Thursday 27 September 2012

131) DO MEN HAVE MENOPAUSE?


Health
Men's Health (Photo credit: Tax Credits)
Ever since hubby turned 50 more than two years ago, he has been moving towards being healthy.  He has learned to cook fresh foods, takes pre-biotics, supplements and make natural juices.  All these changes have taken center stage as he is well aware of the importance of health.



He goes for regular check-ups and takes his medicine everyday without fail.  Well, not exactly everyday. He has forgotten once or twice.  He's not perfect. Who is?




He keeps track of his blood pressure using his Iphone app.  When he knows he has gained weight, he would go on a one day fast to rid his body of the toxic waste and to regain his original weight.  Or he'll sweat it out by doing some weeding.  I have a lot of weeds in my garden so I encourage him to do it more often.  I get a weed free garden and he-a fat free body.  Win, Win!


As your man ages, health problems can affect his quality of life and ability to work.  It is a fact that serious health problems often show up later in life.  Emotional and mental health are important concerns for aging men.  Suicide rates goes up among aging men who have retired, are widowed or suffering from illnesses.

Now for the good news!  Older men can improve their health and quality of life by taking the following steps:-


Go for regular check-ups. 

Even though you may think you are in good health, regular check-ups can help your doctor detect any unseen abnormalities in your heart and blood.  On your part, you can

  • Let your doctor know about any changes you notice in your physical or emotional health. 
  • Find out more about suggested treatment plans and medicines for any health problems you have. 
  • Ensure that your physician knows all the medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you're taking.

Get as much information you can about health issues that are common in older men, such as:
Screenings and Vaccines  Screenings for osteoporosis, or vaccines, such as for shingles, might be new to you.  If you are a smoker or have quit smoking and are between ages 65 and 75, ask your doctor if you should be screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. (This condition can lead to the sudden bursting of a blood vessel in your stomach.)

Find out how much exercise you need . By being active, keeps your immune system strong and protects you for developing ailments.








Eat healthy food and maintain a healthy weight. 


Fresh fruits and veggies Photo credit: Freestockimage.com



Get some tips on nutrition for people over 50 . Learn whether you may need to lose weight by checking your body mass index, or BMI.



Wheat bran Photocredit: Freestockimage.com




Don't be embarrassed to discuss your sexual health with your doctor. These are the reasons why:   A gradual decline in testosterone is normal in healthy males as they age.  
This is sometimes called aging male syndrome or andropause.

Older men may be less interested in sex or have fewer erections. But it is not normal to have no interest in sex. Treatment can help many sexual problems.

If you have more than one sexual partner or have a new sexual relationship, you may be at risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Latex condoms can prevent infections most of the time.

Unlike women, who no longer can become pregnant once they reach menopause, men still make sperm as they age and can conceive a baby. Use birth control every time you have sex with a woman who can get pregnant.


Avoid falls. 

Men are more likely to die from a fall than are women.  To help avoid falls, make sure to reduce dangers like loose rugs. Also, make sure you have good lighting, and get your eyes checked. Exercises that increase strength  and improve balance  can help, too.

Limit intake of alcohol. 

Too much alcohol can make you forgetful or confused. It also can cause or worsen health problems like cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Older people should have no more than one drink per day. You can get help  if you drink too much or are abusing drugs.

Practice Oral Hygiene. 

Research suggests that good dental habits don't just protect your teeth. They may also prevent inflammations that can affect other parts of your body, including your heart.

Participate in health promotion and wellness events 

Keep abreast of  how lifestyle choices and health behaviors can impact your health.

Stay connected with the community and your family. 

Especially if you are in your post-retirement years. Spend time doing activities or hobbies you enjoy, and consider volunteering to help others.

Aging male syndrome

Like women,  when men age, the testosterone levels will also reduce.  Testosterone is the hormone that  helps maintain sex drive, sperm production, pubic and body hair, muscle, and bone. 

The decline in testosterone as men age is sometimes called aging male syndrome or late-onset hypogonadism. It's also sometimes called "andropause," like women's decline in hormones is called menopause.  The difference is that men's testes don't stop making testosterone in the way that women's ovaries stop making estrogen at menopause. Unlike women, who stops ovulating when they reach menopause, men do not lose their fertility as they age. 

When there is a change in the hormone levels, other symptoms may occur. Every man will have a different experience as the hormone levels will reduce in different amounts.  Therefore,  some men may feel many effects while others, hardly any.


Effects of having less testosterone can include:
  • Bloating/weight gain
  • Insomnia
  • Libido(reduced sex drive)
  • Have anxieties or short temper
  • Erection problems
  • Memory lapses and poor concentration
  • Increased urination
  • Depression
  • Loss of energy
  • Bone, muscle, and hair loss
If your man is showing any of these signs of low testosterone, he needs to talk to his doctor. It is best to determine the root cause as many of these changes can als be caused by diseases that can be dangerous and should be ruled out. You man can get his testosterone level checked with a simple blood test. 

But because a normal level of testosterone is different for each man, it may be hard to know if you have low testosterone. If you suspect that  you may have low testosterone, think about visiting a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or urologist, who can discuss possible treatments.

In conclusion, do men have menopause?  I would say it is a Yes and a No.

  • Yes, their hormones will reduce just like women.
  • No, even though their hormones are reduced, they are still fertile.


Any other views are welcome in the comment section.

My next topic for discussion is, "The Benefits Of Facial Gua Sha."

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MY POEM CORNER

DO MEN MENOPAUSE?

All women do menopause
But do all men menopause? 
When I write and take a pause.
Lowered hormones are the cause.
Women's condition menopause.
Men's condition Andropause.
Aging women, no go
Aging men though low, 
on hormones, it's still go.
So, the answer is Yes and No. 

Copyright Philo Yan September 29, 2012

Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my blog.
Until my next post,

Here's To Your Health!
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2 comments:

  1. Advice well taken. I am not far from 50, so need to start planning now :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes Paulus,

    Perhaps a five yearly renewable plan?

    Dare I say, for women, 50 can be the new 35.
    (some of my friends are a testament to that)

    For the men, 50 is the new 40-ish?

    ReplyDelete

Hi I welcome your comments and sharing on the topic that I have posted.