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Male Menopause by the Numbers
Male Menopause by the Numbers Its a fact that as a culture we tend to like to express as
many concepts as possible in mathematical terms. One of the simple reasons for this relates to our view of math as
a pure language, where concepts may be effectively expressed regardless of the writers regular language, and then
may be understood by others. As long as a relevant point may be illustrated by numbers, mathematics is the perfect
vehicle to carry information and then present it to anyone to be readily understood. Using numbers to express our
knowledge, lets see what we can learn about male menopause. Lets begin with the levels of an important male hormone
known as testosterone. Once a man reaches the age of thirty or so, his testosterone level starts to drop, but in
very small amounts. Every year for the rest of his life, it will decrease in tiny increments that may measure
around one percent per year. Unless something else happens to draw the mans attention to the situation, the falling
numbers may not make themselves felt until a man reaches his fifties, sixties, or even seventies (or, sometimes not
at all). While some men with significantly low levels of testosterone in their bodies may wind up not feeling any
symptoms, there are other men, with similar levels, who will feel it quite acutely.Adding to the variables were
considering, there are several diseases whose symptoms are very similar to testosterone deficiency (like alcohol
abuse, problems with hormones other than testosterone, and kidney and lung disease) so the physician must exercise
great caution in the diagnosis. There are similar symptoms for liver disease and heart disease that must be
investigated and ruled out before the doctor can feel completely comfortable with his or her diagnosis. Then we
come to the rather complicated matter of understanding testosterone blood studies. In the blood we find two kinds
of testosterone at work: active and inactive testosterone. When a test is conducted, it is the low levels of active
testosterone that need to be taken into account, since that is the level that causes the symptoms of testosterone
deficiency. Besides for this, your physician may also choose to order a total testosterone test. The definition of
normal testosterone levels can be perplexing. Testosterone levels may vary widely among men in the same age group,
including the men without any symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Making the variable even more complex is the
fact that testosterone levels will fluctuate throughout the day. This is one reason that setting benchmark numbers
can be so daunting. Consequently, if you have symptoms like unexplained weight gain, depression, problems with
sleep, irritability and youre over fifty years of age, you should most certainly go and see your doctor. If he has
you tested and it turns out that you are not testosterone deficient, then he will look elsewhere for the cause of
your symptoms so that a proper course of treatment may be initiated. All the tests and numbers will help the doctor
gain the knowledge he requires to prescribe safe and effective treatment.
Male Meopause
It ran in their 1/22/2007 issue, Vol. 149 Issue 4, and can be found on p 46 - 48.
A similar article ran in the Mental Health Weekly; 3/14/2005, Vol. 15 Issue 11, p 8 in which it was discussed that the symptoms that crumpy old men exhibit like anxiety, decreased libido, depression and moodiness can all be attributed to the condition known as "male menopause".
In April of 2004 Louisville Magazine ran an article in the Supplement, Vol 55, 0 8 by Katz, Barbara Myserson, titled: A Pause for Men? The article discusses the physical and psychological aspects of aging men and lower testosterone levels and the connection between the two.
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Male Menopause Tips and Facts.
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