The physiological changes that women undergo during their lives are well known, and no one is surprised to hear terms such as the menstrual cycle, ovulation, or menopause. However, when we move to the realm of man, it is more difficult to find terms equivalent to processes that take place in his body. Despite the ignorance of many, man also undergoes changes depending on age, such as andropause, better known as male menopause, a process by which sexual capacity is reduced, in addition to other organic functions. . In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain what male menopause or andropause is.
Table of Contents
At what age does andropause appear?
The term hypogonadism is used to name the set of changes that occur in both men and women for which there is a deficient or non-existent production of sex hormones. In the case of men, these changes take place in the testicles, while in women, in the ovaries.
In the case of men, menopause appears between the ages of 50 and 55 when there is a progressive decrease in the production of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. This is the first difference compared to women since they experience abrupt changes. Another difference between male and female menopause is that in men, this process does not take place absolutely, unlike in women. The man who suffers from hypogonadism or a testosterone deficiency conserves his ability to reproduce, unlike the woman, who cannot have children after this change.
The cause that explains the male menopause or andropause is a deficit of testosterone production in the blood that begins around 30 and 40 years of age and increases with age due to the increase of globulin transporter of sex hormones in the blood, which inhibits the effects of testosterone.
Factors of male menopause
Although male menopause occurs naturally over the years, several predisposing factors lead to the appearance of symptoms:
- Hereditary factors . People with a family history of testosterone deficiency earlier than usual are more prone to it.
- Obesity . Studies have shown that being overweight reduces the amount of testosterone in men, also reducing sexual appetite.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Diabetes Mellitus . Diabetes has been linked to an increased predisposition to infertility problems. In this article, we talk about male infertility due to diabetes.
- The excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs also influences the appearance of male menopause.
- Thyroid diseases . The thyroid is a gland responsible for producing hormones, so some diseases or conditions can influence its functions.
- Physical and psychological stress is another important factor that can affect the sexual function of the body.
Symptoms of male menopause
Although male menopause carries some symptoms, not all men have signs that are strong enough to be detected. As a result, more than half of men in their 50s do not see any symptoms. However, some of the symptoms of male menopause or andropause are as follows:
- The disappearance of morning erections.
- Descent of sexual fantasies.
- Erectile dysfunction .
- Problems with vigorous physical activity, such as lifting weights.
- Problems are falling asleep, concentrating, and anxiety problems.
- Lack of appetite.
- Reduction of the quantity of semen and the intensity of ejaculation.
In this article we reveal some foods that increase sexual desire .
Should I be concerned about male menopause?
Although male menopause is a proven fact, the reality is that it only affects about 2% of men, while in women, it has an incidence of 100%. Therefore, it is not necessary to obsess over the appearance of the symptoms of male menopause. However, it is advisable to know the symptoms so that it is easier to detect the development of andropause and to be able to take measures to prevent it from occurring chronically. In addition, it is essential to consider the factors that facilitate the appearance of male menopause explained in the previous point to reduce the predisposition to menopause.
What treatments are available?
Being a natural process that develops with age, male menopause has no cure. However, it can be treated palliatively through drugs that act as hormone substitutes. Therefore, the lack of testosterone can be administered through intramuscular injections that are applied quarterly and through skin patches or gels. The hormonal treatment must always be accompanied by a medical follow-up to check the adequate testosterone levels in the blood and avoid any health risks.
Also, in this article you can consult some home remedies to increase sexual desire .
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is male menopause or andropause? We recommend that you enter our Sexuality category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.