Menopause, also called menopause, is a period of psychological and physical changes when ovulation and the production of female hormones cease to occur as people age. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms such as headache, hot flashes, paroxysmal excitement, tinnitus, dizziness, and insomnia. These menopausal symptoms are known to occur mainly in middle-aged women between the ages of 45 and 55, but they also occur in men. Menopause is a series of symptoms that occur when the secretion of testosterone, a hormone that regulates men’s physical and mental health, decreases.
It is known that the main cause of male menopause is a decrease in male hormones such as testosterone due to aging and various chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver disease. Environmental factors such as excessive drinking, stress, and smoking, as well as various drugs such as steroids, diuretics, and gastrointestinal drugs are said to act as major factors influencing the occurrence. It is known that male menopause usually occurs around the age of 50, and the frequency of occurrence increases with age, and it is known that it occurs at a rate of about 30% after the age of 60. Now, let’s check in more detail about the main symptoms, treatment, and management of male menopause symptoms.
Main symptoms of male menopause
When the symptoms of male menopause occur, physical symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, loss of appetite, hair loss, muscle weakness, abdominal obesity, skin aging, joint pain, etc. of unknown cause appear, and at the same time, blood vessel-related symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, and palpitations will appear. In addition, psychological symptoms such as decreased concentration and memory, anxiety, depression, and loss of self-confidence are accompanied by sexual symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sexual function. Many of these symptoms of male menopause are basically similar to those of female menopause. Depending on the individual, only one symptom may appear, or several symptoms may appear together.
In male menopause, symptoms progress slowly compared to female menopause, where symptoms progress relatively quickly. In addition, even if symptoms appear, there are many cases of neglect without treatment and management due to the tendency to be conscious of the gaze of the people around them according to social norms along with the attitude of not acknowledging the condition on their own. If the symptoms get worse without treatment, the worsening of related symptoms can lead to the occurrence of more serious diseases such as various metabolic diseases and chronic diseases. It can lead to Therefore, it can be said that it is important to acknowledge one’s symptoms accurately and to continue management through various treatments and improvement of eating habits and lifestyle in alleviating symptoms.
How to treat and manage male menopause
1. Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of menopausal symptoms is largely divided into symptom questionnaire test, and blood tests such as testosterone test, hyperlipidemia test, and liver function test. In addition, prostate examination, bone density examination, and body fat examination can be additionally performed. And based on the results of these tests, male hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle modifications are performed. As a way to supplement male hormones, various treatment methods such as intramuscular injection once every 3 to 4 weeks, transdermal drugs attached to the skin, and oral administration are implemented. As male hormone levels gradually decrease by 1~2% each year as we reach our 30s, and the rate of progress gradually accelerates as we enter our 40s, it is also important to periodically test hormone levels to prevent and treat male menopause. You could say it’s one of them.
2. Regular exercise
Regular exercise is one of the essential management habits for alleviating and managing the symptoms of male menopause. Such regular exercise not only helps the secretion of testosterone, the male hormone, but also promotes the synthesis of serotonin, the happiness hormone, so it is said to be effective in relieving major symptoms of menopause such as depression and lethargy. Therefore, it is important to properly combine various types of strength training, including aerobic exercise such as walking or jogging at least 3 times a week. Irregular sleep patterns and lifestyle habits can also aggravate symptoms, so getting enough rest and sleep is also an important management habit. And since menopausal symptoms tend to be exacerbated by excessive stress, it is also important to properly implement management methods to reduce stress through your favorite hobbies or leisure activities.
3. Eat Good Foods for Male Menopause
In order to relieve the symptoms of male menopause, it is also important to eat a variety of foods that help relieve symptoms. Various foods such as oysters, crabs, shrimp, garlic, chives, tomatoes, and broccoli are said to be beneficial in relieving menopausal symptoms. In particular, various seafood such as oysters, crabs, and shrimps contain abundant amounts of zinc, an essential trace element that helps the smooth secretion of male hormones. It is also recommended to frequently consume beans, nuts, and grains, which are rich in vitamin E, which improves blood circulation and helps with antioxidant function.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid overeating, which includes fatty meat and large amounts at once, and to consume protein-rich lean meat, fish, beans, low-fat dairy products, and eggs. On the other hand, it is recommended to control and limit excessive drinking and smoking as they are the main risk factors that cause the secretion and decrease of male hormones.
