Are You Worried About Male Andropause?
“Lately, I’ve been feeling incredibly tired and bothered by everything.”
“My relationship with my wife seems to have grown distant, and I find myself getting irritated for no reason.”
Are you a middle-aged man experiencing such concerns, or have you noticed these changes in someone around you?
In many cases, these issues are casually dismissed with a simple, “It’s just old age.”
However, these changes may not be mere signs of aging.
Did you know they could be signals of ‘male andropause,’ medically known as ‘Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM)’, which is related to a decrease in male hormones, particularly testosterone?
Female menopause is relatively well-known and widely discussed in society.
However, male andropause often remains in the shadows, becoming an unspoken concern for many.
Today, we intend to delve deep into this hidden concern of middle-aged men: male andropause (ADAM).
We will explore together what symptoms manifest with male andropause, what its causes are, and how this period can be navigated wisely.
Male Andropause: Myths and Truths
Many people might still think, “Men don’t go through andropause, do they?”
In reality, male andropause doesn’t have clear physical indicators like the complete cessation of menstruation in female menopause. Therefore, its very existence is often unrecognized or easily dismissed as a simple aging phenomenon.
In women, ovarian function declines sharply, leading to a steep drop in the female hormone estrogen.
In contrast, men experience a gradual decrease in the male hormone testosterone, by about 1% each year starting around the age of 30. Consequently, symptoms appear progressively, and there are significant individual differences.
However, the impact of these gradual changes on men’s physical and mental health is by no means insignificant.
As early as the 19th century, German neurologist Kurt Mendel coined the term ‘male climacteric‘ to describe symptoms observed in elderly men, such as lethargy, decreased stamina, hot flash-like episodes, and emotional instability, recognizing its importance.
Although he was unaware of hormones, he speculated that a substance released from the gonads determined sexual characteristics. He believed that a decrease in this substance tended to masculinize women and feminize men.
Today, the medical term ‘ADAM (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male)‘ is more appropriately used to describe this phenomenon.
Testosterone Decline: Crisis Signals for Masculinity
So, what changes occur in our bodies when levels of testosterone, a symbol of masculinity, decrease?
The symptoms of ADAM are highly varied and can manifest differently in each individual. Generally, the following changes are observed:
Loss of Passion: Decreased Libido and Erectile Dysfunction
One of the first changes likely to be experienced is a decrease in sexual desire.
Dutch physician Ivan Wolffers, after undergoing testosterone blockade therapy for prostate cancer, described the profound loss of libido he experienced in the title of his book, “Nostalgia for Desire,” vividly conveying his suffering.
Erectile dysfunction also becomes a major factor in diminishing quality of life.
Weakened Body: Muscle Loss and Increased Body Fat
Testosterone plays a crucial role in building and maintaining muscle. When its levels drop, muscle mass decreases and strength weakens, while body fat tends to increase. This is particularly common for abdominal fat.
In overweight men, testosterone can even be converted into the female hormone estrogen in fat tissue, further exacerbating symptoms.
Red Flag for Bone Health: Decreased Bone Density
Testosterone is also involved in maintaining bone health. A deficiency can lead to lower bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis or fractures.
Lethargy and Depression: Shadows on the Mind
Physical changes can be accompanied by mental difficulties.
Symptoms include unexplained fatigue, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, and memory decline. Emotional changes such as depression or increased irritability may also occur.
Sleepless Nights: Emergence of Sleep Problems
Changes in testosterone levels also affect sleep patterns. They can lead to insomnia or a decline in sleep quality.
Sudden Warmth: Experiencing Hot Flashes
Were you aware that hot flashes, a hallmark symptom of female menopause, can also occur in men?
Indeed, Ivan Wolffers experienced hot flashes during his treatment. Similarly, a British soldier who lost both testicles in an accident in Afghanistan experienced sudden andropause symptoms, including body temperature regulation issues, and found stability after testosterone injections.
As such, the symptoms of ADAM can manifest throughout the body and significantly diminish the quality of life for middle-aged men.
Why Me? The Various Causes of ADAM
When symptoms of male andropause appear, many tend to think, ‘It’s probably just because I’m getting older.’
While aging is indeed a primary cause of testosterone decline, it’s not the whole story.
Various factors can interact to trigger or worsen ADAM symptoms.
