Male menopause a myth or reality

Symptoms

• Reduced sexual desire
• Infertility
• A decrease in spontaneous erections (such as during sleep)
• Swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia)
• Loss of body and pubic hair
• Small or shrinking testes
• Height loss and thinning bones
• Reduced muscle bulk and strength
• Hot flushes and sweats
• Other signs and symptoms can include
• Decreased energy, motivation and self-confidence
• Feeling sad or depressed
• Poor concentration and memory
• Sleep apnea or other sleep problems
• A low red blood cell count (mild anemia)
• Increased body fat

• Diminished physical or work performance

Male hormones that decline are

• Testosterone
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
• Growth hormone
• Pregnenolone
• Androstenedione

• Melatonin

Home based remedies

• Find new ways to relieve stress.
• Eat a nutritious, low-fat, high-fiber diet.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Exercise regularly.
• Find a supportive friend or group and talk to them about what you're going through.
• Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink lots of water

• Talk to the doctor about sexual problems- either erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation

Treatment

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)-

• Testosterone is available in many forms - oral, inject able, trans-dermal and implants. The oral route is generally not recommended because of the high risk of liver toxicity
• Inject able testosterone is safe but the blood levels are not uniformly maintained and any excess is converted to estrogens
• More recently, patches, pellets, creams and gels have entered the fray
• The choice of route and preparation will depend on safety, the socio-economic status of the patient, proven long term safety and efficacy
• TRT has risks, especially for men with certain health conditions such as prostate cancer and heart disease
• A significant improvement in symptoms can be expected with proper therapy.