How to recognize the gray period in men?

It is known that after the age of 40, the rhythm of hormone production changes in women, which marks the end of their fertility, and thus important physical, psychological and social changes, i.e. the arrival of menopause. However, its “male counterpart”, andropause, goes much more unnoticed among the population. Although it is a big unknown, it is a headache for many men.

82% of men can present andropause (Testosterone deficiency syndrome) between the ages of 40 and 50, a percentage that according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is increasing, and is estimated to increase by 10% in the world population by 2050.

Andropause, name for late-onset hypogonadism (HIT) is a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with the aging of men, which is why it is often compared to menopause, a biological process in the female population. However, these are misleading comparisons, since the physiological changes are not comparable between the two sexes, nor are the symptoms they produce.

This natural stage in man is characterized by clinical signs and symptoms such as: fatigue, decreased sexual desire and changes in erection, decrease in muscle mass, loss of body hair, skin changes and loss of bone density. While symptoms of emotional disorders include irritability, nervousness, depression, lack of concentration, memory impairment and stress.

What is happening?

Despite being at the peak of their professional career or economic status, they begin to manifest psychological problems that interfere with their goals, resulting in general dissatisfaction.

Andropause occurs as a result of deficiency testosterone production or other male hormones. However, experts also link the syndrome to genetic causes, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or elevated levels of SHBG, called “sex hormone-binding globulin.”

If the symptoms are not treated early, they are associated with long-term risks, especially in cardiovascular health. Some of the most common are the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of stroke.’

Andropause, the name for late-onset hypogonadism (HIT), is a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with the aging of men, which is why it is often compared to menopause, a biological process in the female population.

Another important point is that a man sees his own masculinity with the appearance of andropause and begins to perceive it, not as a temporary state of nature, but as a kind of illness. Experts warn that andropause is not a disease and that it is important for men to see it as something temporary that has a solution.

In this sense, it is important that men put aside the pressure they feel about their sexual performance and come to believe that andropause is a new phase in their life that offers them new opportunities.

The main recommendation is to be very patient, to let go, not to become obsessed if you do not achieve an erection and to decide to enjoy sexuality in other ways, through erotic and preparatory games that do not aim at penetration.

In addition, there are currently treatments to combat male andropause. To access them, a man must go to a specialist who will determine if it is appropriate to start an androgen replacement method. There are new treatments that allow testosterone to be given to men by daily application of a gel to the skin.