The term “male menopause” is used to refer to the condition of men who have hormone levels drop after mid-life. Male menopause is a subject of controversy in the medical society. In the case of women, menopause is related with the termination of a bodily operation, like when the monthly menstruation periods stop. Also, a critical drop in the hormone levels in women occurs along with menopause. For these reasons, doctors are debating on whether male menopause really exists.
In the case of men in their middle and elderly years, smaller quantities of testosterone are being created by the testicles. This is believed to be the underlying reasons behind the occurrence of symptoms of male menopause. Men with menopause usually suffer from irritability, sleep disturbance, low sex drive, sweating, anxiety, sadness, memory problems, and erectile dysfunction. In most cases, erectile dysfunction may be caused by other disorders. But testosterone deficiency may be one possibility.
As a treatment, hormone replacement therapy is being recommended for men with low levels of testosterone and symptoms that come with it. Hormone replacement may not be applicable to older men who seek treatment for their erectile dysfunction unless they actually have very minimal levels of androgen. As for younger men with known hormone deficiency, it has been proven that nominal doses of testosterone can improve interest in sex.
Testosterone replacement therapy, which is also called as androgen replacement therapy, aims to reduce the symptoms brought about by male menopause. Androgen therapy, however, comes with potential side effects and risks on the prostate, mental functioning, and cardiovascular system. Older men undiagnosed of prostate cancer should also take caution when being applied with androgens. Sleep apnea, or the cessation of breathing during sleep, is also considered as a rare risk with hormone therapy.
