10 Symptoms of Male Menopause Men Miss In Their 30s

Male

menopause – also known as andropause involves a drop in testosterone production in males assigned at birth who are aged 50 or older. However, doctors say men in their 30s are now experiencing male menopause and have no idea what it is or how to deal with it. Known as an often overlooked phase of men’s health, male menopause needs to be understood, as most men think they are just another way of getting older. However, in your 30s, you need to thoroughly know the signs and symptoms.

Common symptoms of male menopause

Male menopause can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems. They typically worsen as you get older. They can include:

• Low energy
• Depression or sadness
• Decreased motivation
• Lowered self-confidence
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Increased body fat
• Reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
• Gynecomastia, or the development of breasts
• Decreased bone density

According to doctors, many men also face problems like low libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility, apart from experiencing swollen or tender breasts, decreased testicle size, loss of body hair, or hot flashes.

Testosterone changes happen over the years

Doctors say that before you hit puberty, your testosterone levels are low, but they start gradually spiking as you sexually mature. Testosterone is the hormone that fuels typical changes involved in male puberty, like:

• Growth of your muscle mass
• Growth of your body hair
• Lowering of your voice
• Changes in your sexual functioning

As you age, your testosterone levels typically drop. Studies say testosterone declines an average of one per cent every year after men turn 30. Some health conditions can cause earlier or more drastic declines in your testosterone levels.

Ways to treat male menopause symptoms

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms for more than three weeks, it is advised to see your doctor and get a sample of your blood to test your testosterone levels. Unless male menopause is causing you severe hardship or disrupting your life, you can easily manage your symptoms without treatment. However, experts believe the biggest hurdle in treating male menopause can be opening up to the doctor about your symptoms, as most are too intimidated or shy to discuss sexual topics. Generally, your doctor may advise you to:

• Eat a healthy diet loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep, at least seven to eight hours daily
• Reduce your stress

However, if you have been reeling under depression and stress, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Another treatment option is hormone replacement therapy, which works like performance-enhancing steroids. However, synthetic testosterone can have damaging side effects. For example, if you have prostate cancer, it may cause your cancer cells to grow. If your doctor suggests hormone replacement therapy, weigh all of the positives and negatives before making your decision.