After the age of 50, men’s three functions show a noticeable decline, beware that the “male menopause” has arrived
When we talk about menopause, it generally refers to women, where the fluctuation or reduction of sex hormones before and after menopause causes a series of predominant disorders in the autonomic nervous system, accompanied by neuro-psychological symptoms during a special period, also known as the “perimenopausal period.” Little did people know that men also experience a “menopause.”
For men, the age range for “male menopause” is usually between 50-60 years, typically 5-10 years later than in women. Male menopause is brought about by the decline in testicular function, leading to drastic fluctuations or continuous decline in the secretion of testosterone, resulting in a series of physiological changes and clinical manifestations. In fact, men going through “male menopause” also exhibit many discomforts. Due to men having much stronger emotional control abilities than women, the symptoms of male menopause are not as intense as those in women.
When three functions decline significantly in men, it indicates the arrival of the “male menopause.”
1. Decline in sleep quality
After the age of 50, men’s bodily regulatory functions tend to decline, leading to common sleep issues such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to go back to sleep. Drastic fluctuations in testosterone can cause night sweats, hot flashes, or insomnia, significantly reducing sleep quality. If experiencing trouble sleeping at night and feeling lethargic during the day, it’s essential to be cautious as the male menopause might be approaching.
2. Decline in memory, prone to forgetfulness
For men over 50, if sleep quality is poor at night, resulting in inadequate body repair, their mental state may deteriorate, leading to a feeling of brain fog, noticeable memory decline, and frequent forgetfulness.
During this time, men usually have a shorter temper and are prone to irritability. However, due to their strong control abilities, they can suppress their inner anger. Of course, this varies depending on the individual’s cultural upbringing and personality traits; not all men react the same way, and some may lose control of their temper frequently. Therefore, understanding and patience are crucial, as the male menopause can be challenging for everyone.
3. Psychological needs outweigh physiological needs
Psychological needs generally refer to the desire for pleasant things, emphasizing psychological satisfaction. As testosterone levels decline, leading to fluctuations or continuous reduction in the secretion of testosterone due to declining testicular function, sperm production decreases, and physiological needs weaken.
Hence, if there is a decrease in physiological needs but a desire for attention, it’s worth considering that the male menopause might be approaching or already underway.
How can men navigate through the male menopause?
Generally, men start entering the male menopause after the age of 50, experiencing various functional obstacles and a decline in their quality of life. However, according to Academician Zhong Nanshan, now 84 years old, he hasn’t noticed any decline in memory or sleep disturbances. This demonstrates that the male menopause isn’t necessarily an unpleasant experience for everyone; a well-arranged lifestyle and diet can make the arrival of menopause imperceptible.
To smoothly pass through the male menopause, men should typically adhere to the following three points:
1. Love sports and maintain a consistent exercise routine
According to Academician Zhong Nanshan, he has never felt any signs of male menopause. His greatest passion is sports; at 84, he still passionately runs on the basketball court. He also enjoys fitness workouts at home, maintaining a healthy physique. He once mentioned how much “exercise has helped him.”
Therefore, for men over 50, especially those engaged in mentally challenging work, it’s essential to engage in regular physical activity every day. Not only does it help release pent-up emotions, but it also slows down the aging process.
2. Maintain a healthy diet
Academician Zhong Nanshan mentioned that he never eats to fullness, especially during dinner, which is crucial. Apart from avoiding overeating, a balanced diet is vital, preventing selective or partial eating habits. It’s especially important to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
3. Develop good sleep habits
Due to declining sleep control abilities, it’s vital to establish a regular sleep routine to prevent disruptions in our circadian rhythm and enhance sleep quality. Avoiding staying up late is crucial. Moreover, maintaining a balance between work and rest is essential to prevent excessive fatigue. Of course, it’s also advisable to avoid overindulging in sexual activities.
The concept of the male menopause is quite vague, and it’s challenging for everyone to avoid the embarrassment of decreased testosterone levels. However, by maintaining a calm mindset and adopting good lifestyle habits, perhaps the male menopause can be less bothersome for you.
