The results of sexual desire and potency are observed similarly to menopause, such as bone resorption, use, skin deposits, and hot flashes, as well as sexual responses such as erectile dysfunction. This process, which is natural and a part of life, is also called the lived man syndrome. It requires measures regarding health measures, especially if it causes difficulties at the level provided by daily life for the person.
What Are the Symptoms of Andropause?
As men age, their blood level of testosterone decreases. Although this period, called andropause, is similar to the menopause period in women in many respects, the two situations are very different from each other. While menopause is a condition that every woman will experience, andropause may not be seen in every man. The reason for this is that it is not found to the same extent in every person, and this measure does not decrease at the same level in everyone. However, there are also similarities between the two periods. Andropause is a process that forces and affects the person both psychologically and physiologically. The following symptoms are usually seen during the period of andropause:
- Sudden onset of hot flashes
- Frequent sweating
- The feeling of skin dryness and the increase in the rate of wrinkle formation on the skin
- Shedding of body hair
- Increase in body fat mass (breast growth, belly fat)
- Muscle and joint pain complaints
- Osteoclasis
- Anemia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Noticeable weakening in mental activities
- Intellectual decline
- Fatigue and a feeling of exhaustion
- Sudden mood swings
- Depression
- Feeling of not enjoying life
- Increase in irritability
- Feeling irritable and tense
- Sleep problems
- Decreased sexual desire
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Premature ejaculation
- Testicular dysfunction
Relevant symptoms often begin to appear at an early age and rather slowly. However, in some cases, the appearance of andropause may begin before the estimated age range and with more severe symptoms. The most known factor that causes these symptoms is testicular cancer. The removal of testicles for any reason is one of these factors. In addition, drugs that limit or lower the testosterone level used by prostate cancer patients also cause this. Andropause, which should start at a later age in these people, starts to show itself at an earlier age.
Andropause is a process that is likely to occur in every man. Although the situation is considered normal, the changes caused by the process can negatively affect the person's social and work lives. This situation brings with it various psychological problems. Although the effects of the condition vary from person to person, every man in andropause is affected by this condition. In this case, the person should not hesitate to get psychological support.
Andropause Treatment
Andropause is known to be a manageable condition, as it does not cause serious symptoms in the majority of men. Men get used to the new symptoms and continue their lives in this way. They go about their remaining lives without any treatment. However, some treatment methods are available for the remaining group. The most common type of treatment for andropause is to change the level of testosterone in the blood. This method of treatment provides relief of symptoms in many cases and helps men entering andropause lead a better quality of life. Along with this treatment, doing more exercise, avoiding stressful situations, and eating better have a positive effect on the regression of symptoms. However, testosterone replacement therapy is not suitable for all men.
After the examination, the doctor decides on the appropriateness of the treatment. Apart from this, testosterone gel, oral medications, or testosterone injections can be used. These treatments are applied if the doctor deems them appropriate. It is not possible to apply for every patient. Testosterone drugs are not recommended, especially for men with prostate and breast cancer. In diseases such as heart disease or prostate cancer, treatment can be applied according to the doctor's opinion. In cases where the testosterone level is normal for their age, patients may need to receive psychological support in order to learn to cope with andropause symptoms psychologically. Thus, sick men learn how to deal with new body conditions. Doing more exercise, living away from stressful situations, and regulating the diet in a better quality way help the symptoms to regress. Thus, men entering andropause can lead a better quality of life.
