A Andropause is Not a Myth: The Very Real Symptoms of Male Menopause

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A Andropause is Not a Myth: The Very Real Symptoms of Male Menopause As men age, lots of things happen. They get wiser, they tell long stories about the trials and tribulations of walking 18 miles to school in two feet of snow wearing only flip-flops and calling Facebook “the Facebook.” Something that can also happen to men as they age is andropause. Never heard of it? Andropause is famously known as male menopause. Generally, this happens to men around the age of 50 when androgen levels begin to dip. This can make a man feel a little or a lot different from his “old self” of the past. The interesting thing is, not all men experience it. In fact, it’s reported that only about two percent of men experience symptoms of male menopause. Here are a few of the most commonly reported symptoms: 1. Loss of Stamina – One of the symptoms found by scientists was the inability to engage in vigorous physical activity. The get-up-and-go they once had is now a sit-and-stay-sitting type feeling. 2. A Serious Case of the Blues – Depression is highly affected by hormones, so it makes sense that as androgen dips, it can bring on bouts of sadness. To be clear, depression is a steadily depressed mood or loss of interest in activities that reach beyond sadness. This can lead to other major fluctuations in lifestyle including appetite, sleep, concentration, energy level, and self-esteem. Please seek professional help immediately if depressed. 3. Fatigue and Weakness – Two of the symptoms most commonly reported were feelings of unexplained fatigue and weakness. He may now need help moving the couch or may be too exhausted to head to the kitchen for some popcorn. 4. Loss of Muscle Mass – When androgen production declines, men can experience diminishing muscle mass which in turn leads to a feeling of weakness. Things, like adding more protein to the diet and using resistance training, are ways to preserve muscle mass and fight some of those related symptoms of male menopause. 5. “Let’s Get It On” becomes “Let’s Get a Nap” – As people age, it’s www.man1health.com


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