Male Menopause Symptoms Can Be Very Real

Most people have heard of menopause in women. The stage of life goes along
with natural aging or it can be brought on through surgical means. While this
phase of life is considered common and perfectly natural, the male version isn't
quite as widely recognized. Still, for about 40 percent of men in their 40s to
60s, male menopause symptoms are very real and quite troubling.

Male menopause, also known as andropause, is characterized by the gradual
decline in the production of testosterone. Many other conditions can cause what
might be classified as male menopause symptoms. It is generally considered wise
to seek medical advice if male menopause symptoms arise rather than trying to
diagnose the condition by oneself.

Many of the most common of male menopause symptoms can be treated by the medical
profession. Even if they don't label the condition as male menopause, there are
certain things that can help with its symptoms. Some of the more severe of male
menopause symptoms absolutely call for medical attention if they arise.

The causes of male menopause symptoms are part of the natural aging process in
most cases. During the 40s and 50s, men experience a very gradual decline in
testicular function. As the function decreases, hormonal levels can also
decrease. When testosterone levels are no longer what they once were, male
menopause symptoms can crop up. Unlike female menopause, however, the function
of the testes does not cease - it simply declines.

Serious symptoms of male menopause are not very common. If very serious and
troublesome symptoms do arise, most men are advised to see their doctors. Other
conditions, such as mumps, testicular injury, lupus, diabetes and more can lead
to similar symptoms.

The most common male menopause symptoms include:

· Fatigue - This is perhaps the number one on the list of male menopause
symptoms. This type of fatigue is pretty severe and can come with a sense of
overall loss of well being.

· Joint pain - This tends to manifest with a lot of other conditions, as
well. It is not the most common of male menopause symptoms, but it can go along
with it.

· Hot flashes - The hormonal disruptions can cause hot flashes just as they
do with female menopause.

· Sleep problems - Insomnia is not uncommon as far as male menopause symptoms
are concerned.

· Decreased sex drive - This is up there as one of the top male menopause
symptoms. It also tends to be one of the most troublesome for most men. Some
decline in drive is expected with a decreased testosterone production, but a
severe decline can be a cause for concern.

· Difficulty maintaining erections - This can go along with the loss of sex
drive and lowered hormonal levels.

· Depression - If this particular male menopause symptom is severe, lasts for
several weeks at a time or is associated with thoughts of suicide, medical
attention should be sought immediately. No matter the cause, depression can be
very serious.

· Increased irritability - This can go along with a number of other
conditions, but its presence as one of the many male menopause symptoms makes
sense, especially when sleep disruptions are present. The simple hormonal
changes, too, can cause this all on its own.

· Weight gain - This tends to be common with male aging, but can be a male
menopause symptom, as well.

While some doctors don't recognize male menopause symptoms outside of their
affiliation with other conditions, the truth is these symptoms are very real.
Andropause, male menopause or simply aging, the fact is men do undergo some
changes as they age, too. Women do not hold the corner on the market here.

Dawn M. Olsen is an Advocate for Better Women?s Health through Education, Recipe Developer, Soy Food Enthusiast and the Author of "Menopause A to Z - A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause available online now at a http://www.menopauseatoz.com/ Find out more about how to deal with menopause symptoms.

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