Andropause can be difficult to deal with on your own. Managing andropause symptoms in the workplace is even more difficult. Here are a few tips to help.
Depression and Workplace Relationships
One of the most serious symptoms of andropause is depression. Depression can occur either because of andropause directly or because of its other symptoms.
Andropause can cause depression because it interacts with the hormones in your brain. Dopamine is one of the most well-known hormones for causing good feelings and pleasure. It’s part of the brain’s reward system. Testosterone can also interact with dopamine to make you feel good. Without testosterone, dopamine might not be as effective at doing its job. As a result, you feel sad, ill or just uncomfortable.
Andropause can cause many other problems in your body. As a result, it may make you feel ashamed or alone, which can result in depression.
This symptom can be managed in the workplace by reaching out to your coworkers. You may find that other men are also struggling with andropause. Forming a support group within the workplace can help you combat depression. It reminds you that you’re not alone.
Low Energy Can Affect Your Work Productivity
Another symptom of andropause is low energy. This is due to testosterone’s effects on your metabolism. Without healthy levels of testosterone, your body is unable to break down the food that you eat as efficiently. With less fuel in your body, you’re tired more often. This can have a severe effect on how productive you are at work.
To ensure your work doesn’t suffer a lack of productivity, you can make sure that the food you do eat is energy-rich. Eating something like bananas before or during work can give your brain and body a boost in energy to power through work.
When your metabolism isn’t as strong or efficient as it used to be, you have to compensate through your diet. By including energy-rich foods in your diet, your body has no choice but to convert them into energy that you can use to maintain your workflow.
Insomnia Can Affect Work Performance
An unfortunate symptom of andropause is insomnia. It’s difficult for your brain to shut off and fall asleep. A lack of sleep can severely affect your work performance. You may find it difficult to focus or pay attention. The work that you do manage to perform may not be to the standards of your employer.
Managing andropause symptoms like insomnia in the workplace can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. There are a few sleep aids that you can use to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. If you prefer to stay away from medication, there are a few holistic methods that you can try to promote a decent sleep cycle as well.
Sometimes you may just need to give yourself more time to fall asleep. Setting up a schedule and sticking to it can help train your brain to sleep. With better sleep, you’ll feel more focused the next day and your work performance will improve.
Reduction in Muscle Mass and Strength May Affect Work Ability
If your job requires being physically active, andropause may threaten your ability to perform your job. Andropause can cause a loss of muscle mass and strength. Testosterone plays an important role in building muscle. When your body is no longer producing enough testosterone, your muscles may start to weaken.
To ensure you still maintain the strength that you need for your job, you should continue to work out. You may even encourage your work friends to join you at the gym. You may need to consume more protein to help develop muscle mass as well. This can be consumed through meat or protein-rich plants like beans, lentils and chickpeas.
Manage Your Andropause Symptoms With Hormone-Replacement Therapy
One solution that can make dealing with andropause in the workplace easier is undergoing hormone replacement therapy. This introduces new testosterone to your body. Without a lack of testosterone, your body can continue to run like it did before andropause occurred.