What is Andropause or Male Menopause?
Menopause is a time that marks the end of a woman's reproductive ability, usually happening between the age of 40-50. In men, the production of hormones such as testosterone, decline over a period of time and may cause sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Although change in hormone production and activity is normal, especially with age, the reduction in testosterone may cause hot flashes in men, decline in sexual performance and other sexual disorders. These symptoms may be referred to as “male menopause” or andropause. It is necessary to understand that although menopause is experienced due to hormonal fluctuations, the symptoms - physical and mental - are quite different depending on the sex of an individual.
Causes and Symptoms of Male Menopause
The main cause of male menopause is testosterone deficiency. On average, the production of testosterone declines at about 1% a year after 40. However, most older men still have normal levels of testosterone, with only a small amount experiencing abnormally low levels. Consequently, the effects of a drop in testosterone are usually not severe. Reduction in testosterone levels later in life are also known as late onset of hypogonadism. Lifestyle factors which may contribute to testosterone deficiency may include:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Poor diet, including regular consumption of alcohol and processed foods
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking or tobacco usage
- Lack of sleep
Symptoms of low testosterone are similar to symptoms of various other conditions, consequently making them difficult to identify. Andropause symptoms may include:
- Reduction in sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation
- Hot flashes in men
- Weak bones
- Increase in body fat and reduction in muscle mass
While these are physical andropause symptoms, certain symptoms can be psychological. These may include:
- Loss of motivation
- Lack of energy and constant sleepiness or sleep disturbances
- Depressed mood and loss of confidence
- Mood swings
- Irritability
These physical and mental male menopause symptoms are relatively generic and can be attributed to other causes such as age, use of medication, any pre-existing illness and obesity. Consequently, it may become difficult to identify the onset of male menopause.
If these symptoms can be attributed to factors such as age, then what is the age for male menopause? Similar to women, men too, experience andropause around the ages of forty to fifty. It is thus advisable for older men to regularly check their testosterone levels.
Male Menopause Treatment
Before deciding a treatment option for male menopause, it is advisable to identify the cause of your symptoms. While hormone therapy is an option, if lifestyle factors such as stress, anxiety, lack of exercise and poor eating habits are causing testosterone deficiency, it is recommended to make lifestyle changes. Ayurveda emphasises on making holistic lifestyle changes and embracing an ayurvedic lifestyle to treat problems. Ayurveda recommends eating a balanced diet enriched with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. You can also consume foods for sexual health on a daily basis to see results.
If the root cause of your testosterone deficiency lies in excess stress and anxiety, it is wise to take steps to reduce stress and anxiety levels or find effective strategies to cope with it. For instance, learning how to reduce stress by regularly exercising and consuming stress-relief foods is an effective and natural way to aid several health problems. Regularly exercising increases production of the ‘happy hormone’ known as oxytocin and can keep you in a good mood. Moreover, regular physical activity helps you maintain optimum levels of physical health as well. Kegel exercises to improve sexually can be incorporated into your routine to help with problems such as erectile dysfunction. Specific exercises for premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction coupled with a healthy diet, can help you deal with these sexual dysfunctions effectively.
In addition to making lifestyle changes, one can also opt for natural ayurvedic medicines and remedies to aid symptoms of male menopause including testosterone deficiency and hot flashes in men. Shilajit is a popular and natural ayurvedic medicine for erections. Shilajit is a herb found in the Himalayas which is known to increase stamina, power and strength in men. Dr. Vaidya’s Shilajit Resin is pure and natural shilajit from the Himalayas. It is an effective ayurvedic medicine for erectile dysfunction and infertility in men. It is rich in Fulvic acid, which may help stimulate energy production and blood formation. This further helps in developing and maintaining an erection and lasting longer in bed. Furthermore, it plays a role in transporting nutrients to tissues and blood cells to help combat fatigue and lethargy. Evidently, shilajit can effectively fight symptoms of male menopause, including fatigue and tiredness.
Although using ayurveda for erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunctions is effective, it is necessary to acknowledge the role of age in the development of male menopause. While lifestyle changes coupled with ayurvedic medicines are effective, it is vital to understand that a reduction in testosterone is a part and parcel of ageing and if it is not causing severe distress - physical or psychological, it is advisable to embrace it or deal with it by using natural remedies.
Lastly, it is vital to understand that andropause or male menopause and female menopause are two very different conditions. While almost all women experience menopause at some point in their life, a small percentage of men may experience abnormally low levels of testosterone as they age, which may lead to the aforementioned symptoms.
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FAQs on Male Menopause
What is andropause or male menopause?
Andropause or male menopause is the reduction in testosterone levels around the age of 40-50. It is also known as late onset of hypogonadism. Male menopause symptoms include hot flashes in men, testosterone deficiency, sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, depression, irritability and increase in body fat.
What is the age for male menopause in India?
Men experience andropause or male menopause around the age of 40-50. However, it is vital to note that, unlike women, all men do not experience menopause. Only a small percentage may experience abnormally low levels of testosterone.
What is a good ayurvedic medicine for infertility in males?
Natural ayurvedic medicines such as shilajit and ashwagandha can help increase the sexual performance of men. Some research suggests that shilajit may increase sperm count, consequently making it an effective ayurvedic medicine for infertility in males.
How to use Ayurveda for erectile dysfunction?
Ayurvedic remedies like shilajit and ashwagandha can help problems such as erectile dysfunction. While shilajit improves blood flow and increases strength and stamina, ashwagandha can relieve stress and help an individual perform better in bed. Additionally, including kegels and other exercises to improve sexually in your daily routine may help your sexual performance.
What is the treatment for male menopause?
Symptoms of male menopause can be helped by incorporating healthy lifestyle practices such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, coping with stress and anxiety and consuming natural ayurvedic medicines. If these do not work, hormone therapy is an effective option.