These conditions can both be very difficult to go through, and can sometimes make men and women alike feel as if they are going crazy! There are significant differences and similarities with these conditions. In this article, I will provide you with some useful information on Andropause and Menopause, their similarities and differences, symptoms and treatments.
What is Andropause?
Some males will experience Andropause between the ages of 40 and 55. In males at this age, a drop in the amount of testosterone in their bodies occur. The drop is gradual, even spanning decades, and some men may experience the symptoms of Andropause, while others will not. Andropause has been termed 'the female menopause,' although men probably don't want to hear it called that! Until recently, doctors didn't study this condition seriously, telling patients that they were just 'getting older,' and that it was natural to feel depressed or upset about not being as young anymore. Now, doctors and specialists are learning that Andropause is in fact a real condition, and are doing more to help their patient's symptoms.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is signified by the drop in levels of the hormone estrogen. When the levels of estrogen drop, females stop having their monthly menstruation cycles, and are no longer able to have children. Menopause has been treated as a real condition for longer than Andropause, however, not that much longer. Women used to be waved off by doctors, and told the same sorts of things as men were. The reason that Menopause has been taken seriously for a longer period of time, is probably because of the actual physical symptom, the cessation of menstruation.
Similar Symptoms of Menopause and Andropause.
Men and women going through Menopause and Andropause can experience similar symptoms. These include hot flashes, a lower sex drive, emotional and physical changes, gaining of weight, depression, and irritability. They are also both at a higher risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Differences in Symptoms of Menopause and Andropause.
While men experience a slow drop in testosterone, the drop in estrogen in women happens rather quickly. The onset of Menopause is quick, and women have a clear marker of the beginning of Menopause. That is the cessation of menstruation. Men don't have a clear marker to show that they are in Andropause.
Treatments.
Some of the treatments are the same, such as hormone replacement therapy. This is a process where doctors replace testosterone levels in men, and estrogen levels in women. There are a variety of different ways to do this, including injections, patches, and supplements. Most doctors will also recommend some type of support system for men and women who are going through Andropause and Menopause. Talking to people who are going through the same thing as you can help, whether you are a man or a woman.
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