Do men go through the menopause?

Whilst not as well-known as menopause in women, andropause is a very real condition that can greatly impact a man’s quality of life. Otherwise known as the ‘male menopause,’ andropause is a condition that affects ageing men and is characterised by a decline in testosterone and DHEA levels. These are the androgen hormones, hence the name ‘andropause.’ In this blog, we will discuss the issues that many men face when going through the andropause, and the best way to effectively treat these symptoms.  

What is the average age for male menopause?

Andropause typically occurs in men between the ages of 40 and 55, but it can sometimes occur as early as mid-30s. The decline in testosterone levels is gradual, and it can be difficult to detect the onset of andropause. It is therefore important for men to be aware of the symptoms and to talk to their doctor if they suspect they may be experiencing andropause.  

What are the symptoms of andropause?

The symptoms of andropause can include

• Decreased libido – A decrease in sex drive can be especially difficult for men, as it may lead to feelings of inadequacy or a lack of intimacy in relationships.
• Erectile dysfunction – Erectile dysfunction can also be a significant source of embarrassment and can negatively impact a man’s self-esteem.
• Fatigue – This can make it hard for men to keep up with their daily responsibilities and can lead to decreased productivity at work.
• Muscle weakness – This can also be difficult to manage, as it can make it hard for men to maintain an active lifestyle.
• Depression – This symptom can occur alone, or as a result of the other symptoms of andropause. Depression can lead men to experience feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
• Irritability – Interpersonal relationships can be affected by mood swings and bad temper.
• Difficulty concentrating – This symptom can prove challenging for many men, particularly in the workplace.

 

Andropause treatment options

There are a few ways in which the symptoms of andropause can be treated. These include: Lifestyle changes: Beneficial changes that may help to improve overall health and alleviate symptoms of andropause include:

• Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve muscle strength, mood, and overall health.
• Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help to improve overall health and energy levels.
• Managing stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms of andropause, so finding effective ways to manage it can be beneficial.
• Getting enough sleep: Sleep plays an important role in overall health and well-being, so making sure to get enough restful sleep can help alleviate symptoms of andropause.
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact overall health and exacerbate symptoms of andropause.

Counselling: Talking to a therapist can help men cope with the emotional and psychological symptoms of andropause and improve their overall well-being. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy: This pioneering treatment uses hormones that are identical in chemical structure to the hormones produced by the human body. This can help alleviate symptoms of andropause and address underlying any hormonal imbalances.  

How bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can treat andropause

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can alleviate, or even completely eliminate, the symptoms of andropause. BHRT can be administered in various forms such as creams, gels, capsules, and injections. One of the main advantages of using bioidentical hormones to treat the male menopause is that the hormones used are chemically engineered to be identical to those found in the human body. This not only makes them more effective at treating the symptoms of andropause, but they also have fewer side effects than traditional HRT, which the body can view as foreign. Bioidentical hormones are also customised to each man’s individual needs. This ensures that the dosage is specific to their requirements, unlike with traditional hormone replacement therapy, where the dosage is generic.  

Get in touch

If you’re considering using bioidentical hormones to treat the symptoms of male menopause, get in touch with the experts here at BioID Health. Our doctor-led team will work with you to develop a customised treatment plan, tailored to the exact needs of your body. Give our knowledgeable healthcare providers a call 0330 460 9999 for more information on how we can help you to achieve optimal health and wellness. Alternatively, send us a message using our online contact form or book a call back and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.