Menopause and midlife problems are not just for women. Andropause – because this is how the phenomenon of menopause in men is defined in medicine – is not a topic often discussed in the media. Does this mean that men experience andropause less often or less intensely than menopause women?
Andropause – the basics
Andropause can begin before the age of 50, but it usually appears around the age of 50, most often after that age. It is the same period in a man’s life as menopause is in a woman’s life. It heralds slow aging of the body, entering a new phase in life.
Andropause: body and soul become more receptive
Andropause makes a man’s body, but also his well-being and all the features related to the purely mental sphere – can change and it will probably happen in the next few months or years.
Andropause is primarily manifested by hormonal changes, but also by somatic and psychological changes and sexual changes.
Symptoms of male menopause:
- Different parts of the body may be sore, the man will feel more somatic pain
- The body is slightly weakened
- The man loses his former vigor and strength
- May feel very tired
- Appetite disturbances and sleep disturbances appear
- The mood is lowered
- Memory and the ability to concentrate are impaired
- Increased irritability, fear, anxiety and sadness
- There may be heart palpitations, hot flushes
Sexual dysfunction during andropause
Problems with erection are common in men during andropause. A man may also be less interested in sexuality against his will than before. In this way, the man’s satisfaction with sex life and his own possibilities in this area also decrease. Arousal and sexual desire may no longer be felt in the same strong way.
Differences between menopause and andropause
During andropause, a man does not lose his sexual abilities related to the biological possibility of subsequent fertilization. Only these faculties, and interest in sexuality, diminish or become impaired. For women going through menopause, any further reproductive capacity is permanently inhibited.
A midlife crisis
At the age of 40-50, many men develop the so-called midlife crisis, also known as the XNUMXs crisis. This phenomenon may appear on a par with the onset of andropause, or precede male menopause. The midlife crisis increases the man’s desire to make radical changes in his life, both personal and professional.