Male menopause: causes, symptoms and treatment

Men's menopause is not as pronounced as women's, and occurs in only 80% of the stronger half. Its duration is not determined, since the process is individual and depends on health, heredity, lifestyle, the presence of chronic diseases and other factors. Partial androgen deficiency (PADAM) provokes changes in the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous and other systems. The essence of such a restructuring of the body is insufficient production of testosterone against the background of an increase in the content of female estrogens and androgen-binding globulins. Thus, the androgen-estrogen balance in men is disrupted.

When and why does male menopause occur

Climacteric syndrome is a natural phenomenon indicating an age-related transition from puberty to the fading of reproductive function. The body adapts to aging, and such adaptation, from a biological point of view, is a necessary process. That is, to maintain a healthy appearance, aging individuals are removed from the reproductive process.

There are three age categories of andropause: early - occurs before 45 years, normal - between 46 and 60 years, late - after 60 years. Early menopause is caused not only by congenital insufficiency of sexual function (cryptorchidism or hypogonadism) and all types of castration, but also by pathologies such as diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis. The reproductive function in men works with the help of two mechanisms - copulative (copulatory) and generative, which undergo involution in different ways, which also affects the time of the onset of MC.

The World Health Organization has defined andropause as age-related hypogonadism, when there is a deficiency in the functioning of exclusively male sex glands.

How to diagnose male menopause

Androgen deficiency can have a pronounced clinical picture or be a slightly noticeable ailment. Vegetative-vascular symptoms of male menopause include:

• suddenly arising and disappearing headaches for no apparent reason;
• dizziness and general weakness;
• flushing of the face and neck;
• hot/cold flashes;
• attacks of rapid heartbeat and a feeling of pain in the heart;
• increased sweating;
• constipation.

Psychoemotional syndrome is manifested by depression, decreased mental performance, weak emotional background, anxiety, alienation, apathy, sleep disturbances, memory impairment and weakening of attention along with a decrease in sexual desire. A weak erection provokes the appearance of an inferiority complex in a man, he turns into a hypochondriac, believing that he has irrevocably lost his health and all the joys of life. Sometimes in such cases, timely help from a psychologist is necessary.

The regressive effect of menopause on metabolism can lead to excess weight, decreased muscle strength, baldness and increased bone fragility.

In addition, there are significant changes in the genitourinary system:

• infertility;
• weakening of erection;
• urination disorder;
• decreased libido;
• ejaculatory disorder.

Studies have shown that MC negatively affects the course of coronary heart disease, contributes to the development of cerebrovascular accidents (strokes).

Diagnostics of male menopause

Along with clinical manifestations, laboratory tests that determine the level of testosterone in the blood indicate the development of androgen deficiency. If it is below 12 nmol / l, the diagnosis is confirmed. In addition, the analysis is important for globulin, luteinizing hormone and sex steroid binding. To identify disorders in the prostate gland, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs and an analysis of the ejaculate (sperm) are prescribed.

How to resist menopause

Aging of the body is a natural phenomenon that cannot be avoided, but there is a chance to delay the moment of its onset. If you regularly adhere to preventive measures, then there is a high probability of preserving the youth of the body and spirit longer, and making the course of MC less problematic.

• A full sexual life plays an important role in maintaining hormonal self-regulation. From a medical point of view, it is enough for a middle-aged man to have sex from 1 to 3 times a week. However, it is difficult to determine the limits physiologically, since this issue is purely individual.
• A healthy lifestyle, rational nutrition, giving up bad habits, proper alternation of work and rest, observing a sleep regimen, moderate but regular physical activity are the key to longevity. The doctor will recommend optimal training taking into account age, health condition and body fitness. Water procedures in the form of a contrast shower strengthen the body's protective functions.
• You should avoid psychotraumatic situations and stress.
• Wearing comfortable underwear that does not squeeze the genitals and does not cause blood stagnation will eliminate negative consequences for the genital organs. Regular compression of the pelvic area leads to inadequate blood supply to the prostate gland and accumulation of secretions, which is fraught with prostatitis, early andropause and infertility.
• A scheduled visit to an andrologist, urologist is a way to timely detect ailments. When a man reaches a critical age (45 years), this should be done at least once a year, and if symptoms appear, it is worth undergoing a comprehensive examination.

Treatment of male menopause does not differ in a large variety of methods and consists of taking hormonal drugs that increase the level of testosterone in the blood. However, such therapy is prescribed by a doctor only in case of a severe clinical picture, since the constant use of hormones has a number of contraindications.