Male Menopause

How would you feel when the man in your life becomes your best friend and is no longer your lover? Many women confront this situation and are often clueless wondering how to ignite the spark back in their love life. Some wonder that the husband has gone astray. In reality, the man in your life may be grappling with andropause, which is akin to menopause in women. While the arrival of menopause in women is loud and clear with signs such as hot flashes, cessation of menstrual periods and mood swings, andropause is subtle in its onset.
If you are a male and above 40, take this questionnaire to know how well your testosterone levels are faring. If you answer yes to at least five of these questions, you might be suffering from andropause or male menopause, which is decline in the male hormone androgen, also known as testosterone.
1. Do you tire fast?
2. Are you more irritable than ever?
3. Do you suffer from mood swings?
4. Do you find it difficult to concentrate on your job?
5. Do you feel distressed?
6. Do you feel your memory is failing?
7. Do you feel your muscle strength is going down?
8. Have you suffered from a fracture?
9. Has your desire for sex reduced?
10. Do you have erectile problems?

“Andropause is a reality in men. However, in men, the production of testosterone reduces gradually, but never stops altogether”, says Dr. Rajesh Taneja, senior consultant urology at Pushpavati Singhania Research Institute, New Delhi.
Testosterone levels normally starts flagging once a man turns 50. A survey conducted in the four metros by Mumbai’s Blackstone Research for hormone manufacturer Organon India has found that a substantial number of men between 35 and 45 are now experiencing this decline. Delhi was found to be worst hit with men as young as 35 showing the slow down where in Mumbai and Chennai the symptoms were seen at 41 and 46 respectively.
The study found that nearly 80 per cent of men do not seek any medical advice. Dr. Taneja tells, “On an average I see two patients every week who come to me with problems of waning libido.” Going by the reluctance of the majority of the population to take medical advice, it is but natural that many people take these symptoms as synonyms to increasing age.
Bugs in your bed
Forties is the time when men are at the peak of their career. No wonder, stress levels reach an all time high, which affects your testesterone levels; the higher the stress the faster the decline. This has dual repercussions because the best antidote to stress is in the form of enjoyable sex. You can’t discount the role of technology either, which is continuously encroaching upon the intimacy time shared between the couple.
“Blood pressure medications have shown to hex sex drive in men”, informs Dr. Taneja.
Wellbeing
“Loss of libido is an important health marker in men, as it indicates slowing down of bodily functions”, says Dr. Taneja. Reduction in erectile function is a bad news because it is suggestive of blocking of penile arteries, which are much smaller then coronary arteries. “Thus, one must be on the look out for impending narrowing of arteries of the heart if a man is detected with erectile dysfunction”, cautions he. Treatment options include educating and counseling men about hormone deficiency and its implications. Other than prescribing supplementation for testesterone lifestyle changes help in a big way to perk up flagging libido. These include—losing weight, healthy diet and proper sleep.
“Injectable alternatives have now been formulated which need to be injected once in three months”, concludes he, if your doctor feels the need for it.

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