It almost sounds a bit mocking when it is said that men can also have their “period”. But mockery is not at all appropriate, because hormonal changes also occur in the male sex. Although they do not make themselves felt in a 28-day rhythm, but the male counterpart to the female menopause with the “climacterium virile” makes men just as much trouble as the climacterium makes women.
Partial androgen deficiency
“PADAM”: this stands for partial androgen deficiency, the hormone deficiency of the aging male (English PEDAM – Partial Endocrine Deficiency Syndrome). The midlife crisis, from which men are said to suffer more than women, always coincides with hormonal changes. But this aspect of men’s lives has hardly been addressed so far. In addition, there is no “men’s doctor” who – like the gynecologist for women’s health – deals exclusively with men’s medical issues. The consequences of the hormone deficiency, which generally sets in slowly in men, are quite similar to those of women: hair loss, sweating, loss of libido and depression. Unlike women, men are not particularly well prepared for these changes and often do not know how to deal with them.
Menopause – many do not address the issue
The so-called menopause of men begins insidiously, approximately from the thirty-fifth year of life and makes itself quite individually noticeable between 40 and 55. In addition to the physical changes, men often suffer from sleep and concentration problems or become agitated more quickly. Heart palpitations and hot flashes also occur. However, this is rarely mentioned when visiting the doctor. In fact, only 15 percent of all men over 45 go to a urologist every two years for a health checkup and early detection of prostate cancer. Yet it would be the opportunity to address such complaints – the urologist is often the only point of contact for many men.
The principle of chicken and egg
Do we grow old because we lack hormones or do we lack hormones because we grow old? Two very different approaches are hidden in the answer to this question. Acceptance of a natural, genetically pre-programmed aging process turns into hormonally determined anti-aging therapy, which in turn replaces cosmetics, tanning beds and potency pills. In the case of women, the data on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has again become heavily skewed, and in the meantime both women and gynecologists are uncertain about the dosage and duration of hormone replacement. According to current studies, it is now assumed that hormone replacement therapy should only be used in women in cases where all other means no longer help – and then only for a limited time, because the risks and side effects are too great. For men, research and experience in this sector are still completely in their infancy! Therefore, special caution is required when rushing hormone replacement therapy in men.
Have hormone status determined
The hormone balance changes differently from man to man and also much more slowly than in women. Testosterone decreases by about 1 percent per year in men over 35. However, possible menopausal symptoms do not necessarily have to be related to the drop in testosterone, but can also have many other causes. That’s why laboratory tests including a CBC and hormone status, which also takes into account thyroid and adrenal levels, are particularly important as part of a comprehensive diagnosis.
Gynecologists – men’s doctors?
The andrologist – that is, the “men’s doctor” analogous to the gynecologist, the gynecologist – does not exist in this form. Thus, a special contact person for men is missing. Possibly this circumstance will change in the context of the upcoming health care reform, when family physicians will be assigned a stronger coordinating function. Until then, however, three specialists should be involved in the interpretation of laboratory values: Internist, Urologist and Endocrinologist (hormone specialist). If hormone administration is considered at all, “man” should be very carefully informed about the benefits and risks. Testosterone can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. DHEA, the precursor of sex hormones, is under similar suspicion. In addition, long-term studies on how hormone doses affect men are completely lacking to date.In numerous anti-aging books, the growth hormone HGH is also touted as a true miracle weapon against aging: Allegedly, the effect of growth hormone reverses the physical manifestations of 10 to 20 years of aging after six months of treatment. It is promised that gray hair will turn black again, wrinkles on the hands and face will disappear, the apron of fat in front of the belly will melt and the tissue will become firmer. Even these miracle effects have limited scientific evidence at best.
Reducing stress is important!
As with women, a change in thinking and lifestyle is necessary for the modern man. Healthier eating, less alcohol and more exercise are a better anti-aging approach than hormones and pills. One of the key factors here is stress reduction, which also has a positive effect on male hormones via more sport and exercise. In addition, sport releases endorphins, so-called happiness hormones, which act against mental upsets and physical tension. So before hormones are swallowed, sports and stress reduction are definitely worth a long-term try.
Information and conversation
If “man” feels that he has entered menopause, he should first consult his family doctor, urologist or an internist. Potency pills, obscure drugs over the Internet or even hormone preparations without prescription and medical control are not the order of the day. More than pills, however, other behaviors could possibly help. Talking about the changes and a positive reorientation in the face of the creeping aging process could also have a beneficial effect. And finally: Men are also allowed to have depression treated! They often get a raw deal on that, too, these days.
