Menopause may be a woman-only event, but that doesn’t mean men are exempt from its effects. In addition to hot flashes, mood swings and other unpleasant symptoms of menopause, men may also experience a range of physical and mental changes as they approach their golden years. Menopause is the end of your reproductive life. It happens when you stop having menstrual periods because you no longer have eggs left to release. This can happen naturally or after chemotherapy or surgery to remove your ovaries. Once your body has stopped producing enough estrogen and progesterone, you’ll experience all the negative side effects listed above as well as some even more unpleasant ones. So what exactly is Male Menopause? Keep reading to find out…
Male menopause, or andropause, is a combination of physical and mental changes that men often experience in their 40s and 50s. While menopause is the end of menstruation in women, menopause does not occur in men. Andropause is the male equivalent to menopause, which is the end of the reproductive cycle. These effects are often associated with aging and environmental factors like stress, poor diet and lack of exercise, but they can also be caused by hormone-related illnesses such as thyroid disease and diabetes. Andropause is often accompanied by symptoms such as increased difficulty falling asleep, less energy during the day, decreased sexual desire, and increased difficulty achieving orgasm. Symptoms vary in severity and duration.
Physical Changes During Menopause
As estrogen levels fall, your body will start to experience symptoms as though it’s regressing back to your teenage years. You’ll start to gain weight, your muscles will weaken, and you’ll find hair sprouting in strange places. You’ll also find yourself having increased difficulty getting a good night’s rest. You’ll have trouble falling asleep, frequent waking and have difficulty staying asleep. These symptoms are caused by plummeting testosterone levels. Testosterone levels fall by about 1% each year after the age of 50, which can cause decreased muscle mass, lower bone density, reduced libido, and trouble sleeping. Luckily, most of these symptoms can be treated and/or managed.
Mental Changes During Menopause
As estrogen and progesterone levels fall, you’ll find yourself having less patience for the things that usually irk you. You might find yourself snapping at loved ones or coworkers more often, or getting irritated with small inconveniences. You might also feel the need to withdraw from social activities. You may feel overwhelmed by crowds, or you may find yourself feeling exhausted after spending time with friends and family. You might have trouble concentrating and have feelings of lethargy. Low progesterone levels can lead to feelings of anxiety and irritability. Estrogen and progesterone also help you regulate your mood, which means they may also be responsible for your feelings of sadness.
Depression and Anxiety During Menopause
If you’ve experienced a significant shift in your feelings towards the positive or negative side, you should visit your doctor to discuss the possibility of depression or anxiety. While depression and anxiety are two different conditions, they often occur together. Both are linked to estrogen levels, so when estrogen levels fall, the symptoms of these two conditions may worsen. There are three main types of menopause, and each can be caused by a different event. Natural menopause happens when a woman’s ovaries stop working, usually around the age of 50. Surgical menopause occurs after a woman has an operation to remove her ovaries. Medical menopause is caused by a problem with a woman’s hormones, usually caused by disease.
Loss of Independence During Menopause
As estrogen and progesterone levels fall, you may experience a loss of independence. You may find yourself becoming more dependent on others, specifically your children or grandchildren, for daily tasks. You might have trouble remembering things, trouble staying focused and trouble with decision making. You may have difficulty driving and even trouble cooking meals. You may feel as though you’re a burden on your family and desire to become more independent again. Unfortunately, these feelings are largely irreversible, but there are things you can do to minimize the impact on yourself and your loved ones. Pay attention to the signs that you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms. Try engaging in activities that help you stay focused and engaged, such as yoga or journaling. When making decisions, write them down and revisit them later to see if your feelings have changed.
Conclusion
As men get older, their bodies produce less testosterone, which can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms like weight gain and loss of energy. Men can experience these symptoms as they approach their golden years, but they can also be caused by disease or surgery. Menopause is the end of a woman’s reproductive life, which occurs when a woman stops having menstrual periods because she no longer has eggs left to release. It happens naturally in some women in their 40s and 50s. Menopause is when the ovaries stop working. It happens when you stop having periods because you’ve run out of eggs. It’s caused by a change in hormone levels.
Are Men More Vulnerable To These Changes?
Yes. While men and women undergo similar hormonal changes as they age, men tend to experience more drastic effects on their health. Research shows that men are more vulnerable to the negative effects of estrogen on the body. Men are more likely to experience bone loss and even an increased chance of getting breast cancer. Estrogen has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and blood clots.
Can Men Prevent These Changes?
Yes. Men can prevent these changes by staying active, eating a healthy diet and managing their stress. Doctors recommend that men consume a diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals and limit their intake of carbohydrates. Men can also take various supplements such as vitamins, minerals and certain herbs that can help combat the negative effects of aging.
What Is The Best Way To Manage Menopause?
You can manage menopause by exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and taking supplements such as calcium and vitamins D, E and B. You can also manage menopause by talking to a doctor about the benefits of hormone therapy. If you experience the symptoms of menopause discussed in this article, speak to your doctor about treatments and lifestyle changes that can help you manage these symptoms.