As men age, their bodies gradually undergo aging. During this aging process, not only does their appearance change, but even their internal organs begin to function less effectively. At a certain stage, men experience unique changes and just like women, they also go through menopause.
However, the body conditions of men and women differ, and the symptoms of menopause also vary. It is important to understand at what age men enter menopause and what changes they may experience so they can cope with it early and navigate through it smoothly.
Case Sharing:
Mr. Wang, who is 50 years old, has been feeling less energetic lately, often fatigued, and experiencing a decline in sleep quality. He began to suspect that he might be entering the so-called “male menopause”.
When he brought up this topic with his friends, he found that many people were not familiar with male menopause, and some even thought it was exclusive to women.
In fact, men also go through a transitional stage from middle to old age, known as “male menopause” or “late-onset hypogonadism”.
Do men also have a “menopause”? At what age does it generally occur?
Men may experience menopause, typically with age, as testicular and gonadal function decreases, and testosterone levels may also decline.
After the decrease in testosterone levels, individuals may exhibit corresponding clinical symptoms. Male menopause generally occurs between 50-60 years old, about 5-10 years later than in women.
If these 5 symptoms occur in men, chances are it’s menopause! Don’t take it lightly
1. Insomnia and vivid dreams
After the onset of male menopause, the body undergoes noticeable changes. If there is persistent insomnia and vivid dreaming during sleep, it could be a sign of menopause.
With hormonal fluctuations during menopause, disruptions in endocrine function may occur, leading to a significant decrease in sleep quality when hormonal levels fluctuate. Therefore, if you experience frequent insomnia and vivid dreaming at night, it could be due to the effects of menopause.
2. Digestive issues and bloating
Men experiencing male menopause may exhibit symptoms such as decreased appetite, digestive issues, postprandial bloating, bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, or diarrhea, similar to women going through menopause. It’s worth noting that not all these symptoms may occur in every individual, and some may be more prominent than others.
3. Mood swings
Men also undergo menopause, and if a man in his 50s finds himself experiencing frequent mood swings, unable to maintain a good temper or emotional stability, it’s likely due to the effects of menopause.
Due to hormonal fluctuations and disruptions in endocrine function during menopause, emotions can be affected as well, leading to irritability and easy anger outbursts. Experiencing such changes indicates the onset of menopause, and it’s important to learn how to regulate emotions while maintaining hormonal balance.
4. Forgetfulness
When men reach menopause, the most noticeable sign is a gradual decline in memory. They may often fail to locate items immediately after placing them down, showing significantly poorer memory than before. This decline is closely related to men’s unhealthy lifestyle habits, especially smoking and excessive drinking.
5. Decline in heart function
As individuals age, signs of aging appear in various body organs, including the heart, which may exhibit enlargement and thickening of the endocardium. Blood vessels also become stiffer, narrower, and are more prone to vascular diseases.
Therefore, heart function in male menopause weakens, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, headaches, along with numbness in the limbs and difficulty breathing.
Do men also have menopause? By adopting these 5 major wellness measures, you can navigate menopause healthily
1. Increase physical exercise
Male individuals at any age should acknowledge the importance of physical exercise. Regular moderate exercise can help improve physical fitness and enhance overall health, especially for men in the menopausal stage, exercise can promote metabolism, maintain physical and mental health, and effectively alleviate various clinical symptoms of menopause.
2. Develop healthy sleeping habits
Developing healthy sleeping habits not only benefits the body but also helps regulate one’s mood. Therefore, after entering menopause, men must cultivate good lifestyle habits.
Whether it’s related to meals, rest, or exercise, maintaining a certain routine is essential. Engage in some form of physical activity after waking up in the morning. If work is involved, allocate time properly and avoid over-fatigue.
3. Supplement with nutrients
To safely navigate through menopause, men should adjust their diet to include foods that promote health. Consuming foods high in calcium can provide sufficient calcium for maintaining healthy teeth and bones, while it’s also essential to intake antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins that act as antioxidants, delaying aging effects on the body.
4. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking
Smoking and drinking are commonly associated with men, especially middle-aged men who often socialize with cigarettes and alcohol. However, the harm caused by smoking and drinking on the body is significant.
Particularly, the lungs and liver are negatively affected, as with increasing age, the functions of many organs gradually decline, including the lungs and liver, which weaken with age. If smoking and drinking are continued, it can burden the lungs and liver, leading to various diseases. Hence, it is advisable to quit smoking and drinking.
5. Maintain a positive and optimistic mindset
Many men face significant stress in life, which can affect their mood. However, maintaining a positive mindset enables better coping with life challenges. Adjust your attitude in a timely manner, immerse yourself in activities you enjoy when feeling stressed.
Although menopause signifies the aging process in men, it also serves as a crucial turning point to adjust lifestyles, emphasize health, and seek life balance.
Understanding and acknowledging these symptoms not only helps men take better care of themselves but also enhances overall health and quality of life. Remember, regardless of age, maintaining a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle habits are key to delaying aging.
