Menopause in Men: Myth or Reality?

Discover the Best Andropause Supplements and Treatment Options

Andropause, also known as male menopause, is a natural decline in testosterone levels that occurs in aging men. This decline can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, decreased sex drive, and decreased muscle mass. 

While andropause is not as well-known as menopause in women, it is a real condition that can have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life. Keep reading to learn about common symptoms to identify if you are going through male menopause and treatment options that can help you get it under control.

How Andropause Begins

Andropause describes a change in a man’s hormone levels as they age. These symptoms are also called testosterone deficiency, late-onset, hypogonadism, and androgen deficiency.

Men aged 50 and older experience a drop in testosterone, and male menopause begins. But what are the symptoms of andropause?

Since testosterone is produced in the testes, it is responsible for more than just your libido. It is also responsible for changes experienced during puberty and works to drive your physical and mental energy. It also maintains muscle mass and works to regulate your sense of fight-or-flight, along with other evolutionary features.

As a result, you may experience sexual complications due to your lowered hormone levels. It’s important to remember that not all men will experience male menopause. Both conditions involve lowered testosterone levels and similar symptoms.

Symptoms of Andropause

If you suspect you have male menopause, consider the following symptoms:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Sadness and/or depression
• Body hair loss
• An increase in body fat
• Reduced self-esteem
• Decrease in energy
• Low motivation
• Decrease in bone density
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Lowered sex drive/libido
• Infertility
• Development of breasts (gynecomastia)

Other changes include tender or swollen breasts, testicles decreasing in size, body hair falling out, and/or hot flashes. You may have osteoporosis, as low testosterone levels can cause this condition.

Osteoporosis causes your bones to become brittle and weak, although this is a rare symptom of male menopause. On average, you can expect these symptoms to present around the same age a woman would experience menopause.

You should always consult with a medical practice to ensure you’re not experiencing symptoms related to a different condition. However, if your doctor confirms that you’re experiencing male menopause, there’s help.

You can begin a regimen of the best andropause supplements to help you get your life back.

Andropause Prevention Options

Although you can’t necessarily prevent andropause, as it’s a normal part of the aging process, you can take preventative measures to reduce symptoms. Once your doctor takes a blood sample and confirms you have low testosterone levels causing your symptoms, along with a diagnosis of andropause. From there, you can move forward with preventative options.

It’s important to note that, even if you don’t have andropause, you should still follow these guidelines for a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.

Additionally, know that male menopause is common. It affects an estimated 30% of men who are in their 50s. Some men might be hesitant to discuss their symptoms with a doctor, but help and treatment for andropause are available.

If you experience symptoms of depression, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you.

Here are some potential andropause treatment methods and lifestyle changes.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is known to reduce your testosterone levels, which can have negative -and possibly long-term- consequences. Among these symptoms are erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. It’s advisable to not exceed three drinks per day.

Reduce Stress Levels

Stress is what releases the hormone cortisol. This hormone reduces testosterone production, so it’s important to practice meditation, breathing exercises, and any other means of relaxation.

Eat a Balanced Diet

You need a healthy diet, including healthy fats, healthy sugar (for energy), and various proteins that are thought to affect testosterone. You should eat plenty of foods high in zinc, omega-3, vitamin D, and calcium. Also avoid caffeine, overly sweet or salty foods, and other foods that cause you to feel sluggish.

Exercise Regularly 

It’s important to exercise routinely. You could walk, jog, or bike for thirty minutes daily to stay active. Remember to incorporate weight training, as it helps with osteoporosis.

Improve Your Sleep Quality

Since REM sleep is when testosterone is mainly produced, you should strive to get a decent night’s sleep. Ideally, you should aim for eight hours of sleep.

Best Andropause Supplements

You can also try supplements for andropause. Supplements include: 

• Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Garlic (Allium Sativum)
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• Pine Bark Extract (Pinus Pinaster)
• Arginine (L-Arginine)
• Chrysin (Passiflora Incarnate)
• Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens)
• Malaysian ginseng (Eurycoma Longifolia)
• Indian Spinach (Basella Alba)

Some of these vitamins and minerals can be found in foods, yet it can be difficult to obtain the necessary levels. To experience quicker results, supplements are recommended, be sure to talk to a trusted men’s healthcare provider before starting a supplement regimen, to ensure you’re choosing the best andropause supplements for your needs.

Get Help for Andropause at Lowcountry Male

If you suspect you have andropause, visit one of our male clinics located in both North and South Carolina. Our team of physicians can help you identify what lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of your symptoms, including a reduction in stress, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercises, along with testosterone replacement therapy and the best andropause supplements for you.

To take the first step towards combating the symptoms of male menopause at Lowcountry Male contact us today!