In their 40s and 50s, men start to experience erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, while their testosterone levels steadily decline. These changes may seem similar to those that occur in women during perimenopause and menopause, the period around the time of their last menstrual period.
Given these similarities, does this mean there is a “male menopause”?
Not necessarily, experts told Live Science, but the changes older men experience are May impact quality of life.
Middle-aged men complain of symptoms similar to those experienced by women during menopause, Hot flashesHowever, it would not be accurate to call these experiences “andropause.”
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Hormonal production in the male testes and female ovaries Decreases with ageBut in women, this happens suddenly over a period of years. In men, this age-related decline is more gradual. DecadesThe primary hormone produced by the testes is testosterone, the primary male hormone that supports sexual development and function.
“Andropause” is not a medical term, but a term commonly used to describe the decline in testosterone levels seen in aging men. Dr. Jesse Mills,director Men’s Clinic “The results suggest that the FDA has a strong support for the treatment of COVID-19,” UCLA Health researchers told Live Science in an email.
“But it’s not the same as menopause,” Mills says, because men can maintain testosterone levels in the “normal” range well into their 80s.
In comparison, women usually Menopauseor the transition to menopause, around age 45 to 55. During this time, the ovaries produce significantly less estrogen. The main forms of estrogen In the premenopausal body, estradiol peaks at 400 picograms per milliliter of blood (pg/mL)and these levels are < 0.3 pg/mL Postmenopausal.
Although the body continues to make another, weaker form of estrogen (called estrone), it cannot replace the lost estradiol, which leads to the loss of menstrual periods, changes in vulvar tissue, hot flashes, and decreased vaginal lubrication that accompanies menopause.
Mills says that as men age, their testosterone levels decline, but the decline is less dramatic than in women. Annual average: 1.6% In men, Around 30 years oldThe testes Stopping testosterone production completely If a dog loses testicular function due to illness, accident, castration, etc. Used to treat prostate cancerfor example.
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The exact reasons for the decline in testosterone with age are not fully understood. Some evidence is As we age, the cells that make testosterone become less responsive and less numerous. Normally, these cells are controlled by signals from the brain, but that signaling also changes with age.
“Low testosterone levels are associated with many conditions that worsen with age,” Mills points out. “Common examples include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor sleep, and reduced activity.” Known associations with low T And as for these conditions, it is not clear at this point whether one leads to the other or vice versa.
Mills recommends healthy lifestyle practices to maintain testosterone levels in later life, as evidence supports the benefits of such interventions: 20 minutes of intense exercise per day, at least seven hours of deep sleep each night, staying hydrated, and eating a diet high in lean protein and green vegetables.
Elderly men Testosterone SupplementsMills said individuals should only do so if necessary.
International Guidelines He said the findings suggest that symptomatic men with blood testosterone levels below 350 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) could benefit from such supplements. In particular, older men with testosterone levels below 200 ng/dL are at higher risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, weight gain and sexual symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, Mills said.
Mills noted that many direct-to-consumer companies offer supplements aimed at people with normal testosterone levels. Not necessarily dangerousBut he said it may not be of much benefit to people who don’t have a testosterone deficiency.
I want to emphasize that: Testosterone, health and longevity It is not yet fully understood, and future research may provide better guidance.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice.
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