Understand andropause, when the charm of men starts to fade

Have you been feeling discouraged and easily tired lately? Maybe it's a sign of andropause. Yes, you could say andropause is the period of menopause for men. So what are the signs of andropause? Can this condition be prevented?

What is andropause?

Andropause comes from the ancient Greek word " Andras "(Male) and" pause (Stop). So, andropause can actually be interpreted as a syndrome of decreased sexual satisfaction and desire in men due to low levels of testosterone.

In a way, andropause is a collection of symptoms, signs, and complaints in men that are similar to menopause in women. The difference with menopause, andropause in men usually occurs quite slowly.

In medicine, various other terms are given to refer to andropause, such as climacteric in men, androclise , Androgen Decline in Aging Male (ADAM), Partial Androgen Deficiency of the Aging Male (PADAM), male aging syndrome (aging male syndrome), late onset hypogonadism (LOH).

The term hypogonadism itself is a syndrome or health problem that is usually caused by a deficiency of androgen hormones, which affects multi-organ function and quality of life. Thus, the "charm" or strength of men who experience andropause will fade with age.

What causes andropause to occur?

Andropause occurs at the age of 40-60 years. Things that can cause andropause are:

Environmental factor

Usually this condition is triggered because the body is exposed to environmental pollution and the influence of chemicals, including food preservatives and waste. The application of a bad diet and diet can also be a trigger for andropause.

Factors from within the body

The thing that stimulates andropause to occur is hormonal changes in men. Hormones that are the trigger, namely:

• Testosterone
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosteron)
• DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosteron Sulfate)
• Melatonin
• GH (Growth Hormone)
• IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1)
• Prolactin

Psychogenic factors

Psychological and physical stress also causes andropause. Usually, when entering retirement age, changes in environmental and social conditions are one of the triggers for stress in middle-aged and elderly men.

Other risk factors

Men who experience chronic disease will tend to experience andropause more quickly. The chronic diseases in question are:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Kidney illness
• Metabolic syndrome
• Obesity
• HIV-related diseases, and hemochromatosis.

How does the andropause process occur in the body?

The male hormone testosterone decreases by about 1-15% per year, starting at age 45. This male 'menopause' occurs when testosterone levels drop dramatically. Apart from the age factor, the decrease in testosterone levels is also related to high visceral fat, aka fat between the organs.

This fat is usually clearly visible on a distended stomach. Well, the pile of fat will disrupt the metabolic system, interfere with the hormone insulin to break down blood sugar levels, and clog blood vessels.

This blockage will affect the nervous system's response to testosterone. When the body does not detect the presence of testosterone, it eventually decreases sexual desire and desire.

What are the symptoms of andropause?

Not only feeling less excited, andropause will also show other signs. Symptoms of andropause are:

• Easy to forget
• Feeling less energy and tired quickly
• Often sleepy
• Easily offended
• Reduced erection ability

In fact, men who experience andropause may experience behavioral changes such as having excessive fear of a health problem, irritability, to be very anxious when feeling sick.

How do I know if I am entering andropause?

Apart from consulting your doctor, you can also find out if your symptoms are a sign of andropause by answering some of the questions from the ADAM questionnaire (Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males).

1. Have you experienced a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
2. Do you feel a lack of energy?
3. Has your strength or endurance decreased?
4. Does your body feel shortened?
5. Are you enjoying life less or less?
6. Do you feel sad and / or often angry?
7. Is your erection not strong enough?
8. Have you recently noticed a decrease in your ability to exercise?
9. Did you fall asleep after dinner?
10. Has there been a decrease in productivity lately?

If you tend to answer "yes" to all of these questions, it could be that you are entering into andropause. However, to be sure you can consult a doctor.

Can this condition be treated?

In fact, andropause is a condition that occurs naturally. However, you can do several things to prevent the effects of andropause from getting worse. For example, taking a multivitamin such as vitamins E and D and additional calcium. Giving mulitivitamins can help your immune system is always at its prime.

Meanwhile, for the problem of decreased arousal, doctors will usually provide treatment so that testosterone levels remain stable, either through hormone therapy or administration of drugs.

Again, you should discuss it with your doctor before undergoing certain medications, because some medications have side effects for the body. For example, testosterone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Is it possible to prevent andropause?

Since this process occurs naturally, you can only slow down the 'coming'. You do this by adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding various exposure to pollution from the environment.

From now on, avoid eating preservative, calorie and high fat foods. Instead, eat foods that are full of nutrients and fiber to keep your body healthy. Accompany a healthy diet with regular exercise that makes the body stronger.

Don't forget to manage stress well and learn to accept the situation. Most men who enter middle age tend not to be able to accept changes in themselves. This will only cause stress and a sense of pressure, eventually andropause comes quickly.

Immediately consult a doctor if the testicles kemeng or pain, pain when urinating, incontinence, premature ejaculation, urinating straining, or not smoothly.

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