As Singaporeans MR from their NS obligations, their bodies are also ready to MR.
Male menopause (andropause) is an inevitable process with advancing age and it may impact the quality of a man’s life.
Testosterone levels in men increase from puberty until the age of 30. After the 30s, testosterone levels decline by 1% each year. This drop in testosterone leads to physical and mental health challenges for men between 45 to 55, where symptoms of andropause can be seen and indicates the onset of andropause.
Andropause is similar to menopause in women, but the hormones and symptoms vary a little. The prime indicators of andropause are loss of sex drive and depression, but there are many other symptoms.
How do I know if I have male menopause?
The following symptoms are commonly associated with andropause.
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Lowered libido
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of bone density
- Erectile dysfunction
- Poor sex performance
How long does male menopause last?
There is no defined period of male andropause; it varies from person to person. It usually starts from 40 and lasts a few months to several years. Symptoms of andropause are inconsistent; they may come and go during these years.
Andropause can cause erectile dysfunction
Erection requires adequate sex drive and testosterone hormone levels in circulation.
Andropause results in loss of sex drive, decreased circulating testosterone levels, and other emotional changes resulting in erectile dysfunction. However, not all men with low testosterone levels experience erectile dysfunction; other concurrent health conditions often cause it.
If you are finding it difficult to get an erection, the first thing to do involves seeing a doctor who can suggest varying treatment options. Some supplements might also help.
Andropause is unlikely to cause premature ejaculation
Andropause alone may lead to premature ejaculation but that’s rare; it is more often associated with erectile dysfunction.
Other factors, such as anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and medical conditions like diabetes or prostate problems, can cause PE. Therefore, it is important to identify any other underlying conditions.
Our doctors can find out why you have premature ejaculation and suggest the appropriate treatments from pills to numbing creams.
Andropause might cause hair loss
Hair growth requires optimum levels of testosterone in the body. Hair loss in men occurs due to a dihydrotestosterone deficiency (DHT), a by-product of testosterone. As testosterone levels decline during andropause, the production of DHT may also decrease, resulting in hair loss. However, hair loss can be caused by other factors such as genetics, age, stress, and other medication conditions.
If you are going through andropause and notice significant hair loss, it would be wise to consider whether you want to keep your head of hair.
Hair loss needs to be treated as soon as you notice it for the best chance of keeping a thick head of hair. The good news is that treating hair loss has many different methods for different lifestyles.
Andropause and psychological issues
Testosterone has a role in maintaining physical agility and mental health in men.
Low testosterone levels can contribute to mood swings, irritability, depression, and fatigue in men.
Andropause causes cognitive changes, including difficulty concentrating, memory loss, anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, confusion, and even depression.
Does andropause reduce my interest in sex and women?
Yes, your sex drive decreases as your testosterone declines.
Age-related decreased testosterone affects sex drive, libido, and interest in intimacy. Elevated testosterone levels increase sex drive and interest in the partner. As testosterone levels decline, a person may lose interest in sex and their partners.
Menopause in women vs. andropause in men:
Menopause is the cessation of the female reproductive cycle at an average age of 45, while andropause is not the cessation of sperm production. Menopause ends a woman’s ability to conceive children, while a man can produce children after andropause.
Menopause is characterised by a sudden decline in estrogen hormone in a woman and is recognised as a medical condition. However, andropause is not recognized as a medical condition because testosterone levels decrease gradually with age.
Andropause effect on fertility
Andropause can affect the fertility of men. Testosterone controls the number and health of sperm. Andropause-associated low testosterone affects the number, motility, and morphology (shape) of sperm, resulting in decreased fertility.
However, andropause does not make a person completely infertile; there are still chances of becoming a father during andropause.
Overall health conditions, lifestyle, and certain medications also impact fertility.
Other risks of certain health conditions with andropause:
Andropause can increase the risk of several health conditions. These may include:
- Osteoporosis: Lower testosterone levels can decrease bone density and bone fractures, increasing the risk of osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular disease: Testosterone helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and circulation. As levels decline, there may be an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes: Low testosterone levels may be associated with insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity: Testosterone plays a role in metabolism and body fat regulation. As levels decline, there may be an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.
Prevention of andropause:
Andropause is a natural phenomenon occurring as we age. There’s a gradual decline in hormone levels as we age. Although it cannot be completely prevented, the symptoms can be lessened through effective management.
Here are some strategies that may help:
- Regular exercise can help maintain muscle mass, improve bone density, and boost testosterone levels.
- Excess weight can contribute to low testosterone levels. Losing weight through exercise and a healthy diet can help maintain hormone levels.
- Sleep is essential for the body to produce testosterone. Men should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
- Stress can cause hormone imbalances, including low testosterone. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress.
- Smoking and drinking can lower testosterone levels and contribute to various health problems.
- Talk to your doctor – The doctor can help monitor your hormone levels and recommend testosterone replacement therapy if necessary.
Treatment of andropause:
Lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy are the two ways to lessen the severity of andropause symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT):
Testosterone replacement therapy can help increase testosterone levels in men with low levels, improving symptoms such as altered sex drive, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and. However, testosterone replacement therapy can have side effects, so discussing the benefits and risks with a doctor is essential.
Lifestyle changes:
Making healthy choices like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress can help improve symptoms of andropause.
