Most people know about the symptoms that women suffer when they go through menopause. However, very few people are aware that men can suffer from much the same thing and experience a sort of “manopause” or male change of life. This hormonal change is different from a mid-life crisis, but it can be associated with it as some of the symptoms may lead a man to feel “old” or become depressed.
The reason why so few people are aware of the symptoms of “manopause”, more properly called late-onset hypogonadism, is because it isn’t as quick and dramatic as menopause is in women. Whereas female menopause is often very severe, it will usually only last a few years. Hypogonadism, on the other hand, can last for more than ten years, and the changes are more subtle and gradual.
So what are the symptoms of hypogonadism?
Weight Gain –
Hypogonadism is when the man’s body decreases the production of testosterone, the male hormone. This hormone is responsible for many things, including the rate of muscle growth. This means, if there is less testosterone in the man’s body, his muscles will start to lose tone, and they will thus burn less calories. So the man starts to gain weight, and most work harder to keep the weight off. Although it may be more difficult to keep in shape, the right diet and enough exercise can keep the pounds from adding up over the years.
Low Libido –
This is one of the most noticed symptoms, because it hits men were it hurts most – the bedroom. The lower levels of testosterone can decrease sex drive and libido and make men less interested in sex. In some men, the levels may be so low that they suffer erectile dysfunction or ED for short. Luckily, there are a number of ED medications that can treat this condition such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and more recently approved Staxyn. If you are finding it difficult to achieve or maintain and erection, you may want to ask your doctor about possible solutions to the problem.
Fatigue –
Many men suffer from lower energy levels as they grow older. But, if you are suffering from constant fatigue and tiredness it may be a sign of late-onset hypogonadism. If this is the case, or if you also suffer from any of the other symptoms of hypogonadism, you may want to ask your doctor to check your body’s testosterone levels. If hypogonadism is confirmed, your doctor may recommend that you start taking hormone injections to help balance your body’s levels. However, this is not always recommendable, as it may exacerbate a problem if you suffer from prostate or testicular problems. But, if your doctor “Okays” it, then these shots may be the solution to all the symptoms you are experiencing.
It can be difficult for men to deal with these changes in their body, but, with the right treatment and proper diet and exercise, they can reduce or even eliminate many of the effects of manopause.
Stacey Cavalari holds a B.A. in Literature and currently writes for AccessRx.com, an online facilitator for Cialis online and other safe FDA-approved medications such as Viagra. Stacey uses her research scientist skills to cover and uncover big pharma news she shares on the AccessRx Blog.
