1. Symptoms of male menopause
There are many causes of male menopause such as:
- Injured or infected testicles can damage Leydig cells, which produce testosterone.
- Testosterone levels decrease normally with age.
- Being overweight, having diabetes or high blood pressure can all prevent the body from producing testosterone.
- Use of certain medications, such as opiates, corticosteroids, and some cancer medications, can reduce testosterone levels.
- The pituitary gland is responsible for producing hormones that increase testosterone output. Low testosterone levels can occur if the pituitary gland is not working properly.
- Poor diet, lack of exercise and excessive stress also reduce testosterone production.
Signs of low testosterone:
- Reduced sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction, difficulty getting an erection
- Mood changes, depression
- Difficulty concentrating on work
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tired
- Loss of strength or muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Reduced bone density…
2. Treatment methods for male menopause
Treatment for andropause often combines lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, and other methods. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and overcome testosterone deficiency that affects health.
Here are some common treatments:
2.1 Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Effects : If testosterone levels are low, testosterone replacement therapy may help relieve symptoms such as:
- Loss of sexual interest (decreased sexual desire)
- Mood changes (depression)
- Tired…
This therapy can also solve problems with memory, muscle mass and bone strength… (related to decreased testosterone levels).
Some forms of testosterone include:
+ Transdermal patch form: The drug is available in the form of patches, gels, creams or liquids that are used on the skin and covered with bandages (except patches). Risks of this type of treatment include rash or redness at the application site.
+ Injection form: Can be injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly (depending on type). These injections can be given weekly, biweekly, or monthly. With the injectable form, there is a risk of serious allergic reactions. Therefore, it should be done at a medical facility to monitor drug allergies and use drugs safely.
+ Oral medication: In the form of tablets, capsules… use water to drink, need to swallow the pill whole.
+ Lozenges: Used to hold in the mouth and release the active ingredient slowly (should not be chewed or swallowed). Instead, the drug is released within 12 hours. Users may experience headaches when using this method as well as irritation where the medicine is placed, but it is less harmful to the liver than swallowing the medicine.
+ Implant pellet: Implanted (placed) under the skin. The doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the skin before making a small incision and the pill is placed inside the fatty tissue under the skin. The medication is then released over about 3-6 months, depending on how many pills your doctor uses.
Side effects: In addition to side effects specific to each form of medication, testosterone replacement therapy also has potential risks and side effects such as possibly worsening prostate cancer and increasing the risk of the disease. heart…
2.2 Other drugs
Sometimes, in response to conditions such as depression or difficulty sleeping, your doctor may prescribe medications for these conditions and take them only as prescribed by your doctor.
Patients can also receive mental health help, such as therapy or psychological counseling… when they have emotional and mental problems, especially mood changes or depression.
2.3 Regular health check-ups
At this stage, men need to have regular health checks, test hormone levels, monitor general health and make any necessary changes during treatment.
When men have signs of menopause, they need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment regimen appropriate to their needs and health.
3. Notes on medication use and lifestyle in men with menopause
– This testosterone supplement therapy is only suitable for people with testosterone deficiency because the body cannot produce it on its own. Therefore, before use, it is necessary to do a test to determine whether the concentration of this hormone is reduced (low) and use as directed by your doctor.
Before using testosterone supplements, it is necessary to do tests such as liver function, kidney function, prostate ultrasound… to rule out cases where this therapy is contraindicated (not used). Self-medication can lead to unwanted consequences.
– Read the instructions for use carefully before using to use properly with all forms of testosterone. Use the correct dose and duration of use as prescribed by your doctor. Follow up on time to check hormone levels and adjust the treatment regimen if necessary.
– When using topical medication, make sure to cover the area where the medication is applied and wash your hands after using the medication. Do not let the area where the medication is applied touch other people. Watch for signs and symptoms of precocious puberty in children you live with if you use topical testosterone.
– Do not share prescriptions with others.
-Lifestyle changes: At this stage, men need to promote healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress control and enough sleep… which can help reduce some symptoms. symptoms that affect health and improve overall health.
– In addition, you need to pay attention to your diet, you should eat foods rich in zinc, vitamin D… These nutrients help balance hormones and help the body produce more testosterone. Zinc is found in meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish, beans, nuts and whole grains… Vitamin D is found in sunlight, some foods and dietary supplements.
