Men are motivated to seek medical help only when they begin to experience symptoms of sexual dysfunction and impotence.
Andropause, or what is commonly referred to as male menopause, is a condition that is associated with the decrease of the male hormone, testosterone, as one grows older.
Testosterone is required for the production of facial and body hair in men, as well as their deep voices and muscle mass. It also controls sperm production, fertility, sex drive or libido, as well as the ability to sustain an erection.
“Testosterone levels generally hit the peak at around age 40, then progressively diminish thereafter,” says Dr Richard Saning’o, who specialises in male infertility and sexual dysfunction.
Andropause can either occur naturally with age or can be triggered by diseases and injuries that stop or decrease the production of androgens.
It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of andropause so that you can seek an early diagnosis and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms
Lack of energy and loss of physical agility.
Impotence.
Fatigue.
Thinning of bones (loss of bone mass).
Obesity.
Muscle weakness.
Lack of sexual desire and impaired sexual performance due to inability to attain or sustain an erection.
Anxiety and depression.
Just like in women, these symptoms may be accompanied by mood swings.
However, most men ignore these symptoms, especially since they do not cause any physical pain.
“The only reason that motivates most men to see a doctor is when they begin to experience symptoms of impaired sexual function and impotence,” Dr Saning’o points out.
There are no local studies on andropause, but Dr Saning’o says that just like in women, andropause strikes between 55 and 75 years. In some men, however, symptoms begin to show at 80 years,” says Dr Saning’o.
Diagnosis
According to Dr Saning’o, there is no specific test that can be used to diagnose andropause. However, men who show symptoms of this natural ageing process can undergo a full hormone profile, which checks the levels of hormones such as testosterone.
Questionnaires are also a good diagnostic tool because they will answer important questions regarding one’s health. Such a questionnaire is best done with your doctor. Physical examinations and patient medical history also help in the diagnosis of andropause.
Treatment
Just like in menopause, andropause symptoms may be reversed with treatment using hormones.
“However, medical doctors still do not have a good understanding on how to reverse these symptoms without exposing men to the potential harmful effects of long-term exposure to androgens or other hormones,” Dr Saning’o clarifies.
Another potential treatment option is to address each of the andropause symptoms individually with diet, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements.
For instance, the symptom of osteoporosis can be dealt with by increasing calcium and vitamin D intake, while low energy can be handled by doing yoga regularly. He argues that this natural form of treatment may be much safer than the exposure to androgen hormones.
The following dietary and lifestyle changes can help to control the symptoms of andropause. These include:
A vegetable-rich diet
Decrease the protein you consume because a high protein diet may exacerbate early symptoms.
Take enough water to keep your body hydrated.
Avoid intoxicants, for instance alcohol, narcotic drugs, and khat, or miraa, as it is commonly known.
Increase your intake of foods rich in calcium. They include milk, yoghurt, fish, soy beans, curly kale, kidney, French beans, cheese, nuts, white rice, white bread, and pasta. Calcium prevents the loss of bone-mass, which is associated with thinning of bones in andropause.
Increase intake of foods rich in vitamin D. The list includes eggs, liver, milk, fish, breakfast cereals, dark leafy vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Vitamin D helps to regulate the concentration of calcium and phosphate in the bloodstream. This promotes the growth of bone.
Σχόλια