Q: What is Andropause?
A: Andropause, or male menopause, refers to the gradual deterioration of male masculinity as a man ages.
One of the main symptoms is erectile dysfunction because as a man ages, his levels of testosterone begin to diminish and symptoms of Andropause begin to appear. These symptoms include lack of energy, weight gain, an increase in body fat, loss of muscle mass, decrease in the size and consistency of the testes, loss of libido, increasing erectile dysfunction, loss of the ability to concentrate, anxiety and depression. Simply stated, without proper support, a man’s masculinity slowly deteriorates over time.
Q: Do men really go through this mid-life crisis too?
A: Yes, men really go through a change of life, too. It's typically referred to as Andropause or viropause. It is not identical by any means but it is significant and involves their physical being as well as their emotional and psychological selves.
Q: Menopause comes with hot flashes and night sweats and insomnia. What symptoms do men experience?
A: Testosterone and DHEA levels in short supply combined with higher levels of the female hormone estrogen can bring urinary and prostate problems. Andropausal men typically a subtle loss of sexual desire, along with a downward shift in strength and energy. Bouts of depression and anxiety can occur. They feel ‘tired but wired’ and experience a persistent lack of stamina. The mid-life male quite often finds himself short on enthusiasm for the things he used to enjoy; work is not quite as challenging and exercise is tougher. Fatigue sets in more quickly and his libido decreases. He might also experience thinning hair, shrinking muscles, wrinkles and an emerging paunch. Men often feel rundown, anxious, edgy and achy. If his stress quotient is too high the male baby boomer may describe himself as ‘burned out,’ an indication that is cortisol levels are elevated. Check out our Andropause symptoms page.
Q: What is the difference between the myths and the reality of what anti-aging medicine offers?
A: There is a lot of "hype" about anti-aging. There are no "miracle cures." Everyone grows older but there are ways of maintaining vitality, health and mental capacity. The best way is to focus on your own health and lifestyle changes that can enhance that.
Q: How can partners identify for themselves potential danger zones in their relationship at a time when they both might be going through this passage?
A: First of all, be completely honest with yourself and each other. Don't deny problems because they will only get worse. Acknowledge what you might be feeling to yourself and your partner. Allow yourself to be more vulnerable and open to your partner; that's what true intimacy is about. Don't withdraw, as your partner might take this as rejection and a vicious cycle can ensue. Have "date nights," playful surprises -- it's amazing how the element of fun and surprise can energize a relationship. It's better to recharge your own relationship than deal with the pitfalls of an affair.
Q: There seems to be a rising divorce rate among many couples who are of the age of menopause and Andropause (male menopause). Do you think there is a direct correlation?
A: This appears to be a strong correlation, but not necessarily a "double-blind" placebo-controlled scientific study to prove the point. (You can read more about this in Double Menopause - check the book list here). Statistics show a steady rise in divorce and separation at mid-life.
Q: How can women help their men discuss male menopause?
A: Acknowledge the male menopausal changes in a loving, caring manner; with extra tenderness, love and humor, you'll both grow closer.
Q: What are the signs a man is in Andropause?
A: Changes in libido and energy levels declining are a sign. Erections that aren't as strong as before. Because of these physical changes, often depression and irritability sets in.
Q: If someone has a low testosterone level, how do they increase it?
A: Supplemental preparations of testosterone currently are available in gel and patch forms that deliver it through the skin, as pills, or as preparations that have to be injected into deep muscle about every 7 to 21 days.
Q: What is the next step for a man who has low testosterone?
A: A board-certified endocrinologist specializes in treating hormones and can evaluate, diagnose, and identify a wide spectrum of medical, physical and psychiatric abnormalities responsible for causing male sexual dysfunction including a low testosterone level.
To find an endocrinologist near you, visit The Hormone Foundation's "Find an Endocrinologist" physician referral directory at www.hormone.org (The directory is comprised of over 2,500 members of The Endocrine Society, the parent organization of The Hormone Foundation and the largest organization of endocrinologists in the world.)
