Andropause: Causes, signs of male menopause, ideas to assist mitigate its results
As males age, they expertise a gradual decline in hormone ranges, notably testosterone and this pure course of is named andropause or late-onset hypogonadism and sometimes called the male menopause however whereas not as well-known or universally recognised as menopause in girls, andropause can considerably affect a person’s bodily health and emotional well-being. Unlike menopause in girls, andropause happens extra subtly and over an extended interval, usually beginning across the age of 40 and progressing over many years.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Shweta Goswami, Founder and Medical Director at Zeeva Fertility in Noida, shared, “Though a lot of discussion happens around female menopause and everyone knows that a lot of females undergo menopause with decline in the number eggs in her ovaries. However very little is attention is unfortunately given to male menopause which is also called as Andropause. Though it’s a scientifically known fact, serum testosterone tends to decline by a percent every year for men above 40 years of age, however a lot has not been spoken about it and there is lack of awareness.”
She added, “Most older men while may have testosterone levels in the normal range but an estimated 10-25% undergo andropause. Some of the common known symptoms of Andropause are like reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, bone loss, decreased energy levels, depressed and poor work concentration. If anyone has any of these symptoms , it is recommended by all endocrine societies that testosterone levels, should be checked and replaced, if required . It’s a very unmet need for men because most men shy away from the fact and don’t talk about it, however it is a scientific fact, and more information should be available in the public domain.”
Dr Anshika Lekhi, Senior Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Gurgaon’s Golf Course Road, echoed, “Andropause refers to the age-related decline in testosterone levels and the accompanying symptoms experienced by men. Unlike menopause, which is a sudden cessation of reproductive function in women, andropause is a gradual decline in hormone production. It usually occurs in middle-aged or older men, typically starting in their 40s or 50s, although the onset and severity can vary from person to person.”
Causes of Andropause:
Dr Anshika Lekhi highlighted, “The primary cause of andropause is the age-related decline in testosterone production. Testosterone levels typically decrease by about 1% per year after the age of 30.” However, different components can contribute to the onset and development of andropause, together with –
• Lifestyle components: Unhealthy life-style habits, reminiscent of poor weight-reduction plan, lack of train, extreme alcohol consumption, and smoking, can speed up the decline in testosterone ranges and exacerbate the signs of andropause.
• Chronic well being circumstances: Certain persistent circumstances, reminiscent of weight problems, diabetes, hypertension, and heart problems, can have an effect on hormone manufacturing and contribute to the event of andropause.
• Medications and coverings: Certain drugs, together with some antidepressants, corticosteroids, and opioids, can intervene with testosterone manufacturing. Additionally, remedies like chemotherapy or radiation remedy for most cancers may affect hormone ranges.
• Psychological components: Psychological stress, despair, and nervousness can have a reciprocal relationship with andropause. Hormonal adjustments can contribute to emotional disturbances, whereas emotional well-being may affect hormone regulation.
Symptoms of Andropause:
Dr Parul Prakash, Reproductive Medicine (IVF) at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, mentioned, “During andropause, testosterone, a key hormone responsible for male reproductive function, starts to decline which can lead to various physical and emotional changes, including reduced libido, fatigue, mood swings, and decreased muscle mass.” She added:
– Andropause can have an effect on a person’s reproductive capability. Due to andropause, sperm manufacturing could lower, and the standard of sperm might be compromised due to hormonal fluctuations.
– Andropause can contribute to erectile dysfunction as properly. The lower in testosterone ranges can have an effect on blood move and nerve perform, impacting a person’s means to realize and preserve erections. However this isn’t the case for all males.
– Andropause may have psychological results, together with irritability, despair, and decreased self-confidence, all of which may not directly affect a person’s fertility journey by affecting general well-being and relationship dynamics.
According to Dr Anshika Lekhi, the signs of andropause can range extensively amongst people the place some males could expertise solely gentle signs, whereas others could have extra pronounced results. She listed the widespread signs of andropause as –
• Decreased power ranges and fatigue: Men going by andropause typically report a lower in power ranges, feeling drained and fatigued even with sufficient relaxation.
• Sexual adjustments: Many males expertise a decline in sexual need (libido) and should have difficulties attaining or sustaining erections (erectile dysfunction). Additionally, there could be a lower in sexual spontaneity and an extended restoration time between sexual encounters.
• Mood adjustments: Andropause may cause temper swings, irritability, elevated nervousness, and even despair in some people. These emotional adjustments could also be attributed to hormonal fluctuations and the psychological affect of coping with aging-related considerations.
• Muscle and bone adjustments: Testosterone performs an important position in sustaining muscle mass and bone density. During andropause, males could expertise a lower in muscle mass, energy, and bone density, probably resulting in elevated frailty and the chance of osteoporosis.
• Changes in physique composition: Andropause can contribute to a rise in physique fats, notably across the stomach. This change in physique composition can result in a lower in general bodily health and vanity.
Treatment Options:
Dr Parul Prakash recommended:
– Lifestyle adjustments reminiscent of a balanced weight-reduction plan, common train, and sufficient sleep might help mitigate its results. Hormone alternative remedy (HRT) could also be thought of in sure circumstances to stabilize testosterone ranges and enhance fertility potential.
– Men involved in regards to the affect of andropause on their fertility can seek the advice of with a fertility specialist. An intensive analysis, together with hormone degree testing and a complete medical historical past, might help decide the very best remedy.
– For {couples} attempting to conceive throughout andropause, it is necessary to plan forward. Fertility specialists can present steerage concerning optimum timing, assisted reproductive applied sciences, and potential challenges related to age-related fertility decline.
– Fertility specialists can supply psychological assist and techniques as properly to assist males in coping with the bodily and psychological facets of andropause.
Dr Anshika Lekhi asserted that males experiencing signs of andropause ought to search medical recommendation for correct analysis and steerage on appropriate remedy choices. The following approaches are generally used to handle andropause:
• Hormone alternative remedy (HRT): In some circumstances, testosterone alternative remedy could also be advisable to deal with the hormonal imbalance related to andropause. HRT might help alleviate signs reminiscent of low libido, fatigue, and temper adjustments. However, it’s essential to work intently with a healthcare skilled to find out the suitable dosage and to observe potential unintended effects.
• Lifestyle modifications: Making optimistic life-style adjustments can considerably affect andropause signs. Regular train, a balanced weight-reduction plan wealthy in important vitamins, stress discount methods, and sufficient sleep might help enhance power ranges, temper, and general well-being.
• Psychological assist: Counseling or remedy could also be helpful for males coping with emotional challenges related to andropause. Addressing psychological components, studying coping mechanisms, and creating a optimistic mindset might help navigate this section of life extra successfully.
• Medications for particular signs: Depending on the person signs skilled throughout andropause, drugs reminiscent of phosphodiesterase sort 5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra) could also be prescribed to deal with erectile dysfunction, or antidepressants could also be thought of for mood-related considerations.
She concluded, “Andropause is a natural process that many men experience as they age. It involves a gradual decline in testosterone levels and can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms. While the concept of andropause is not universally accepted, recognizing and understanding the symptoms can help men seek appropriate medical support and explore suitable treatment options. Through hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications, psychological support, and targeted medications, men can manage the symptoms of andropause and maintain a fulfilling and healthy life as they age. It is crucial for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals to receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to their specific needs.”