5 Things You Need to Know About the Causes Of Male Menopause

1. A Hot Flash in the Pan

The word menopause brings to mind a middle-age lady having hot flashes, growing facial hair and showing extreme mood swings. Many people don't realize that men also go through "the change." What most people refer to as a mid-life crisis may actually be male menopause. Male menopause may provoke the same symptoms in men as women. The fluctuation of hormones as we age causes men to have a reduction in testosterone. With women, the hormone production stops completely, but men experience a slower decline of hormones, which makes an actual menopause difficult to define in men.

2. Testes, One, Two Three

With the decline of the male hormone testosterone, men sometimes experience fatigue, depression and a sexual difficulty, although, some doctors disagree that these symptoms are due to the decline in testosterone levels. When a woman goes through menopause, her ovaries stop producing eggs. As a man approaches male menopause, his testes continue to produce sperm until very late in life.

3. A Blonde in the Passenger Seat

After a full physical exam by a health-care provider, he may ask his patient what symptoms he's experiencing. The health care provider may order some diagnostic tests to rule out certain medical concerns that may produce the same symptoms. After blood tests reveal his hormone levels, his doctor may diagnose him with male menopause. This is at the point in a man's life where he stereotypically cashes things in on a sports car and a young blonde.

4. Replacement Libido

Hormone replacement therapy may be a suggested treatment if a man is going through male menopause. This may help relieve his symptoms by bringing back his libido and giving him more energy. As with women, hormone replacement therapy comes with risks. Some side effects could include acceleration of prostate cancer. His health care provider may also suggest a lifestyle change, such as a more healthful diet, antidepressants and more physical activity. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is typically not an oral dosage because of a risk of liver toxicity. In most cases, it is available as injections, implants or a topical patch.

5. Erect Your Awareness

Whether it is a man or a woman who is going through menopause, it is important that their mates are understanding and helpful during this transition in life. Since men experience sexual dysfunction and depression, it may be beneficial for his mate to speak with his doctor so she can understand the cause. A drop in libido may cause anxiety for him and his mate.