Lifestyle habits play a significant role. Unhealthy habits such as obesity, lack of exercise, excessive drinking and smoking, chronic stress, and irregular sleep patterns are major contributors to lowered testosterone levels.
Underlying health conditions are also a possibility. Sometimes, conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea can cause low testosterone levels.
In such cases, treating the root illness should take precedence over simply supplementing testosterone.
Environmental factors cannot be ignored. Exposure to external factors like endocrine disruptors can also have an impact.
Psychological factors are also important. Excessive work stress, family discord, financial difficulties, and other psychological pressures can also lead to hormonal imbalances.
Therefore, if symptoms of male andropause appear, it’s crucial not to just blame age but to comprehensively review one’s lifestyle and health status. If necessary, consulting a professional to identify the exact cause is important.
The Lure of “Eternal Youth”: Testosterone Replacement Therapy
To address the various discomforts arising from low testosterone levels, there’s immense interest in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
In fact, sales of testosterone preparations are said to have increased fivefold in the last decade, a testament to its popularity.
There’s an anecdote from the late 19th century where Professor Brown-Séquard injected himself with animal testicle extracts, claiming to have ‘rejuvenated.’
This yearning for ‘eternal youth’ has led to the proliferation of ‘Low-T clinics’ in modern times.
But can testosterone replacement therapy be a ‘magic bullet’ for all middle-aged men? Unfortunately, the reality is not so simple.
Debates on Efficacy and Potential Risks
Some studies suggest that testosterone replacement therapy may have some effect on improving libido or increasing muscle mass. However, its effectiveness in improving overall aging symptoms is still highly debated.
Notably, only about 1 in 50 men who suspect they have ADAM symptoms are actually diagnosed with a hormone deficiency.
In many cases, psychological factors or other health problems may be the cause.
Testosterone replacement therapy can come with potential side effects, including the aggravation of prostate disease, worsening of sleep apnea, an increased risk of blood clots, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Indeed, research shows that castrated eunuchs lived, on average, 20 years longer than non-castrated men. There are also cases of bodybuilders experiencing health problems due to excessive steroid use. This suggests that testosterone is not necessarily the ‘elixir of youth.’
When is Treatment Necessary? The Importance of Expert Diagnosis
Testosterone replacement therapy must only be considered when a clinically significant testosterone deficiency is confirmed through blood tests, and clear symptoms resulting from it are present. It should be carefully considered under a doctor’s precise diagnosis and prescription.
Indiscriminate use of testosterone can actually harm your health. It’s unwise to try it rashly based on a vague hope of ‘wanting to become younger.’
Coping Wisely with Male Andropause (ADAM)
So, how should middle-aged men wisely cope with these unavoidable hormonal changes?
The key is not to fixate solely on testosterone levels but to improve overall lifestyle habits and embrace life’s changes with a positive mindset.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits: The Best Medicine
A balanced diet is important. A diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and high-quality protein can help maintain testosterone levels. It’s best to avoid excessive fat intake and processed foods.
Regular exercise is necessary. Consistently engaging in strength training and aerobic exercise offers various benefits, such as maintaining muscle mass, reducing body fat, boosting energy, and relieving stress.
Sufficient sleep is essential. Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance. Establish regular sleep habits and improve your sleep environment.
Stress management is important. Chronic stress is a major culprit in lowering testosterone levels. It’s important to find your own ways to relieve stress, such as meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset and Social Connections
American medical anthropologist Richard Bribiescas argued in his book “How Men Age” that lower and stabilized testosterone levels after male andropause might actually have biological and social benefits, such as reduced aggression and increased social bonding.
It’s important to positively embrace change, strengthen relationships with family and friends, and set new goals.
Regular Health Check-ups and Expert Consultation are Essential
If you suspect symptoms of male andropause, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
An accurate diagnosis can rule out the possibility of other underlying conditions. If necessary, appropriate treatment methods can be discussed.
Beyond the Waves of Change: Towards a Deeper Masculinity
The hormonal changes that occur in men after middle age, namely male andropause (ADAM), are an unavoidable, natural process.
However, how one accepts and copes with it can significantly alter their quality of life.
Don’t suffer alone with unspoken worries anymore. Understand the changes in your body and mind, and navigate this period wisely with healthy lifestyle habits and a positive attitude.
In doing so, we may discover a deeper, richer masculinity that cannot be explained by testosterone levels alone.
We sincerely cheer you on for a wonderful middle age and the life that follows!
