Keeping men healthy after andropause

There’s a little known phenomenon called andropause, a normal process of aging that some men, (around 2.1 percent) will experience. Think of andropause as sort of the equivalent to women who go through menopause. In fact, andropause sometimes is called, ‘male menopause,’ yet it’s different from what women experience. For women, menopause means the end of their ability to conceive a baby; however, men can remain fertile throughout their life even though sperm quality and quantity does reduce with age. Menopause in women also means that the production of estrogen ceases whereas andropause only slows the production of testosterone. The majority of women who go through menopause will also experience symptoms but a much smaller percentage of men with andropause will notice any symptoms.

Andropause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 65 for men.  This is when levels of testosterone begin to decline resulting in several symptoms which can include erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, less frequent morning erections, reduced muscle mass, hot flashes, mood swings, depression, and memory disorders. Even if a man has some of these symptoms, andropause is not the only reason why they may be happening as they could be signs of other health problems too.

Since andropause begins at a time in a man’s life when they have an increased risk for developing chronic health problems, they should pay attention to the development of any these particular medical conditions:

·      Heart disease

·       Type 2 diabetes

·      Osteoporosis

·      High cholesterol levels

·      High blood pressure

·      Osteoarthritis

·      Insomnia

·      Erectile dysfunction

·      Prostate problems

Fitting in health and wellness after andropause

Healthy aging in men can be achieved when they embrace practicing healthy lifestyle habits. The earlier in life they are adopted the better, but even if a man starts later in life, it all adds up to help reduce symptoms of andropause.

Here are ideas for men to consider:

·      Eat healthy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, sufficient protein to maintain muscle mass, and plenty of fruits and vegetables for good blood flow.

·      Exercise most days of the week.  Whatever activity a man chooses to be physically active, he should enjoy it to benefit from it most.

·      Practice stress-reducing habits to lessen the effects of it.  Excessive or chronic stress can be harmful to both physical and mental health.

·      Never start using tobacco products or for men who do, they should quit. Take advantage of tools to help kick the habit.

·      If a man consumes alcohol, he should do so only in moderation.

·      Adequate sleep is a must for allowing the body to rest and recuperate.  Men lacking sleep can find tools available to encourage better sleep habits.

·      Men should see their primary care physician for a yearly check-up as a prevention measure. The earlier any health issues are found, the greater likelihood for better management of it or a complete recovery.  This ensures a longer and better quality of life for men in years to come.

Dr. David B. Samadi is a Urologic Oncology Expert and Robotic Surgeon located at 485 Madison Avenue on the 21st floor, New York, NY – 212-365-5000.  Follow Dr. Samadi at www.samadimd.com,  www.prostatecancer911.com, and www.roboticoncology.com.