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Do Men Go Through Menopause?
Not really. In women, hormone production declines and ovulation ceases in as little as four years after perimenopause begins. However, in men hormone production diminishes over a more extended period of time, and the consequences aren’t always obvious.
Although testosterone levels in the male body diminish with age, this progressive decrease occurs at less than 2% per year, beginning around the age of 30–40. It is unlikely to cause any difficulties on its own. Doctors may refer to male menopause as testosterone deficiency syndrome, late-onset male hypogonadism, or androgen deficit of the ageing male or more simply andropause.
The familiar term “menopause” refers to the decline in hormone levels that occurs with aging. Women and men, however, have different hormone changes as they age. In women, ovulation ceases and hormone production declines in a relatively short period of time.
The term “andropause” was thus created since men also experience a similar, yet different, decline. The production of testosterone and other hormones in men drops over a period of time, and the repercussions aren’t always obvious. For example, late-onset hypogonadism, also known as age-related low testosterone, causes a steady decline in testosterone levels.
Because men do not go through a well-defined period of hormone reduction, instead going through this over a period of time some clinicians refer to this issue as androgen decline. Men’s testosterone production declines as with age, but it can also occur as a result of diseases such as diabetes.
Along with a decrease in testosterone, some men have the following andropause symptoms:
- Fatigue / Weakness: Testosterone aids your body in maintaining a healthy level of energy. With the decline in testosterone levels that occur during andropause, you tire easily and find it difficult to enge in your usual activities.
- Depression: Research suggests there may be a link between testosterone levels and serotonin function. Depression is associated with a decrease in serotonin activity in the brain.
- Sexual issues: Because testosterone is a vital hormone for a healthy erectile function, the low testosterone levels that occur during andropause can cause erection problems, including impotence, and can result in erectile dysfunction Men’s ability to maintain a satisfying sexual life is hampered by low testosterone and impotence.
Men who are in good health may be able to produce sperm well into their 80s. Minor changes in testicular function may occur in some men as early as age 45 to 50, and more significantly after the age of 70, due to andropause.
Male Menopause Hot Flashes
Men’s “hot flashes” are frequently associated with other symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, libido loss, and mood changes. These signs and symptoms could be caused by stress, sadness, or worry.
While women are more likely to experience hot flashes, hot flashes in men are not uncommon. Men’s hot flashes are caused by a significant testosterone deficit, occurring during andropause or androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
Low testosterone levels produce andropause hot flashes, which cause the hypothalamus (the brain’s thermal regulation center) to believe the body is overheated. As a result, the hypothalamus sends signals to the skin’s blood vessels to enlarge to expel the fictitious excess heat. These hot flashes are your body’s attempt to stay calm and avoid overheating.
Because testosterone can promote prostate cancer growth, androgen restriction therapy is an important treatment option. While this is an excellent way to stop cancer from spreading, it does have certain drawbacks. The medication effectively induces andropause in men, with male menopause hot flashes occurring about 80% of the time.
Vitamin Supplements for Male Menopause
Vitamin supplements for male menopause may help your body produce more testosterone. Some supplements and andropause cream can aid in alleviating the effects of low testosterone.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, commonly known as cholecalciferol, aids your body in the following ways:
- Helps the body defend against bacteria and viruses
- Aid in preventing osteoporosis
- Helps prevent loss of bone mass
Vitamin D may also aid in the rise of testosterone levels. According to a 2011 study, males with vitamin D insufficiency who took 3,332 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily for a year had a significant boost in testosterone levels.
On the other hand, Vitamin D pills may only help men who are significantly low in this vitamin. In fact, according to a 2013 study, males who were not deficient in vitamin D showed no increase in testosterone levels after taking vitamin D.
A more recent study from 2017 backed up this conclusion. For 12 weeks, 98 healthy males with no vitamin D deficiency were given a placebo or a vitamin D supplement. The males who took vitamin D pills had no significant rise in total testosterone compared to the placebo group. For most adults, the maximum recommended requirement for vitamin D is 4,000 IU per day.
Zinc
Zinc defends against invading germs and viruses, generates DNA and genetic material, and heals wounds
Low T may be linked to a zinc deficit. This is because zinc is required for testosterone synthesis. Zinc is also necessary for maintaining the quality of sperm.
According to research from the past, Zinc pills helped men with zinc deficits increase testosterone levels.
Zinc is needed to keep appropriate levels of this vital micronutrient in your body, and you can get it by consuming the following foods:
- morning cereals supplemented with iron
- red meat
- seafood
- beans
- nuts
- dairy items
Zinc intake should be 11 milligrammes per day for adult guys. Zinc is found in abundance in many everyday vitamins and supplements.
Herbal Supplements for Male Menopause
The use of male menopause herbal supplements for relief from andropause symptoms are also beneficial.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is used in traditional Indian medicine for various ailments, including infertility and sexual dysfunction. Teas, extracts, and capsules are made from the root and berry of the plant; a study in 2019 looked at the effects of ashwagandha on 60 adults. Men who took ashwagandha had a considerable increase in testosterone than those who didn’t. However, this rise was not statistically significant compared to those who received a placebo.
Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Garlic can be used as a natural treatment for several ailments, including:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) with hypertension
- A weakened immune system, heart disease, and cancer prevention
Testosterone levels in rats’ testes were higher after they ate a garlic powder-fortified diet in a previous study from 2001. It’s worth noting, however, that no human experiments on garlic and testosterone levels have been conducted to date.
Fresh, dried, or freeze-dried garlic is used in most garlic supplements. Garlic oil and garlic extracts, for example, are operated by some. The amount of garlic you should take is determined by the type of garlic you use.
Pine bark extract (Pinus Pinaster)
Proanthocyanidins are natural chemicals found in pine bark extract. P. pinaster bark extract may help with:
- Improved cardiovascular health via lowering cholesterol
- Improved blood flow may help to alleviate ED symptoms.
Pine bark extract has been combined with a molecule called L-arginine aspartate in several medical trials. These chemicals may influence testosterone and ED when taken simultaneously.
Chrysin (Passiflora Incarnata)
Chrysin is a flavonoid extract found in honey and blue passion flowers, Passiflora incarnata. Chrysin can be consumed as a tea or as a chrysin supplement. According to a 2012 study in rats, chrysin can boost sperm motility, concentration, and testosterone levels.
However, in a human trial conducted in 2003, 21 days of daily chrysin intake did not increase urine testosterone levels. Probably, the human body doesn’t absorb chrysin well, reducing the benefits of this extract. More investigation is required.
Differences Between Female and Male Menopause
The familiar term “menopause” refers to the decline in hormone levels that occurs with aging. Women and men, however, have different hormone changes as they age. In women, ovulation ceases and hormone production declines in a relatively short period of time.
The term “andropause” was created since men also experience a similar, yet different, decline. The production of testosterone and other hormones in men drops over a period of time, and the repercussions aren’t always obvious.
