Male Climacteric or Andropause: Is There a Difference?

Though conditions impacting men known as male climacteric and andropause share certain similarities, each malady also possess notable differences. The following brief blog will examine each condition, explain their similarities, discuss how they differ and offer suggestions regarding specific remedial measures affected men can employ to alleviate symptoms.

Male Climacteric 

This condition was first recognized by clinical researchers and scientists in the mid-1940’s. Also known as late-onset hypogonadism (a low or declining bodily concentration of the chief male sexual and reproductive hormone, testosterone), this malady impacts a number of body systems.

Testosterone stimulates muscle and bone growth, triggers the accumulation of body hair, helps nurture and enhance energy levels, stimulates metabolism, and drives a man’s sexual prowess. Men possessing low blood levels of testosterone exhibit numerous related symptoms such as a diminished sex drive (libido), muscle wasting, the accumulation of body fat that often precipitates weight gain, baldness and increased incidents of tiredness.

Andropause 

This condition, sometimes referred to as “male menopause,” is also related to decreased systemic amounts of testosterone. Additionally, this medical issue typically causes similar physical manifestations to those precipitated by the male climacteric.

How Do the Two Conditions Differ? 

In certain circles, they are spoken of as if they are one and the same. While each malady is caused by the same clinical issue and elicit many of the same symptoms, there is a notable difference.

Scientists and medical professionals opine that male climacteric is often the result of an underlying medical issue that causes the testicles and other organs and glands to decrease systemic output of testosterone. Male climacteric may also be caused by environmental factors such as stress and poor lifestyle habits.

Members of the medical community categorize male menopause as more of a natural occurrence that happens because the male body produces reduced concentrations of testosterone, as a man grows older.

Methods of Addressing Low Testosterone 

Regardless of the precipitating condition, certain testosterone-boosting methods may help some men alleviate or potentially eliminate the associated symptoms. Before any specific remedy is sought or initiated, however, an impacted man should first receive a thorough medical evaluation in order to identify the specific cause.

If a man is diagnosed with an illness that manifests in diminished testosterone production, therapeutic protocols geared towards remediating the problem might increase systemic levels of testosterone, as well as ease any related symptoms the individual might be experiencing.

However, even under such circumstances, in addition to times when decreased testosterone is caused by andropause, other therapeutic efforts may be indicated.

Some men may be able to increase hormonal concentrations by adhering to practices such as:

• Exercising More – Several research studies have concluded that increasing one’s level of physical activity might elevate their testosterone levels.
• Consuming a Healthier Diet – Eating a steady but moderate diet of vitamin-rich, health-boosting nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats is believed to help the body regulate hormonal levels.
• Receiving Adequate Rest – Sleep is critical to enabling the body to achieve hormonal balance and to reducing stress levels. Exposure to increased amounts of stress can precipitate systemic secretion of various stress hormones that might not only reduce the amount of bodily testosterone but render the vital substance ineffective.
• Augmenting Diet with Nutritional Supplements – Specific vitamins as well as certain other supplements contain natural, typically herbal products that possess chemical properties that could increase testosterone concentrations.
• Monitoring All Drug Intake – Specific medications prescribed to combat numerous health issues might either reduce or interfere with testosterone production. In addition, excessive intake of chemicals like alcohol, illicit substances and caffeine can destabilize bodily hormone production.
• Undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy – Should a man’s testosterone deficiency be severe enough and if no other options have addressed the problem, a procedure called Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) might provide a needed boost. HRT comes with certain health risks, however, so a man should discuss the possibility of partaking in it with a physician to assess the risks and weigh potential benefits