Female versus Male Menopause
The hormone drop for women can be drastic which can cause very obvious symptoms both psychological and physical. Men on the other hand have a much gradual decline in testosterone so their symptoms can creep up on them.
Unless you have been living under a rock, the news that "women experience menopause", is not something new. It may be news to you that there is research being conducted to determine if there is such a thing as "male menopause". The studies that have been conducted say that
the main hormone for males - testosterone decreases as male's age starting at age 40 and that it returns to pre-puberty levels by the time males hit age 80. Women on the other hand can start having pre-menopausal symptoms as early as age 35. The main hormone that triggers menopause for women is estrogen. This hormone for women decreases noticeably over a period of five years starting at around age 50. Women have an undeniable physical symptom of menopause - the cessation of their monthly period cycles. They are officially considered menopausal when they have not had a period for 12 months in a row, barring any other medical reason for lack of menstruation. The decrease in the hormone estrogen can be detected by a blood test (FSH). Do men have a similar test to see if they are experiencing male menopause?
The hormone drop for women can be drastic which can cause very obvious symptoms both psychological and physical. Men on the other hand have a much gradual decline in testosterone so their symptoms can creep up on them. Lower levels of testosterone in males cause them to experience a loss of muscle mass, increased deposits of fat, a decrease in energy level and also a noticeable decrease in sexual interest. Other symptoms that males may experience while having decreased testosterone levels are: depression, irritability, and erectile dysfunction. While  women can also experience depression, and irritability, they have more physical symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes and facial hair growth. Men with medical conditions that cause them to have decreased levels of testosterone are given testosterone-replacement therapy and report an improvement in symptoms. It is difficult to determine when symptoms are related to male menopause and when they can be attributed to other conditions such as alcoholism, hormonal disorders such as thyroid issues, kidney and liver disease or heart and or lung disease. The disease depression can also cause the same symptoms in males who have healthy levels of testosterone.
FSH is increased and the level of estradiol is decreased in women who are in menopause or who have gone through menopause.
When women are going through menopause or have already reached menopause their FSH level will be above normal and their estradiol levels will be below normal. Estradiol is a type of estrogen, which is a hormone. Men can have their FSH level tested too. The normal level of FSH in women whom are not menopausal is: 5 mIU/mL to 30 mIU/mL. The menopausal level of FSH in women is: 50 mIU/mL to 100 mIU/mL. The normal male from puberty up to 35 has a FSH of 5 to 20 mIU/mL.
Male Hot Flashes
The medical community has been debating the presence of male menopause and some refer to it as andropause, which according to Webster's New Millennium(tm) Dictionary, is the "male counterpart of menopause, when the production of testosterone decreases and there are accompanying mental symptoms.. They both refer to the same symptoms the males have regarding aging and they can start experiencing these symptoms as early as 35. Andropause is also referred to as viropause which simply means "a syndrome associated with a lack of or absence of testosterone" according to Dr Malcolm Carruthers book: Maximising Manhood.
The symptoms of andropause have been stated as being:
Extreme fatigue
Joint aches
Stiffness in hands
Hot flashes
Sleep disturbances
Depression
Irritability
Anger bouts
Reduced libido
A reduction in ejaculate
Premature aging
Hair and skin changes
There are however other reasons for testicular malfunction such as:
viral infections (mumps)
Surgical removal of the testis and the male reproductive tract due to hernia repairs, or testicular cancer or even when a vasectomy is performed.
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Men will also have their testosterone level tested at the same time that their FSH level is tested. If the first test results come back abnormal they will probably be tested a second time to compare results. Along with these blood tests the medical history, medication history and current health will be taken into consideration when making a diagnosis.
Male Menopause or Andropause
01/11/2012
Experts recommend vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women
A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption.
Experts recommend vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women
01/10/2012
70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels
A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption.
70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels
01/11/2012
Experts recommend vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women
A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption.
Experts recommend vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women
01/17/2012
Stave Off Menopause With Twist 25 DHEA Cream
HOUSTON, TX-- - The naturally occurring pro-hormone DHEA is getting lots of news coverage lately, as the best way to stave off menopause. Research studies show higher levels of DHEA reduce many unpleasant ...
Stave Off Menopause With Twist 25 DHEA Cream
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Living with Vitality column: Feeling sluggish? Check your thyroid
The thyroid gland is a two-inch long gland in the neck that has an important job: producing the thyroid hormones that regulate the body's metabolic function (the body's use of energy). A sluggish thyroid, or hypothyroidi Copyright 2012 Vail Daily. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Vail Daily Living with Vitality column: Feeling ...
Living with Vitality column: Feeling sluggish? Check your thyroid
01/10/2012
70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels
A group of experts has prepared a report on vitamin D supplementation for menopausal women after it was revealed that Europeans have suffered an alarming decrease in their levels of this vitamin. In their opinion, the ideal would be to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml. Vitamin D is essential to the immune system and processes such as calcium absorption.
70 percent of Europeans suffer from low vitamin D levels
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