Male Menopause or Andropause or Is It Viropause?

The aging process brings about changes not only in women but also in men. The physical sign of lack of menses is an obvious give-away that the female is experiencing menopause. However, for males a more gradual shift in the aging process often leaves them unprepared for the problems associated with lessening testosterone.

The Symptoms of Male Menopause

Males experience the reproductive change involving the connection between the testicles, the hormone testosterone, the brain, and the pituitary.

The female changes involve the pituitary gland and the brain as well as the ovaries.

Hers may seem to be more abrupt and his a very gradual change.

The word "menopause" is something we normally relate to a female's passage from monthly fertility to a cessation of menses. Women generally recognize the menopause symptoms between 40 and 55. Now we know that menopause actually starts much earlier with a change in hormones.

The medical community has been debating the presence of male menopause and some refer to it as andropause, which according to Webster's New Millennium(tm) Dictionary, is the "male counterpart of menopause, when the production of testosterone decreases and there are accompanying mental symptoms.

They both refer to the same symptoms the males have regarding aging and they can start experiencing these symptoms as early as 35.

Andropause is also referred to as viropause which simply means "a syndrome associated with a lack of or absence of testosterone" according to Dr Malcolm Carruthers book: Maximising Manhood.

The most common symptoms of male menopause or andropause are:

• Extreme fatigue
• Joint aches
• Stiffness in hands
• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbances
• Depression
• Irritability
• Anger bouts
• Reduced libido
• A reduction in ejaculate
• Premature aging
• Hair and skin changes

There are however other reasons for testicular malfunction such as:

Viral infections (mumps)

Surgical removal of the testis and the male reproductive tract due to hernia repairs, or testicular cancer or even when a vasectomy is performed.

There are diseases that can damage the testicles such as systemic lupus erythematosis and diabetes.

There is also a genetic abnormality that can cause testicular failure known as chromosomal mosaicism.

Heavy smoking can also cause testicular issues

Chemotherapy can have damaging effects upon the testicles

It is rare, but there can be pituitary tumors

Help for Andropause

Spouses, employers, physicians, psychologists and other health care providers all need to be more aware of the existence of male menopause so that males who suffer from it can receive the support and medical help they need.

The traditional mid-life crisis label currently placed on men can prevent them from seeking medical help for the andropause symptoms. There was a time when women were simply told to get over it when menopause happened. Now they have many avenues of relief and that same help is available to men.

It is important for all involved to understand that whether you call it male menopause, andropause or viropause, the condition characterized by the symptoms described earlier can all be treated and relief given so that men can again enjoy life.

Just as other disease such as thyroid disease and diabetes are treated and lives return to being productive, so those suffering from male menopause can be treated.

When you look at the variety of symptoms, you begin to realize that this whole thing is more than just a sexual function. What a shame that we as a society put such an emphasis on sexual attraction and performance.

The ageing process is a natural one. It need not be so devastating with the proper diet and exercise and the all important supplements to replace what nature is taking away. See also low testosterone and natural supplements to increase testosterone

The more we know as a society regarding conditions such as this, the more comfortable men will become about seeking medical help so that they can feel better and in turn they can cope better with relationships in home and at work. Just knowing that the symptoms listed above are a normal part of aging that can be slowed down or in some cases reversed is something to cheer about.

©AnswersForYourHealth - Male Menopause