Remedies for Menopause in Men

A decrease in hormone production as a result of aging is a natural and normal part of life for both sexes. For women, the term "menopause" refers to the end of fertility and is marked when they have experienced 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Age-related decreases in testosterone levels in men is sometimes called "male menopause." Since men do not menstruate the phrase is obviously inaccurate. This condition is increasing being referred to as "andropause," and finding remedies for it can be challenging.

Diagnosis

• Have a thorough medical checkup, and tell your physician about any decline in your energy level or sexual function, disruption of your sleep patterns and physical or emotional changes. Before any kind of treatment for andropause or male menopause is undertaken, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Unlike women, who undergo perimenopause, a period of sometimes wildly fluctuating hormone levels prior to entering menopause, testosterone levels tend to diminish gradually in men. After the age of 30, testosterone levels decline at a rate of around 1 percent each year. Effects of this reduction are typically gradual as well and may go unnoticed without proper medical testing. Symptoms of low testosterone should not automatically be attributed to normal aging because there are other serious conditions that can cause a drop in testosterone levels. The only way to accurately diagnose low levels of testosterone is with blood tests.

Lifestyle Choices

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no way to boost the natural production of testosterone to treat age-related andropause. You may be able to compensate with positive lifestyle changes. Talk with your physician regarding all of your physical complaints and medications you are taking for them, as these may contribute to erectile dysfunction or have other sexual side effects. Start an exercise program and eat a healthy diet. Maintaining an active lifestyle will help to control your weight, improve your sleep patterns and elevate your mood. Be aware of the signs of depression that may accompany a drop in testosterone levels including irritability or feelings of isolation. Depression in men often manifests in thrill-seeking, participating in dangerous activities or overindulgence in alcohol or illicit drugs.

Medication

• Talk with your physician about any medications that are purported to treat male menopause. Testosterone-replacement therapy may be beneficial in some men, but the treatment is controversial and, according to the Mayo Clinic, may contribute to prostate cancer in older men. If you are considering using herbal or "natural" supplements to treat yourself, talk to your physician first to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. There are no well-documented studies regarding the effectiveness or safety of herbal remedies for male menopause.