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The name andropause comes from the Greek words “andros”, meaning “man”, and “pausis”, meaning “pause”. It is a transition period in a man’s life between maturity and old age and usually begins after the age of 50. It is a broad concept that covers a number of changes in a man’s life. Physical changes also entail sexual and psychological changes.
The name andropause is often criticized, replaced by other names such as viropause, male menopause, andropenia, PADAM (Partial Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male), male menopause, SLOH (Symptomatic Late-Onset Hypogonadism) .
The period of andropause – changes in the male body
The main inducers of the onset of andropauzy are changes physical in the male body. The multi-organ aging of the organism slowly begins. There has been a decrease in the level of many important hormones:
- testosterone,
- DHEA,
- growth hormone,
- melatonin
- estrone,
- estradiol.
This is how fast it comes in the body to andropause inducing changesdepends on many factors, incl. genetic predisposition, lifestyle (physical activity, diet, no addictions), external factors (e.g. toxins from a polluted environment). It is worth noting here that andropause does not mean that a man will no longer be able to reproduce, but this ability may be reduced. Detection of basic somatic changes indicative of andropause is possible on the basis of hormonal and biochemical tests of the blood sample.
A number of symptoms on the physical, sexual and psychological level may indicate andropause changes taking place in the body. Based on the assessment of symptoms alone, several have been created tests to diagnose andropause.
These include, for example, JE Morley’s Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male Questionnaire (ADAM) and LAJ Heinemann’s The Aging Males’ Symptoms Scale.
Men during this period tend to gain weight and lose muscle and bone mass. Slower metabolism and increased insulin resistance also contribute to fat accumulation, and pre-diabetes may occur.
Another unpleasant symptom may be an increase in blood pressure. The skin of men during andropause becomes thinner and less hairy. Men more often complain of sleep disorders (lowering the level of the hormone melatonin), lack of appetite, various types of pain, fatigue and general weakness of the body. As with menopausal women, men may also experience hot flushes, hyperhidrosis and heart palpitations. Prostate enlargement is also starting, and problems with urinating may arise.
To support the male body, we recommend reaching for Andropause – a herbal set for men consisting of preparations ideal for men over 40.
Sexual symptoms of andropause
A decrease in male hormones and an enlarged prostate can result in erection problems and decreased libido. As a result, the sex drive as well as satisfaction with this sphere of life are significantly reduced.
Psychological symptoms of andropause
Depressed mood and irritability are typical symptoms, and symptoms of neurosis such as anxiety and restlessness may also appear. Problems with concentration and short-term memory are also very common.
As in women and menopause, so does men, one of the ways to relieve the symptoms of andropause, may be hormone therapy, consisting primarily of testosterone administration. It often gives good results, but must be carried out under strict medical supervision due to the risk of side effects.
Your GP may also apply symptomatic treatment to improve your quality of life. Depending on the scale of the problems, these can be drugs that stabilize mood, help you fall asleep, cardiological drugs, soothe prostatic hypertrophy or drugs for potency.
It is also worth reaching for natural herbal help. The hit of recent years is maca, which has a positive effect on fertility and sex drive, and potency supplements containing DHEA and L-arginine (dilates blood vessels). To alleviate prostate hyperplasia, it is worth using preparations with pumpkin oil, saw palmetto, nettle root and ingest anti-aging vitamins and minerals – especially zinc and selenium.