"Andropause Mystery: Unraveling Truths about the
Male Menopause", the enlightenment of men's predicament on
aging
Andropause is a stage in man's life when there is a
noticeable declination in his hormones. This usually occurs at
the late 40's or early 50's. The declination of hormonal
production extends until the eighties. During this period,
physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral
manifestations due to declination of hormones become more
visible.
Dr. Robert S. Tan, a renowned
geriatrician conducted a study about male andropause which he
compacted in his book "The Andropause Mystery: Unraveling
Truths about the Male Menopause". The book deals with the
physical changes and psychological challenges met by
andropausal men. It serves as an eye opener on how to treat
such a dilemma.
Andropause symptoms vary from one person to another. It is
generally affected by the health condition. However, in the
study of Dr. Robert Tan, some men between fifty to seventy
years old reported the following symptoms: erectile
dysfunction, tiredness, sudden mood sways, night sweats and
occasional palpitations.
Aside from the physical changes, psychological changes that
challenged their masculinity are augmented during the
andropausal years. A man, no matter what age he is, tends to
struggle to prove his strong sexuality, composed emotions,
intellectual mind, supreme courage, good productivity, and
strong personality, character and behavior.
But what happens when he's in the andropausal
years?
The testosterone level of a young man at the age of 15-30 is
1000ng/dl. When he reaches the andopausal stage, an alarming
drop of up to 800ng/dl causes the many predicaments in his
life.
Dr R. Tan observed that the decrease of testosterone makes
andropausal men likely to be more in touch with their feminine
side. They become more involved in domestic issues which they
use to ignore. They are more attentive to their roles at home
such as cooking, house keeping and bonding with their children.
They devote much time now for the family and pleasure rather
than their business roles. In a sense, the decrease of
testosterone level makes them gentler and more
domesticated.
On the mental side, judgment becomes less sharp than they
used to be during a man's early age. He loses his accuracy and
sharp mind. On some cases, there are reports of impaired memory
which can lead to dementia.
The andropausal years can be directed to the question of
courage. Men who are in this condition has the tendency to
become more conservative and less of a risk taker. Fear can
easily stun them. While some men fear death, most andropausal
men fear to be too dependent.
The next attack hits the pride of being productive. As a
common knowledge, men ought to be dynamic, to be noticed for
his achievements and efforts. The source of man's happiness can
be rooted on being the firm foundation of the family. When he
reaches the andropausal period, he feels his inability to
support his family as well as to manage complex business.
Personality is not a constant thing. Especially for men who
are in their andropausal years, they are more susceptible to
trimming down their being impulsive, hyperactive and ambitious.
Through the passing of time, male menopause has begun to be
accepted as part of aging.
But with the help of medical science, there are useful
strategies formulated to cope up with the changes brought about
by andropause. Careful supervision of a trained physician is
though advisable.
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