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Male Menopause or Andropause
Male Menopause or Andropause Whats in a word? The word "menopause" is something we normally
relate to a female's passage through the reproductive years and into the "better years", years free of the monthly
torment associated with the menstrual cycle. Women experience the change between age 45 and 55. The aging process
brings about changes not only in women but also in men. The obvious physical sign of lack of menses is an obvious
give-away that the female is approaching menopause. Males on the other hand undergo a more gradual shift in the
aging process. Males experience the reproductive change involving the connection between the testicles, the hormone
testosterone, the brain, and the pituitary. The female changes involve the pituitary gland and the brain as well as
the ovaries. Hers is more abrupt and his is a very gradual change. The medical community has been debating the
presence of male menopause and some refer to it as andropause, which according to Webster's New Millennium
Dictionary, is the "male counterpart of menopause, when the production of testosterone decreases and there are
accompanying mental symptoms.. They both refer to the same symptoms the males have regarding aging and they can
start experiencing these symptoms as early as 35. Andropause is also referred to as viropause which simply means "a
syndrome associated with a lack of or absence of testosterone" according to Dr Malcolm Carruthers book: Maximising
Manhood. The symptoms of andropause have been stated as being: Extreme fatigue Joint aches Stiffness in hands Hot
flashes Sleep disturbances Depression Irritability Anger bouts Reduced libido A reduction in ejaculate Premature
aging Hair and skin changes There are however other reasons for testicular malfunction such as: viral infections
(mumps) Surgical removal of the testis and the male reproductive tract due to hernia repairs, or testicular cancer
or even when a vasectomy is performed. There are diseases that can damage the testicles such as systemic lupus
erythematosis and diabetes. There is also a genetic abnormality that can cause testicular failure known as
chromosomal mosaicism. Heavy smoking can also cause testicular issues Chemotherapy can have damaging effects upon
the testicles It is rare, but there can be pituitary tumors Spouses, employers, physicians, psychologists and other
health care providers all need to be more aware of the existence of male menopause so that males who suffer from it
can receive the support and medical help they need. It is important for all involved to understand that whether you
call it male menopause, andropause or viropause, the condition characterized by the symptoms described earlier are
all can be treated and relief given so that men can again enjoy life. Just as other disease such as thyroid disease
and diabetes are treated and lives return to being productive, so those suffering from male menopause can be
treated. The more we know as a society regarding conditions such as this, the more comfortable men will become
about seeking medical help so that they can feel better and in turn they can cope better with relationships in home
and at work.
Male Meopause
Some symptoms may lead to a disclosure of the presence of a condition or disease that may be the root cause of some of the symptoms. Some symptoms may be attributed to the aging process. Other symptoms may turn out to have the explanation of being associated with menopause.
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Male Menopause Tips and Facts.
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