How Menopause Affects Men And What Could Be Done To Treat It
Have you ever heard of male menopause? It results from decreased levels of testosterone. This chemical is the major male hormone. Reduced testosterone can contribute to everything from diabetes to high blood pressure to obesity, all common in men older than 45.
Dropping testosterone levels is normal for men as they age. Generally that’s a gradual drop though. If there’s a rapid decrease there’s more likely to be a problem. Plus, you can have problems with testosterone production at any age if the testes are damaged.
The testes can be damaged by a number of different conditions or treatments, including chemotherapy or radiation, surgery, acute injury or accident, or infection. And that’s not the only part of the body that has a hand in testosterone production. The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the brain are responsible for mediating production.
When there is damage to either of these areas, regardless of the age of the man, there will be reduction in testosterone production in the testes. They will not send the right signals to encourage the production.
The reason a drop in testosterone is a problem is that it causes various conditions and symptoms. Men with low testosterone may also develop osteoporosis. They may complain of reduction in libido or sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Most men who have a reduced level of testosterone experience a gradual reduction. This is usually not so much of a problem that it needs treatment. If the drop is significant, they can get hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy is only used in extreme cases because it increases risk of prostate cancer. If your doctor does decide that hormone therapy is right for you, you may receive oral medication, implants, patches or injections.
Most of the time, doctors will medically manage symptoms rather than addressing a gradual or mild drop in testosterone. For one thing, your doctor will likely recommend regular exercise and a healthy diet to avoid obesity, and also for depression you may be given antidepressants.
Besides men’s issues, this writer also frequently gives advice about bombe chest and where to buy boxes.
