The Male Menopause Mystery

Are women not the only ones having worry about menopause? There is some evidence that men’s bodies also change with age–women may not be the only ones having to worry about having kids before 35 (which is not necessarily true).

What is “male menopause?”
Those who believe in “male menopause” are referring to a cycle called andropause, which represents the drop in androgens, including testosterone, progressively over time. It has been said that after the age of 30, testosterone levels in men drop by 1% each year. In some cases, low testosterone levels can mean sexual problems including erectile dysfunction and low sex drive as well as other problems including depression and fatigue.

Male menopause a myth?
The World Health Organization does not recognize male menopause, or andropause as medical condition, though they do recognize female menopause. Female menopause is usually brought on by the gradual decrease in levels of estrogen and progesterone, though other causes may trigger menopause early. Menopause can cause mood changes, hot flashes, dryness, sleep problems, and for some, lower sex drive.

Does it really sound that different?
Hypogonadism is a condition that affects both men and women that impairs the sexual function of the female and male gonads (ovaries and testes) by not producing enough sex hormones. Menopause is seen as a natural type of hypogonadism in both men and women. It seems as if this condition credits men to this condition due to “normal aging,” and credits men to it due to “menopause,” but really they are for the same reasons. While they may be different and affect both sexes (and all people in general) differently, it seems as though both male and female menopause are real and occur naturally with age.

What do you think?

Do you think that mobile radiation, with its related studies revealing lowered testosterone levels from cell phones, could put men into early andropause?

Why does the WHO not recognize andropause as a medical condition like it does for menopause?

Are they really that different?

Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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