Yes - although the commonly used term 'male menopause' can be misleading. There may be similarities in symptoms, but this isn't necessarily a like-for-like version of the female menopause. The condition is also known as andropause or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS): the latter term refers specifically to symptoms caused by hormonal changes during middle age.
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Now, if you're experiencing menopausal symptoms yourself, this list will sound horribly familiar. Men may suffer from hot flushes, night sweats, loss of libido, a drop in energy and enthusiasm, depression, mood swings, joint stiffness, increased sweating, tiredness, loss of muscle mass and fat redistribution.
They may also experience erectile dysfunction and loss of morning erections. Indeed, 40 per cent of men over the age of 40 will notice a reduction in frequency of early morning erections, but not everyone will go on to experience andropause. Overall, around one in five men over 50 will experience some symptoms of andropause, according to Dr Malcolm Carruthers, medical director of the Centre for Men's Health and President of The Andropause Society.
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'Men's testosterone levels fall progressively from our mid- to late 20s, but testosterone is still produced as we grow older,' says Dr Carruthers. 'Broadly speaking, levels will halve over our lifespan. Stress and anything that puts a man down such as loss of his job or a partner can cause a dramatic drop in testosterone. Alongside this drop, some men also become resistant to the effects of the hormone - even if it's being produced at a normal level - much like insulin resistance in adult-onset diabetes.'
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Not necessarily: lifestyle factors and psychological problems may also be responsible for many of these symptoms. For example, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and too much alcohol can all play their part in making men (and women) feel depressed, irritable, unfit and overweight at any time in life. Work and family pressures may also take their toll, particularly in middle age. If a man experiences any menopause-like symptoms, they need to be addressed as soon as possible - regardless of whether or not the cause is hormonal.
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'Yes, it's definitely a growing problem that's being seen worldwide in younger and younger patients,' says Dr Carruthers. 'This is partly due to greater recognition of the condition, thanks largely to the work of the Andropause Society - but also due to factors that reduce testosterone levels, such as stress and environmental pollution.'
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Get him to take his health seriously
There are two main treatments for andropause symptoms caused by a drop in hormone levels: a testosterone-containing gel that's easily applied to the skin every morning; and a deep intramuscular injection that's given roughly every three months. Both can be prescribed by your GP. 'The treatments tend to take effect within a month or two, sometimes sooner,' says Dr Carruthers.
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Yes, of course: cutting down on booze, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping fit and eating well are all crucial to good health. It's also worth bearing in mind that mood swings and anxiety may be symptoms of a 'midlife crisis': this can happen when men feel they've reached life's halfway stage and haven't achieved as much as they should have done by now. The solution may lie in talking therapies, such as counselling sessions that can be organised by your GP. However, many men are resistant to give these a try - so it's important to find other positive coping strategies, such as taking regular exercise.
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Making simple dietary changes can have a hugely positive effect on your emotional health at any age. So encourage your partner to eat a balanced, high-fibre, vitamin-rich diet - and try to keep him away from the biscuit barrel!
Leading nutritionist Patrick Holford (www.patrickholford.com) suggests these tip to help maintain a healthy hormonal balance: 'Keep your intake of animal fats very low. Choose organic vegetables and meat wherever possible to reduce pesticide and hormone exposure. Use stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate and sugar infrequently, if at all. If you're addicted to any of these, learn to break the habit. And make sure you're getting enough essential fats from seeds, their oils or supplements of evening primrose or borage oil (omega 6) or flax oil (omega 3).'
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Get him to take his health seriously
It can be particularly hard to cope with your partner's 'menopausal' symptoms if you're experience similar - or worse - problems yourself.
Personal development specialist Jane C Woods (www.changingpeople.co.uk) offers these tips: 'Remember the advice from airline safety demonstrations about putting your own oxygen mask on before helping anyone else? It will be hard to be understanding towards your partner is you don't feel good yourself, so set him a positive example by showing you care about your health and seeking help for any symptoms you have. And try to show some empathy. Your partner may have trouble identifying what ails him as being part of a natural process, so he may choose to ignore it. The best thing you can do for him - and you - is to take his symptoms seriously and listen.'
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Get him to take his health seriously
A sympathetic GP is key to conquering andropause symptoms. Encourage your partner to make an appointment - and offer to go with him for moral support. He can also read up about the condition and do a detailed diagnostic questionnaire at www.andropausesociety.org.
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Get him to take his health seriously
Posted by 11280Adrienne Wyper
Posted by 11320Carol Muskoron