When it comes to menopause, in the minds of most people, it is a “proprietary term” for women. In fact, men also experience menopause. Generally, men over 50 years old may experience physical and mental disorders due to the decline in male hormones, which can even affect their physical health.
Male menopause differs from female menopause to a certain extent. So, what kind of men are more likely to enter menopause early? What are the characteristics of entering menopause? Let’s analyze in detail below.
What kind of men are more likely to suffer from male menopause syndrome?
Under normal circumstances, the onset of menopause in men occurs relatively late, and men between the ages of 50 and 70 may develop menopause syndrome. Apart from age, men with the following characteristics are more prone to male menopause: excessive and prolonged stress, high life stress, disharmonious family life, chronic diseases such as diabetes, vascular diseases, and long-term unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, staying up late, and lack of exercise.
After the age of 50, if men experience the following 8 conditions, it mostly indicates that they have entered “menopause”:
1. Decreased work energy compared to before, feeling physically and mentally exhausted, easily getting angry, being overly sensitive to minor matters, and even losing temper easily;
2. Starting to feel nostalgic, getting sentimental, recalling past youth memories, and reminiscing about the strongest and wealthiest period of one’s life;
3. Changes in eating habits, gradual decline in taste buds, a preference for salty, spicy, sweet foods, and developing strong flavors;
4. Gradual decline in memory, even forgetting things immediately after thinking about them;
5. Gradual reduction in hearing, needing to turn up the volume when using electronic devices, and sometimes struggling to hear clearly;
6. Gradual decline in vision, potentially experiencing presbyopia, with extremely blurry vision, especially in the morning, feeling like there are unidentifiable objects in front of the eyes;
7. Decrease in alcohol tolerance, easily getting drunk, noticing loose teeth, and various oral health problems;
8. Gradual deterioration in sleep quality, experiencing insomnia, frequent awakenings, difficulty falling back asleep in the early morning, and declining mental state.
If male individuals display these 8 signs, it likely means they have entered menopause. However, there is no need to panic too much. Cultivating good habits can help ease through this period and improve overall health.
For men entering menopause, adhering to the principle of “rounding off” can help navigate it smoothly!
“Rounding off”: Four things men must let go of during menopause
1. Let go of cholesterol
After men enter menopause, it’s essential to control cholesterol intake, keeping it under 400 milligrams per day. Reduce consumption of fatty meats, fish roe, and similar foods because entering menopause can lead to various vascular issues. A bland diet can better protect the body.
2. Let go of saturated fats
Fatty meats and foods rich in fats contain high amounts of saturated fats, which are detrimental to vascular health. It’s crucial to watch what you eat and avoid overindulging.
3. Let go of excessive salt intake
As men enter menopause, the aging of the kidneys accelerates. Excessive salt intake can burden the kidneys, exacerbate menopausal symptoms, and lead to various health problems. Limit daily salt intake to under 4 grams.
4. Alcohol and tobacco
While men tend to smoke and drink more, the carcinogens produced when smoking are harmful and increase the risk of vascular diseases. It’s best for men entering menopause to control alcohol and tobacco consumption to minimize the harmful residues and maintain normal organ functions.
“Rounding off”: Five things suggested to increase intake during menopause
1. Increase intake of antioxidants (vitamin E)
As the body metabolizes, it continuously generates free radicals with strong antioxidant properties that lead to cell aging and death. Antioxidants can eliminate free radicals, delaying aging. As men enter menopause, skin conditions may deteriorate. Increasing vitamin E intake through foods like beans and vegetables can help replenish the body’s needs and keep the skin soft and tender.
2. Increase intake of calcium and vitamin D
Men entering menopause often experience joint pain, which is related to osteoporosis. As you age, calcium absorption decreases, leading to abnormal calcium absorption. Insufficient calcium due to aging weakens bones, so it’s essential to supplement calcium properly after entering menopause. Daily calcium intake should be around 1 gram.
3. Increase intake of vitamin B complex
Entering menopause may lead to a decline in mental health, including emotional instability, anxiety, insomnia, and memory loss. Eating foods rich in vitamin B complex, such as animal organs and lean meats, can help alleviate neurological and psychological discomfort.
4. Increase intake of protein
The body’s demand for amino acids changes with age. Men entering menopause have an increased need for amino acids. Adequate protein supplementation can prevent imbalances in the body and avoid various health abnormalities. Therefore, daily protein supplementation is crucial for the body.
5. Increase intake of natural male hormones
After men enter menopause, changes in male hormones can affect the normal functioning of various organs and even influence mental health. Therefore, increasing the intake of natural male hormones by consuming foods such as black beans, black rice, and black sesame can help clear free radicals, maintain a stable internal environment, and promote balanced secretion of male hormones.
