Until just recently, I thought that what I was experiencing was just something that women had to deal with., then I watched the Steve Harvey Show one morning and learned differently. Men do experience what we do...at least with menopause. Through the years society has viewed the word menopause as something
that only happens to women. Fatigue, hot flashes, infertility, severe
mood swings, all symptoms of female menopause have recently been
reported to be symptoms of male menopause. Men
have been experiencing these symptoms for years, but have been
attributing them as signs of aging or have chosen to keep these symptoms
silent. Recently, more men have been speaking out about these
symptoms, therefore, researchers have been able to report in fact that there is a male menopause. The symptoms of menopause
are psychological and physical therefore can be compared to the female
mid-life syndrome menopause.
So how does this happen? Well, the male testosterone, which is secreted primarily from the testicles and secondarily from the adrenal glands, is crucial in male development. It is also known that serum testosterone levels do decline with advancing age, beginning in the mid-forties. In addition, the size and weight of the testicles decrease with age. Seventy-year-old males may be expected to have approximately 50 percent of the testosterone concentrations found in men half their age.
However, almost all older men still have serum testosterone levels that are in a range considered normal. Testosterone levels in men, who demonstrate varying levels of erectile ability, usually fall within the normal range, indicating that testosterone itself is usually not a cause of impotence. However, while low testosterone is generally not responsible for impotence, it may cause a loss of interest in sex.
As a man enters middle age, he will experience many changes in his emotional health. A man may realize for the first time that many of his early aspirations, either personal or occupational, are not where he expected. In addition, he may feel like there is really nothing to look forward to in life. Many women state that they know their partner is going through a "change of life." However, the fact is that this is probably not a physiological change but rather a psychological one.
Some men today believe they should be able to perform sexually like they did at a younger age. They expect that foreplay, erections, vaginal penetration, ejaculation, and orgasm will follow in an automatic sequence. Since most bodily functions, including sexual drive, vary from day to day, the chances of not living up to a predetermined standard are significant. In fact, there is a great tendency for men, especially those of middle age, to believe that they are sexual underachievers. Most men don't want to admit this, nonetheless, they should not wait to see a doctor, you see, just like women, this is a treatable thing and there is no need for them to suffer.
As a couple, it is imperative that these men and their female partners realize that sexual performance will vary from time to time. They should understand that there are no set standards that must be met on every occasion. A sympathetic and considerate female partner is one of the most important factors in continuing potency in the male. Men and their partners should take heart in the knowledge that sex, like a fine wine, may improve with aging.
Men can feel symptoms - lethargy for one. What's most important is if
you are having symptoms, if have fatigue, you don't feel like yourself,
the most important thing is to get to the doctor because it may not be
male menopause causing these symptoms.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
At what age do you need to be on the lookout if you are experiencing any or all of these things?
Male menopause is different in that it starts earlier and goes over a long period of time. You can see changes beginning in your 40s and then go all the way through your 80s.
How is it diagnosed?
There's a blood test to test for testosterone levels. More importantly, get to the doctor and make sure nothing else is going on.
Do you get a sense that more and more people are coming in with symptoms of male menopause? Is it something that's basically turned a new leaf here medically - is it more prevalent than ten years ago?
I would say people are more interested in it, they're looking at possible symptoms. And there are treatments as well: We can give testosterone, usually in injections or a gel or patch form. But it's not for everyone because there are risks.
So how do guys handle this? Coming to terms with mortality is not just his or her issue; it is a couple's concern. There is a heightened awareness that the clock is ticking. Moreover, the biggest midlife health problems for men include impotence, depression, and muscle loss. These concerns inevitably have an impact on women, as well as men. Do these symptoms exist because of male menopause or does the idea of a midlife crisis encourage men to get busy and have one, before the window of opportunity closes? The midlife years often involve the onset of illness such as diabetes, heart disease, colon, and prostate cancer.
On the contrary to how men worry about a loss in sex drive, we women worry about their mental well being and their overall reactions to this. If your guy is suffering from symptoms such as the ones listed about, help them out and show them that you care. Be there for him and support him.
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