What Are The Early Signs Of Menopause In Males?
Did you know that men, too go through menopause? Yes, they do and the male menopause is better known as andropause. Similar to women, men go through this phase during their middle age, usually when they are between 40 and 50 years of age and they too, experience some very uncomfortable symptoms that are so characteristic to this phase of life. Before you learn about what the early signs of menopause in men are, you need to know what male menopause is.
What Is Male Menopause?
Andropause, as it is otherwise called, is a phase in the life of a man with symptoms very similar to menopause in women. The difference is that the symptoms of andropause are generally milder comparison. At the same time these symptoms are rarely discovered because men are not comfortable to talk about it and also because in most cases these are written off as middle age crisis problems rather than symptoms of andropause. It is only when you look very closely that you would be able to recognize the early signs of menopause in males and so have it referred for treatment.
How Do You Identify The Early Signs Of Menopause In Males?
As mentioned earlier, it is often difficult to recognize these signs because men do not usually express their feelings openly for which family members attribute these symptoms to stress, work pressure and aging. Look for obvious signs such as fatigue, sudden and inexplicable mood swings, forgetfulness, depression, insomnia and restlessness among others. Some men also develop physical problems such as joint pains, acute muscle aches, stiffness in movement, lack of appetite, craving for alcohol, and so on.
Other early signs of menopause you might find are reduced interest in sex, weak erections and hot flushes which are exactly as women experience it. Since men do not speak about it, spouses are usually encouraged to watch out for these signs so timely treatment could be provided which would reduce the discomfort reduced to a large extent.
What Is The Treatment For Male Menopause?
The doctor would generally prescribe medication symptomatically during initial stages. Some men might require side by side counseling especially for depression and sexual problems. In cases where the response to treatment is slow or not up to the satisfaction, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) might be prescribed. On the other hand, there are plenty herbal medications which have proved highly beneficial in treating both the early signs of menopause and those of andropause.
Always inform your doctor about whatever treatment you choose as some medications might be harmful or have unpleasant side effects. With the right medication and diet, andropause could be brought under control very effectively. It is very important that treatment should be offered at the right time and that would be possible only if and when you are able to recognize the early signs of menopause as soon as they develop.
