Experts talk about how to treat and overcome male menopause

men's health

by Adriana Diaz

It's not just women, and it's not just that time of year.

According to the Mayo Clinic, andropause (commonly referred to as “andropause”) is described as “age-related hormonal changes in men.”

Medical institutions claim that “testosterone levels decline by about 1% per year on average after the age of 40.”

As we age, these levels can continue to decline, with some men reporting up to a 50% reduction by age 70 compared to peak levels.

According to the American Urological Association, three in ten men in their 70s and 80s suffer from low testosterone.

Both men and women experience changes in testosterone levels, but for women, the changes are much more subtle.

For men, this hormonal change can cause symptoms such as decreased sex drive, fatigue, mood changes, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and loss of muscle mass.

Testosterone levels can be checked with a blood test, but the test is not commonly performed.

Although there is no specified treatment for andropause, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and lifestyle changes can help replenish a man's hormones.

Prescription testosterone injections, topical gels and creams, oral medications, and patches placed on the skin can be used to steadily increase hormone levels and reduce male symptoms such as increasing sex drive and relieving fatigue. may be helpful.

However, some experts have recorded a significant increase in demand for this treatment and are sounding the alarm.

Dr. Michael O'Leary, a urologist at Harvard Brigham and Women's Hospital, told Harvard Health that “direct-to-consumer sales are so aggressive right now that virtually everyone is asking about it.” “There is,” he said.

He said that after seeing ads about common symptoms such as fatigue, “a lot of men who wouldn't have asked me about it before are now doing so.”

Dr. O'Leary said, “If you have significant symptoms, you should get laboratory tests,” adding, “Most men have normal testosterone levels.”

Experts also noted that certain lifestyle changes may help increase testosterone levels in older men. A balanced lifestyle that includes exercise, a healthy diet, and quality sleep will help maintain healthy testosterone levels.

One study published by Obesity Reviews found that overweight men are more likely to suffer from low testosterone, and losing weight can increase their testosterone levels.

Andropause is a natural aging phenomenon, but experts and patients alike are working to raise awareness.

British TV presenter and influencer Israel Kassol has opened up about his medical condition since being diagnosed with “andropause” shortly after turning 40.

“I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I thought menopause was something only women experienced. I didn't know it affected men the same way,” Cassol said. explained to the Daily Mail.

He is currently on a mission to “petition for more recognition of andropause.”

But Kasol is not the first to start this campaign, nor is he the first to recognize the stereotypes that prevent men from speaking openly about their medical conditions.

“One of the biggest barriers to men talking about andropause is the fear of not feeling like a man,” says Jed Diamond, psychotherapist and author of Andropause. he told the Post in 2000.

“Many men would rather die than admit to having an erection.” [aren’t what they were] Or that you suffer from mood swings. They want to appear invincible. ”