| While
the menopause in women has been the subject of many researches,
a parallel condition in men, called andropause, has only been
recently recognized. Andropause is also known as PADAM or Partial
Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male. It is caused by the decline
of androgen levels in their bodies. This may start as early
as thirty-five or as late as sixty-five. Most men, though, when
they reach the ages of forty to fifty-five, experience hormonal
changes similar to those felt by women who reach their menopause.
A
man who is undergoing his andropause will show the following
symptoms: mood swings or depression, weakness or decreased energy,
irritability, inability to concentrate, decreased muscle mass,
increased fat such as the beer belly, loss of memory, and the
loss of libido or sexual drive.
Can
andropause be stopped or slowed down? Not really. Andropause
is a natural process. A report from the World Health Organization
(WHO) states that the androgen level of man at the age of 70
is about ten percent of the level he had when he was at his
prime.
With
andropause, a man faces higher risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Decreased androgen leads to lower production of testosterone,
another male hormone. Low testosterone levels or hypogonadism
can interfere or slow down the functions of many body organs.
This results to fatigue, failure of memory, and passivity of
an aging male towards work, social life, and sex. The aging
male may develop clogged arteries, varicose veins, hemorrhoids,
abdominal fat, and high blood pressure. Hypogonadism is associated
with melancholia and psychiatric disturbances such as depression
and psychosis. Men with low testosterone levels are prone to
osteoporosis and hip fractures. Two of the most serious results
of hypogonadism are impotence and dwindling libido. But the
worst effect is called myocardial infarction, commonly known
as heart attack.
Fortunately,
such dire consequences of andropause and hypogonadism can be
prevented hormone replacement therapies (HRT). Health professionals
have proven that a testosterone replacement therapy is safe
for aging men. This therapy will improve the cognition and libido
of males. It will increase bone mineral density and body mass
composition. Androgen replacement therapy can help a man cope
with the symptoms of andropause.
Aside
from the hormonal replacement therapies, aging men are also
advised to have exercise. Stress management skills are also
recommended, especially if the aging male is irritable. He should
also take dietary supplements so that he will have enough zinc,
selenium, and, especially, calcium.
Now
that andropause is a health issue recognized by many men, they
should take the necessary steps to help themselves weather such
natural occurrence in their lives.
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