What Is Male Menopause?
Male menopause is also known as andropause. Its definition is somewhat controversial, as there is debate as to whether it is a natural aging process or a type of hormonal disorder. The term is generally used to describe a decrease in the male hormones dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone. Whereas female menopause is a condition in which an entire hormone cycle is physiologically shut down, male menopause is simply a decrease in these hormones. Andropause is not recognized as a condition by the World Health Organization.
Physiological Signs
Some of the interest in and controversy over male menopause is related to a book, "Male Menopause," which was written by Jed Diamond. Diamond describes various "warning signs" of male menopause. They include increased healing time and anxiety, and a decreased interest in and lowered enjoyment from sex. Other physical symptoms include weight gain, decreased memory and concentration, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are all related to a decrease in male sex hormones, especially testosterone, which can disrupt the body's natural function.
Psychological Symptoms
Other signs of male menopause are more psychological. Some of them include the feeling that "time is running out," as well as irritability, indecisiveness and a loss of self-confidence. These are related to the mental and emotional effects of reduced levels of testosterone. Since one of the effects of testosterone is to increase feelings of aggressiveness and an "alpha-male" sensibility, decreased levels of this hormone may cause males to feel less masculine. These feelings can be sensitive issues for males, and many men experiencing male menopause may need additional emotional support as they adjust to these lower hormonal levels.
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