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Male Menopause: What are the Symptoms?

It seems it’s pretty common for men to react with indifference when menopause is brought into the discussion by their female partner. A possible explanation is that it’s difficult for men to understand something that’s not within their personal experience.

Of course, the question that naturally arises is whether men also actually experience menopause, and could that experience possibly help them with appreciation of what women go through?

In truth, there is solid medical evidence establishing that, in the aging process, women are not the only ones who experience menopause. Men do, as well. There’s even a name for the male variety - Andropause - and sometimes Viropause, both used to describe what is more commonly known as male menopause. The primary symptom is a decline in testosterone levels. Some describe it as an end to first adulthood and the commencement of a second phase of adulthood. More often than not, in the popular view, it manifests itself in the sexual realm, where deterioration in sexual desire and performance is experienced.

Some men react with acute alarm to these hormonal changes and look upon the phenomenon as a direct assault upon their virility. So, in some cases the male experience is not unlike what occurs with women when drastic hormonal changes alter their physical and mental condition. For women, menopause has more distinct and defined symptoms such as termination of the menstrual cycle, hot flashes which show visible signs on the face, chest and neck, perspiring, dryness in the vagina, throbbing heartbeat, body aches, itching skin and growth of unwanted facial hair.

With men, the drop in testosterone levels is the primary symptom. Physicians can screen and identify this change and often do so since it can be associated with the onset of illnesses such as diabetes. However, the lowering of testosterone can also produce the following symptoms:

Physical exhaustion from simple tasks: There is a decrease in alertness and a feeling of being tired that comes on more quickly than previously. Insomnia may ensue which contributes to the feeling of being exhausted.

Gaining weight: An increase in weight and body fat becomes evident, seemingly, however, unexplainable.

Mental Fatigue: A decrease in the ability to concentrate. It seems to take more time to digest matters discussed in conversation or to absorb written or audio material.

Emotional Exhaustion: A man may become more easily angered, or have sudden feelings of sadness, depression and nervousness. Yes, there can be wide mood swings, just as with women.

Decrease in Sexual Desire: For a man, this can well be the most alarming symptom, since it is so much intertwined with his view of himself as a virile force. Inability to perform shows up in failure to gain an erection.

In western culture, men tend to have a low level of awareness that these changes are occurring, and often can be said to be in deep denial. Men simply are not anxious to acknowledge these sorts of things. This, of course, can lead to considerable stress in a marriage or intimate relationship. Andropause, once a man accepts that he’s in the midst of it, need not be as alarming as it might seem. Certainly, a visit to a physician is indicated to address any symptoms that can be alleviated with medication such as overcoming erectile dysfunction and treating depression.

In the final analysis, in any relationship where these changes can be observed and acknowledged, there is need for support. In other words, just as women require support and understanding in the menopausal stage, so do men need it with andropause. In either case, openness and willingness to listen and understand are the keys to maintaining intimacy.

Tags: Aging Process, andropause, insomnia, male menopause, Menopause, relationships, viropause