Male Menopause

Symptoms and Its Strategies in Surviving Depression

Men have their menopausal stage, just like women. The male menopause is more correctly known as the andropause, and is a condition stemming from the natural decline in a man's hormones.

The male menopause usually occurs in men in their fifties and older. You may ask whether it is real or imagined, but it is a fact that hormonal decline happens as one ages, and that in men, this decline is more gradual than it is in women. Andropause is medically termed as A.D.A.M or Androgen Decline in Aging Males.

This hormonal change, when coupled with external influences in a males life such as job loss, divorce and so on, can bring about physiological and psychological changes which manifest themselves as depression.

Just as women's menopause is characterized by different symptoms, so too is andropause in men.

These symptoms are erectile dysfunction or the failure to achieve an erection, general tiredness, palpitations, mood changes, and night sweats.

Palpitations and night sweats can occur because men's autonomic system overacts to their declining testosterone levels. But erectile dysfunction is probably the most prominent symptom of andropause. Fortunately, treatment for mood changes and erectile dysfunction or impotence is easily accessible today.

In the early stages of life, men usually concentrate on building a career and earning a living but as male menopause affects them they tend to change focus and develop more of a need to be closer to family and friends, almost as if they regret past failings, and in recognition that time is passing.

Another common symptom is that of memory loss. This is associated with the normal aging process and is minor in comparison to Alzheimer's disease.

Because male menopause brings about both physical and psychological changes in men, it is important that they take the time to deal with life issues and changes in a calm an orderly manner in order to avoid the risk of stress. If stress is not kept under control, depression can follow.

The key to handling the andropause stage is within a man's reach:

• Regular exercise - both muscular and cardiovascular - will help delay the aging process, when coupled with proper relaxation and rest periods.
  
  
• A proper balanced diet, taking into account foods that are best suited to an aging body.
  
  
• Making the most of time. Being well organised and finding time to do the important things in life. Personal disciplines are important - don't abuse your body with alcohol and cigarettes.
  
  
• Learning to respect yourself and others. Show appreciation more. Relax. Remember that it is better to give than to receive. It is very important to leave legacies.
  
  
• Enjoy the challenge of the andropause and the aging stage. Just accept that ageing is out of your hands and go with the flow. Learn to appreciate all aspects of life to be satisfied with what it has to offer. The male menopause is part of mans' journey through life so be positive about it and concentrate on the good things, not the bad.
  
  
• Seeking medical advice can help. Sometimes counselling may help to treat some physical and psychological changes. 
   

Men should do as much as possible to avoid depression and see the more positive side of life, despite facing andropause.