Andropause is defined as a set of physical and emotional symptoms such as depression, decreased or disappeared sex drive, erectile dysfunction, etc. that some men experience as they get older, usually starting in their 50s. Although the name evokes the "menopause" period experienced by women, there are some serious differences. While all women go through menopause after a certain age, andropause is not a condition that covers all men.
With menopause, the reproductive functions of the reproductive organs cease in women. This is not usually the case during this period. On the other hand, menopause is caused by differences in women's hormones, whereas men do not necessarily experience it due to hormonal factors. While symptoms can also be caused by psychological problems such as depression, systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, some men may also have hormonal causes underlying these symptoms. In many cases, hypogonadism is associated with a decrease in male hormone production in people aged 50 and over due to hormonal factors.
What Causes Andropause?
There may be many reasons such as some systemic diseases such as arteriosclerosis, diabetes, psychological disorders such as depression, depression, tobacco, cigarette and alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle that may occur with aging. In addition to these conditions, changes in hormones can also cause this condition.
Some symptoms associated with male hormone levels are not unique to this condition. These symptoms can also be seen depending on the person's age, medications, medical illnesses or weight problems.
Before puberty, the level of male hormone is low. This level increases as a person gets older and becomes more sexually mature. Male hormone is the hormone that triggers conditions such as increase in muscle mass, growth of body hair, thickening of the voice and sexual functions that occur during puberty.
As a result of advancing age, male hormone levels may begin to decline. According to some medical examinations and studies, there is an annual decrease of about 1 percent in male hormone levels in men after the age of 30. This decrease alone is usually not expected to cause any signs or symptoms.
Different conditions such as too much stress, depression, irregular sleep, lack of sleep, nutritional problems, lack of regular sports or exercise, too much alcohol and cigarette consumption can cause a decrease in male hormone levels at an early age.
In many cases, the burning symptoms have nothing to do with hormones. Life factors or psychological factors are often responsible for a large part of these symptoms. However, the signs and symptoms can also be the result of the testicles producing little or no hormones, a condition called 'hypogonadism'.
What are the symptoms of andropause?
Decreased male hormone levels do not cause any symptoms. This condition can cause physical, sexual and psychological problems in people. These problems may vary depending on the age of the person. The most common andropause symptoms are as follows:
- Depression (state of sadness, being sad)
- Low energy
- Erection problems
- Gynecomastia problems (breast development)
- Decreased muscle strength, physical weakness
- Thinning of bones, decrease in density
- Insecurity
- Infertility
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Decreased libido
- Loss of motivation
- Sleep problems, inability to sleep
- Increased body fat percentage
What are the Complications of Andropause?
Sudden changes in hormones can cause breast enlargement and tenderness, as well as reduced testicle size, loss of body hair, or hot flashes.
Some studies have linked low male hormone levels to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. These are reported to be very uncommon conditions.
How to prevent andropause?
It is a natural condition that occurs with advancing age and aging. A person can prevent or delay the onset of this condition by adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating a regular and balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, establishing sleep patterns, and exercising and playing sports regularly.
How is Andropause Diagnosed?
In order to make a diagnosis, a physical examination is performed by a specialist doctor and questions can be asked to get information about the person's health history. One of the biggest problems in these cases is that the person does not tell the doctor about the signs and symptoms they are experiencing. In some cases, people may be too shy to talk to the doctor about sexual issues. For this reason, the patient should tell the doctor about the different diseases he/she is experiencing and all the symptoms he/she observes during the examination.
The doctor may take a sample of the patient's blood and send it to the laboratory to determine the level of male hormone. The diagnosis of post-onset hypogonadism is usually based on the symptoms and the results of blood tests to determine the male hormone level.
How Does Andropause Pass?
If it occurs due to advancing age and senility, it does not go away on its own and the symptoms and signs may worsen in later periods. If the decrease in the level of male hormone is experienced for different medical reasons, the underlying problems underlying this condition can be cured and the problem can be eliminated.
How is Andropause Treated?
Many people may not want to be treated and go to the hospital before the signs and symptoms they experience come to a situation that will harm them or interfere with their lives. Among the types of treatment that can be applied in case of this situation; healthy living recommendations such as regular and healthy nutrition, exercise, avoiding stress and establishing sleep patterns are recommended.
People who can make this lifestyle a habit will have a better quality of life. The signs and symptoms experienced by the person can significantly improve and change after following this lifestyle.
Psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety, psychotherapy under the supervision of a doctor, medication or lifestyle changes can be effective.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Care for Andropause
It is normal for most men to experience a decrease in male hormone levels due to aging or advancing age. For some men, if symptoms are experienced, treatment is not necessary and can be managed by the individual. People who postpone the treatment process should consult a doctor in case of a decrease in quality of life in the future.
The doctor can make recommendations to help you manage or treat the signs and symptoms seen in this situation. In these cases, the most important treatment and method that can be done at home is to live a healthy life and eat a balanced diet.