Although many people have negative feelings toward aging, getting old is still better than the alternative (as has been said many times). In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about male menopause (also sometimes called andropause), a change in men which is purported to be similar to the “change of life” that women experience. Since male menopause would definitely be a male organ health concern, it’s good to spend a little time looking at andropause and understanding just what it is and what is involved.

Controversy

First, it’s important to know that there is some debate as to whether there really is such a thing as male menopause. In essence, this is more a debate concerning whether the use of the term male menopause is appropriate. (Other terms used to describe male menopause include ADAM (androgen decline in the aging male), late onset hypogonadism or androgen deficiency). All these terms describe a condition in which there is a gradual but significant decrease in androgen levels in men as they age. It is different from menopause in women, which is a more complex chemical shift with more resulting changes.

However, there are also many doctors who believe the condition is not really as prevalent as many articles in recent years suggest. The British National Health Service, for example, calls it “rare.”

What is it?

So, with all the controversy, what exactly are we talking about here? Essentially, as stated above, this is all about men losing androgen as they age – and what that means for them.

Some loss of androgen is typically associated with aging. Around age 30, men begin to see a decrease in androgen of about 1% per year. This drop in androgen is so gradual that most men don’t really see effects for many years – usually not until they get to be around 60 years of age. About 20% of men in their 60s have what would be considered low androgen; when you move to men in their 70s, the figure is thought to be about 30%. But there are many men who maintain “normal” androgen levels into their 80s and beyond.

Complicating matters is the fact that there are some men who, when their androgen levels are measured, would be considered “low androgen” – but they don’t present with any of the symptoms associated with low androgen (and therefore with male menopause).

Symptoms

What are those symptoms? They include:

• Lower drive
• Fewer spontaneous arousals
• Male dysfunction
• Infertility
• Fatigue and sleep problems
• Muscle loss and loss of height/increased body fat
• Night sweats
• Loss of body hair
• Shrunken member
• Irritability
• Depression

Not everyone with low androgen exhibits all of these symptoms (and as mentioned, some men exhibit none of them).

Older men who experience some of these symptoms should discuss them with their doctors to see what kind of treatment might be desirable. Often lifestyle changes and mental health assistance can be very valuable. In some instances, androgen replacement therapy may be recommended; however, there are risks associated with this option, and they should be thoroughly discussed and carefully weighed in making a decision.

Taking steps to maintain general health (a sensible diet, appropriate exercise, etc.) can help a man offset some of the effects of aging. It’s also important to regularly use a superior male organ health creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to help keep that organ in good working order as it ages. Look especially for a crème that contains two amino acids, L-arginine and L carnitine. The former is important because it helps in the process whereby male organ blood vessels are able to remain open and receptive to flow increases. The latter is neuroprotective, so that if a manhood has suffered loss of sensation from rough use or overuse, it can help restore sensitivity.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy manhood. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.