Let’s talk about male sexual health MYTH today.
MYTH: Male menopause is real.
FACT: No, it’s not real. The term “menopause” only pertains to the female condition when the ability to reproduce is halted.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is needed for growth of body hair, building strong bones and muscles, and producing sperm.
As men age, testosterone levels (T-levels) can decline because of medication, illness, injury or lifestyle factors. This drop in testosterone is inaccurately classified as “male menopause,” when in fact, should simply be considered a symptom of male aging
Male AGING FACTS
• Testosterone production/levels decrease gradually beginning around age 30
•Sperm production does not stop
•Not all men experience low testosterone and sperm production
Female menopause FACTS
1. Estrogen (female sex hormone) production drops rapidly beginning around age 40
2. Egg production stops completely
3. All women experience low estrogen and egg production.
Causes of low testosterone
1. Certain medications
2. Hormone disorders
3. Radiation/chemotherapy treatment
4. Testicular injury
5. Genetic condition
6. Chronic illness (depression, diabetes, liver/kidney disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS)
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
1. Physical exam by health care provider
2. Tests to rule out other health problems
3. Blood tests to check T-level.
There are ways for aging men to help naturally maintain health:
1. Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
2. Get plenty of exercise
3. Get enough sleep
4. Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Meditate daily every single day.
**These lifestyle factors have been shown to maintain T-levels**
Please note that Testosterone levels in men drop, on average, 1% per year after age 30. So please keep a check.