Archives for November 2015

Women are often warned about the “change of life” but with men it’s just not spoke about.

There are vitamins, dietary supplements, greeting cards and even a musical about it.  What is often not talked about, however, is male menopause.  While the change may not be as dramatic, male menopause is a very real physical and physiological change that happens as men age.  However, because men are often not comfortable about seeking treatment, doctors have had difficulty isolating their symptoms and making a correct diagnosis.  Thanks to new studies, though, doctors have become more aware of this problem and are beginning to realize the importance of treatment.

Male menopause occurs when a man’s production of hormones declines to below normal levels. These hormones include testosterone (man’s hormone), thyroid, human growth hormone (HGH). In addition, production of Estrogen’s (female hormone) actually increases in men undergoing menopause.  After the age of 30 years a man’s testosterone hormone levels start to drop, about 1% each year. Most men in their seventies have at least 40% less testosterone in their system than they did when they were 30.  Although male menopause occurs in older men whose testosterone levels have declined, it tends to affect older males with heart disease, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure) and/or type 2 diabetes.  In other words, unlike the female menopause, several factors together contribute to the development of male menopause.  Some underlying health problems, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation could also be key factors.

So what are the symptoms of male menopause?  Typical symptoms can include: fatigue, joint aches and stiffness of hands, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, depression, irritability and anger, reduced libido, reduced potency, premature aging, weight gain, hot flashes (yes men can get them too!), Osteoporosis (weakening or loss of bone mass), hair loss in armpits and genital area, and shrinkage in size of sexual organs.  Male Menopause begins with hormonal, physiological chemical changes that occur in all men generally between the ages of forty and fifty-five, though it can occur as early as thirty-five or at late as sixty-five. These changes affect all aspects of man’s life. Male menopause is thus a psychological, interpersonal, social and spiritual dimension. Men have reported having as many premenstrual type symptoms as women do as mentioned (reduced or increased energy, irritability, and other negative moods, black pain, sleeplessness, headaches, confusion, etc.).

Treatment may include testosterone supplements which are available in topical gels, creams, oral capsules or injectable forms.  Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is also an option. Fantasy Gifts carries over the counter products such as ON Sex Drive for Him which is a natural way to increase the testosterone levels in a man’s body.  ON Power Glide for Him is a sexual enhancement cream that enhances that will give men a thicker, harder erection and increase sensitivity.  Before beginning any topical treatment, seek advice from your physician first.