It is known among the public that despite the loss of reproductive ability in women with menopause, lifelong sperm production and therefore reproductive ability in men continue.
What is Andropause?
Among the public, women do not reproduce with menopause. It is known that despite the loss of ability, sperm production and therefore reproductive ability continue for life in men. Although this is partially true, with aging, men enter a process similar to menopause in women. During this period, which is called andropause, various changes occur in the body as a result of the significant decrease in the level of testosterone, the male reproductive hormone, and the corresponding increase in the effect of estrogen hormone.
In addition to sexual problems such as decreased sexual desire and power, erection problem, symptoms similar to menopause such as osteoporosis, fatigue, depression, skin problems and hot flashes are observed. This process, which is natural and a part of life, is also called the aging man syndrome. It requires consultation with health institutions, especially if it causes difficulties that affect daily life. The decrease in the levels of this hormone, also known as the male hormone, causes the onset of the syndrome called andropause. A drop in testosterone does not mean that andropause has started in every man. The appearance of symptoms such as decreased sexual performance, difficulty in concentration, fatigue and irritability, mental problems and depression, and increased body fat mean that andropause has begun.
Andropause process does not have to occur in every man. Many healthy individuals can get through this process without experiencing any symptoms or discomfort. However, andropause symptoms are more common in men with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, overweight, those who use alcohol or cigarettes, those who are not successful enough in their social relations, and those who lead a stressful life. Therefore, it can be said that andropause is a social and psychological condition as well as physiological.
What are Andropause Symptoms?
As mentioned above, andropause symptoms It does not have to be seen in every man. Especially in people who are in good health and do not experience any problems in terms of social, psychological and physiological aspects, this process can take place as a very smooth transition or can be overcome with mild symptoms. In some people, andropause is very pronounced. The most common symptoms of andropause are:
- Sexual reluctance
- Erection problems
- Premature ejaculation
- Sudden hot flashes
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue and irritability
- Difficulty with motivation
- Forgetfulness
- Sleep disorders related to sleep patterns and increased need for sleep
- Pains in muscles and joints
- Reduction in body hair
- Weight gain
- Increase in skin dryness and wrinkles
- Bone loss and anemia
What are the Causes of Andropause?
Andropause is a natural and normal process, just like menopause in women. The biggest reason is the significant decrease in testosterone hormone. This reduction develops differently in each individual. Unlike the menopause in women, the decrease in the sex hormone, which starts to decrease after the age of 40 in men, does not occur in the same way in every man as a sudden decrease. This refers to a process that progresses slowly and is unique to the individual. Despite the decrease in testosterone hormone in men, there is an increase in the level of sex hormone binding globulins (SHBG). Due to the increase in SHBGs, another factor that causes andropause, the availability of testosterone in the blood decreases.
Due to all these reasons, andropause symptoms begin to appear and the individual enters the andropause process. In some individuals, the symptoms are observed to be very severe. In this case, medical supportive treatments may be necessary. Andropause, which progresses quite smoothly in some individuals, can be overcome with mild and non-irritating symptoms that cannot be felt for the person. should be examined by applying to urology outpatient clinics. During the examination, the patient's medical history is listened in detail by the physician; concomitant acute or chronic diseases, treatments received and used drugs are learned. The patient should convey the problems he or she is experiencing to the physician as clearly as possible. At the same time, it is of great importance for the success of diagnosis and treatment that patients do not avoid giving detailed information to their physicians, especially about sexual issues.
Physical examination can also be performed by the physician to investigate whether there are physical symptoms of the disease. Considering the age of the patient and the symptoms experienced, even these data may be sufficient to diagnose andropause. However, some laboratory tests may be requested by physicians to rule out different disease possibilities and to clarify the diagnosis. These usually consist of blood tests. Hormonal changes, the biggest cause of andropause, can be easily detected with blood tests.
Examination of blood levels of some hormones such as total testosterone, free testosterone, FSH, LH and prolactin are hormone tests frequently used in the diagnosis of andropause. These tests are usually done in the morning when hormone levels are at their highest. If the physician suspects different diseases, different blood tests, medical imaging tests and urine tests can be done to detect urological diseases. As a result of all these examinations, a treatment plan is made for patients diagnosed with andropause. Patients with psychological problems such as depression or who may need treatments that fall under the expertise of different medical units can be referred to the relevant medical units after the procedures in the urology outpatient clinic.
What are Andropause Treatment Methods?
Treatment in the process of andropause; The syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach because it contains problems that fall under the expertise of urology, psychiatry, neurology, dermatology and many other medical units. The basic approach in treatment is to alleviate or eliminate the negativities experienced by the patient due to andopause. In some patients, especially if the symptoms are severe, a treatment can be applied by replacing the decreased testosterone hormone with medication. Psychiatric treatment also has an important place in patients with mental problems, complaints such as depression, irritability and low motivation.
The patient's blood findings are also seen. If calcium and vitamin D levels are found to be low when reviewed, vitamin and mineral supplements may be recommended in order to prevent osteoporosis. Regular physical activity and healthy nutrition are also among the issues to be considered in this process. In addition, in the absence of severe symptoms that will complicate daily life and that will wear out the person socially and psychologically, no medical treatment may be needed during andropause. If andropause, which is a natural process in life, does not cause serious problems in this way, it can be said that it is not a problem that must be treated.
One of the wrong behaviors seen in men in the andropause period is to refrain from going to the doctor, and especially to start herbal cures, the benefits of which are not scientifically proven to increase sexual power, which may be harmful to health. The use of such cures without consulting a physician is among the behaviors that should be avoided, as they may cause serious adverse events and side effects that may lead to death. In addition to medical treatment recommendations, patients who have been diagnosed with andropause try to sleep regularly, exercise, spare time for their hobbies, and focus on social activities with their loved ones, will help the process to be overcome in a much healthier way. If you are alive, it would be beneficial for you to go through an examination by applying to a health institution. After your examination and tests, you can listen to your doctor's recommendations and get through this process in a healthy and trouble-free manner, and take your precautions at an early stage against problems that may be permanent such as osteoporosis.
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