The Myths Surrounding Male Menopause

Male menopause, also known as Andropause or Viropause, has long been the subject of speculation and controversy. Is it real or just another fad on the road to equal rights for both sexes? Is it a legitimate concern or is it just the latest scare, designed to send people rushing into the doctor's office?

In the past, the common misconception was that the male libido and erection problems were all in their head, meaning that it was mainly stress that kept a man from '˜performing up to par.' This belief seemed to be backed up by the fact that many men, suffering erectile dysfunction, would wake in the mornings to find themselves with a full and firm erection. The cure for erectile dysfunction simply became, 'Reduce stress and relax more.'�

Housewives were encouraged to pamper their husbands and do as much as possible to reduce his stress levels and help him unwind. Sadly, recent studies have shown that, no matter how much she did to put her man's mind at ease, chances were very good that it was all in vain. In fact, these very studies have determined that roughly 90% of all men who have encountered recurring erectile dysfunction are suffering from physical, rather than emotional, impotence. For a time, it was even believed that married men had less testosterone than bachelors did, creating the desire for them to settle down and start a family.

Those who support the theory of male menopause, however, argue that an estimated 4-5 million Americans are currently suffering from hypogonadism, or too little testosterone in their bodies. Out of all of those, they point out; only about 5% of those men are receiving any kind of treatment for their condition. They argue that the term male menopause has been tied in with the discrediting phrase, '˜male mid-life crisis,' and this is why it does not receive the attention that it deserves. Additionally, claims that men are being discriminated against run rampant.

Supporters of male menopause claim that, much like with a woman's menopause, men with this condition suffer a variety of symptoms, up to and including a loss of libido/sexual drive. It is said that the degree of sexual performance is decreased and is often accompanied by weakened or non-existent erections. Additionally, these men are said to suffer from fatigue (a lack of energy), weight gain, and a feeling of decreased strength and/or endurance, also like women who are menopausal. Citing studies that have proven a man's testosterone level decreases with age, doctors who support Andropause theories are prescribing testosterone replacement therapy to patients far and wide.

Skeptics of this practice abound; many doctors questioning whether men are actually suffering the effects of the male version of menopause or if in fact, they are simply aging in a natural fashion. With the increase of hormones also comes an increased risk of cancer especially that of the prostrate, and the oral medication that was originally prescribed to treat this condition (methyl testosterone) proved to be toxic for the heart, liver and prostrate gland. First and foremost in the minds of those who stand against the theory of male menopause is the question whether enough testing has been performed, to actually warrant its use. Making them even more reluctant is the fact that testosterone has a past history of having been abused and overdosed in the field of athletics.

If you've experienced a loss of libido, don't immediately jump to conclusions and think that it is male menopause; there are many other conditions to take into consideration first. For instance, what medications are you currently taking? Studies have shown that a wide variety of medications, from Adalal to the popular Zoloft have all been known to cause erectile dysfunction and loss of libido.

Additionally, antihypertensives, antidepressants, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, HRT, oral contraceptives, Tagamet, Naproxen, ant psychotics and treatments for Parkinson's disease have all been known to create some form of sexual dysfunction. Popular recreational drugs may also have an adverse effect on the male libido, including marijuana, cocaine or amphetamines. Even other health problems can pose a risk; arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, incontinence, stroke and surgery can all cause sexual dysfunctions.

Male menopause: Fact or Fiction? The jury is still out on this one. If you believe you may be suffering from male menopause, schedule an examination with your doctor and be ready to freely discuss your habits, medications, illnesses or injuries, as well as take a blood test. Maintaining a healthy diet and keeping fit can also help control menopausal symptoms, whether you believe them to be real or not.