Male menopause a reality
01-September-2010
While most frequently associated with women’s health, age-related hormone changes, often-dubbed menopause, can also occur in men.
Experts estimate that more than 5 million men are affected; yet worry the number may be considerably higher since symptoms are frequently ignored.
Male
hypogonadism, as it’s referred to in the medical community, occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone, the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development. When hormone levels drop, men can experience significant mental and physical changes.
“Unfortunately, we estimate that 95 percent of cases are undiagnosed and therefore untreated. When ignored, symptoms can seriously disrupt one’s quality of life.”
These symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, decreased desire for sex, hair loss, lack of concentration and weight gain.
“In females, ovulation comes to an end and hormone production declines in a relatively quick period of time, whereas men experience hormone shifts more slowly, with testosterone levels dropping around one percent each year beginning in a man’s late thirties,” Brannigan said.
Treatment options for male hypogonadism include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) via absorbable pellet implants, topical gels, patches, and injections. Through HRT, doctors can restore sexual function and muscle strength. In addition, men often experience an increase in energy and an improved overall sense of well-being.
“We are seeing more men affected by male hypogonadism than we saw ten years ago,” said Brannigan.
“However, many men continue to suffer in silence due to a lack of awareness surrounding the disorder.
“Because male hypogonadism can significantly impact the quality of one’s life, it’s important that men pay attention to their body and openly discuss symptoms with their physician in order to prevent overlooking the cause and avoid missing an opportunity for appropriate therapy.”
Although research to determine the exact association continues, doctors also warn that male hypogonadism has been linked to chronic medical conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It’s also closely associated with infertility.
Male hypogonadism is most commonly diagnosed through a simple blood test.
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