Men & Menopause
While majority of us know about menopause and associated problems in women, how many of us have ever contemplated that, at a similar age, many men would also be going through changes in their levels and balance of key hormones and hence going through associated problems?
Changes of life in men is every bit as real and important as it is in women. Whereas in women there is a steep decline in reproductive hormones during menopause, the sex hormone changes in men occur gradually, and hence probably tend to get overlooked.
Male menopause or Andropause has been used to describe decreasing testosterone levels related to aging. Testosterone, besides contributing to the development and maintenance of male sexual functions, is also very vital to psychological health of men and therefore, the changes in the levels and balance of key hormones can have significant negative health impact, thus affecting quality of life of men.
Some of the manifestations of menopause in men are: fatigue, irritability, nervousness, depression, insomnia, impaired memory, inability to concentrate, loss of libido and erectile dysfunctions etc., which again can have profound effects on the major aspects of a man’s life.
Acknowledging these changes, overcoming denials, can be a journey which every partner needs to be supportive of. Engaging in dialogue around these issues of sexuality, intimacy and emotional needs should always be fundamental to a couple’s relationship.
Menopause in men is a multidimensional transition of life demanding proper attention and management. However, there is still a great deal of understanding required to unfold the intricacies of the subject, for it to become better known and accepted by the society.
Dr. Avantika Sharma
MS (Obs & Gynae), CIMP