
As men age, they often find themselves facing several physical and emotional changes that can leave them wondering, "Am I entering male menopause?" Well, there is a concept of male menopause that many people have no idea about.
Read below to know more about the Male Menopause
To understand male menopause, people first need to address the question of whether it's a genuine medical condition.
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According to Harvard Health, while women experience a noticeable drop in estrogen levels around age 50, leading to the physical and psychological changes of menopause, men go through a much more gradual change.
Testosterone levels in men start declining as early as age 30, but it's a slow decrease of about one percent per year for the rest of their lives. As a result, many men may not even notice the effects for several decades.
For most men, the term "male menopause" can be misleading because the symptoms are not the result of a sudden drop in testosterone like women experience during menopause.
The gradual decline in testosterone levels is a natural part of the aging process. However, other factors can contribute to the symptoms associated with male menopause.
As reported from Times of India Site, according to the UK National Health Service (NHS), various lifestyle and psychological issues can play a significant role. These issues can include:
1. Stress: High stress levels can lead to mood swings, irritability, and a loss of interest in sex.
2. Depression: Symptoms like low sex drive and mood swings can be indicative of underlying depression.
3. Anxiety: Anxiety can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
4. Personal or lifestyle issues: Problems related to work, relationships, finances, or concerns about aging can cause psychological symptoms.
Moreover, several physical factors can significantly increase these symptoms, such as smoking, heart problems, lack of sleep, a poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption.
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In rare cases, late-onset hypogonadism, a condition where the testes produce few or no hormones, can be responsible for male menopause symptoms.
It can develop later in life, especially in men who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. However, this is an uncommon medical condition that's not a typical part of aging.
When men reach their 40s to early 50s, they may experience a series of symptoms often associated with male menopause. Some common symptoms include:
1. Mood swings and irritability
2. Decrease in muscle mass and ability to exercise
3. Redistribution of fat (such as a distended abdomen)
4. Reduced enthusiasm or energy
5. Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or increased feeling of fatigue
6. Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness
As these symptoms can significantly affect a man's daily life and happiness, it is important to identify the cause and determine the appropriate intervention.
