Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Symptoms of Male Menopause

Shrugged shoulders – this is men’s common reaction whenever menopause is discussed by their significant other. Perhaps the reaction can be taken into account with the fact that it is hard to understand something that you do not personally experience.

What if men experience menopause? Will they begin to understand a woman’s menopausal plight?

It may be a resounding yes or no. Medical studies show that women are not the only ones who experience menopause, men does too. The term is referred to as male menopause commonly known as andropause. Viropause is another term for male menopause. This is described to be the cause of low testosterone levels. Others view it as an end to first adulthood and an indication to begin second adulthood. Some individuals on the other hand view andropause in a sexual manner, wherein it signifies deterioration of sexual desires and performance.
Men may find this fact alarming. Perhaps then, they will start to realize and later on comprehend how it is like to have drastic hormonal change. Menopause for women has distinct and defined symptoms such as stop of menstrual cycle, hot flashes which is evident on the face, chest and neck, too much perspiration, dryness in the vagina, throbbing heartbeat, body aches, itching skin, the growth of hair increases specifically on face but growth of hair decreases on armpit and pubic hair.

On the other hand, dropping of testosterone produced is the most well-defined symptom of male menopause. This can be screened and identified after consulting a physician since decrease in testosterone may also be associated with other illnesses such as diabetes. Once testosterone level has gone down, the following symptoms may be transparent:

• Physical exhaustion from simple tasks. The usual alertness and drive to easily accomplish tasks decreases. Being usually tired however does not contribute for a man to gain better sleep. At this stage, he may suffer from insomnia.
• Furthermore, increase in weight and body fat is evident yet unexplainable.
• Mental fatigue. The ability to concentrate lessens. He may need time to digest things being discussed over a conversation, on a written material or even audio-related matters.
• Emotional exhaustion. At this time, a man’s temper varies. He may feel happy now and suddenly sadness might strike him. Sadness aside, he may depict an angry attitude most of the time. Moreover, a man experiencing male menopause can easily be observed as always nervous.
• Decrease in sexual desire. This may be due to failure to get or sustain an erection.

Andropause is not an alarming situation if men have apt knowledge on facts about male menopause. It will also be helpful if he gains knowledge on its symptoms so he can gauge whether or not he is suffering from andropause. To further verify the condition, a visit to a physician is highly recommended.

The situation will be less distressing for men if their significant others will well support him. If women needs heightened support, love and understanding during the menopausal stage, men in the same way needs it.

Now that there is a male version of menopause, maybe then the successor of Adam will be able to understand what is going with a woman’s body when she begins to experience menopause. Perhaps now there will be no more shrugging of shoulders. Instead there will be a shoulder to lean on hard times such as undergoing andropause.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

Male Menopause: A Phase Which You Should Not Miss

Hormonal change – two words which can bring significant change to an individuals’ life. Once hormonal change is brought into discussion, most people would correlate it to women. These days however, women are not the only ones who experience hormonal change, men as well.

Menopause is the normal and natural stage in a woman’s life when her menstruation and ovulation ceases that signifies end to her reproductive years. On the other hand, andropause is a term for male menopause. Since a man does not undergo menstruation and ovulation, the reason behind for male experiencing menopause is to prepare them for second adulthood. Andropause signifies the end for men’s first adulthood.

Women who enter their forties may begin to experience menopause. Other women starts menopause at age fifty, some even begin at sixty. Men, on the other hand, may start to undergo andropause as early as thirty-five or it can be as late as sixty-five.

While female menopause is a start for women to feel unconstructive sentiments and other pessimistic emotions, most experts believe that andropause brings positive change.

A man will go through a crucial change once he enters the andropause stage. There is inevitable change in psychological, social, interpersonal and even the spiritual aspect. Andropause denotes “the end of the beginning.”

According to research, there are a lot of benefits a man can obtain once andropause is experienced.

Maturity is the essential benefit of man in going through male menopause. Men on their first adulthood usually focus on doing. However this time as they enter the second adulthood, they are more focused with “the being,” or “the self.”

Career-wise, they are more inclined to accomplish their job because of “love of work” instead of going to work because it is necessary. On social relationship, men tend to look at other men as acquaintances. During first adulthood, men interact with other men as contenders.

A man’s personal relationship also matures. He is more focused with developing happiness and intimacy with his partner. Andropause may indicate a stop in brain-draining “battle of the sexes” which may be an indication that he can give way and make his partner win on some discussion. Ego and pride are left behind. It is transformed to in-depth understanding and patience.

Men also gains maturity in a sexual relationship. Second adulthood focuses more on being sexually fulfilled compared to concentrating on different sexual performances which usually takes place during first adulthood.

Menopause is a period in life where an individual may start to feel incomplete. Others may accordingly react to what their body dictates. Good or bad – whatever menopause may create in one’s life, you are still the one who owns your mind, body and heart. If andropause brings you more benefit, then you are of the lucky few. Otherwise, if it creates struggles in your life then it is time to acknowledge the need for help. Primarily, you need to recognize that you are undergoing change and then let your significant other know about it. Point out the necessary things they must do to help you cross the line. If things seem unbearable after exhausting all possible help within your fence, then it is time to seek help from an expert.

A successful walk in the journey of male menopause boils down to one important thing, having good attitude.

Male Menopause: A Phase Which You Should Not Miss

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