MALE MENOPAUSE / ANDROPAUSE AND IT’S MANAGEMENT THROUGH AYURVEDA
INTRODUCTION
Andropause is a condition characterized by a reduced level of testosterone with increased age. Although there is no complete cessation of testosterone synthesis, bioavailable testosterone is very low. Unlike allopathic medicines, treatment of andropause through Ayurveda does not have side effects.
ANDROPAUSE or MALE MENOPAUSE
“Getting old” is not the accurate excuse for the aging male suffering from various symptoms such as insomnia, weight gain and loss of libido. The main culprit, in most cases, reduces the action of the dominating male hormone, testosterone. The concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone gets reduced in between the ages of 35 to 65 years. Significant reduction in the concentration of testosterone leads to andropause. This reduction progresses with age and affects the quality of life in males. The person has mild to moderate mood swings and experiences physiological, psychological, and sexual symptoms.
Testosterone is the male dominating hormone and is responsible for a wide variety of androgenetic features, including initiation of puberty, increasing muscle mass, and preparing the body for fighting against challenging situations. Testosterone is also responsible for energy and stamina. Although after the age of 30-35 years, the testosterone level starts reducing, the onset of symptoms of andropause appears at the age of around 50. At this age, the testosterone level has reached that critical level which is not enough for the body to perform testosterone-guided functions.
PHYSIOLOGY OF ANDROPAUSE
The term “male menopause” does not seem correct as there is no cessation of menopause and the synthesis of testosterone for not halted altogether. “Viropause” is also not the correct terminology, as there is little correlation between the loss of virilization and reduced testosterone concentration. Further, many researchers believe that reduced testosterone is not the only reason for andropause. This would be the case; all elderly people would experience the symptoms. But, in reality, it is not so. This indicates that other factors also contribute to generating the symptoms of andropause. These factors may be underlying diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. Other factors include smoking, intake of alcohol, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and poor sleeping habits. Androgen decline in agony males (ADAM) may also occur because of psychological stress due to professional life and career growth, commonly known as the mid-life crisis.
Testosterone is present in the body in three forms: Free testosterone, Albumin-bound testosterone, and Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)-bound Testosterone. Only free and albumin-bound testosterone are bioavailable and available to the body for physiological function. As age increases, on the one hand, the synthesis of testosterone reduces, and on the other hand concentration of SHBG increases, leading to a reduced concentration of bioavailable testosterone.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF ANDROPAUSE / MALE MENOPAUSE
Testosterone is responsible for various physiological functions such as sustaining libido, sleep management, mood regulation, and body fat management. Reducing the concentration of testosterone leads to the following symptoms:
Sexual symptoms of Male Menopause / Andropause
- Decreased Libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low stamina
- Early fatigue
- Loss of fertility
- Reduced testes size
- Lack of sexual desire
- Reduced ejaculation force
- Low ejaculation volume
Psychological symptoms of Male Menopause / Andropause
- Poor concentration
- Anxiety and depression
- Reduced motivation
- Low confidence
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Nervousness
Physiological symptoms of Male Menopause / Andropause
- Hair loss
- Breast growth
- Weight gain
- Bone disorders
- Poor strength
- Headache
- Poor circulatory system
- Tender breasts
DIAGNOSIS
HOW TO KNOW IF ONE IS HAVING ANDROPAUSE / MALE MENOPAUSE?
Many people, especially males, avoid discussing sexual matters with the doctor. This may be because they feel ashamed, or maybe their ego (The male ego) gets hurt even with the fear of knowing that they no longer have an equal force and stamina as they had before. Because of these reasons, the condition remains undiagnosed in many patients, and they suffer from poor sexual relationships and various physical and psychological symptoms. It is noted that andropause can easily be managed, provided the doctor should diagnose this condition. The doctor should be experienced and expert in diagnosing such conditions. Dr. Manu Rajput and Dr. Kanu Rajput of Sidri International, the Best Ayurvedic Clinic in Delhi, India, are of the doctors in the Delhi, Gurgaon NCR region who are experts in diagnosing Andropause.
Apart from the patient’s physical and psychological evaluation, a blood test is used to determine the level of testosterone in the blood. This may help in determining the exact reason for the patient’s symptoms. For instance, erectile dysfunction may also occur due to nerve injury other than due to andropause.
Various treatment options in the allopathic system are available, but side effects accompany them. Hormonal replacement therapy has limited efficacy with many side effects, which include sleep apnea and an increased risk of cardiovascular disorder.
This is an apparent reason why most patients suffering from andropause and other sexual problems, such as Erectile dysfunction and Premature ejaculation, are shifting to the ayurvedic system of medicine.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ANDROPAUSE / MALE MIDLIFE CRISIS
Ayurveda has powerful, effective, and side-effect management strategies for andropause and many other sexual problems. The efficacy of treatment is increased manifold when implemented by an ayurvedic doctor with ample experience treating andropause patients. Dr. Manu Rajput and Dr. Kanu Rajput of Sidri International are highly experienced and skilled doctors in sexual disorders. Patients are advised to make prior Appointments from Sidri International to have a hassle-free experience at the clinic.
To increase the energy in such patients, Ayurveda advises administering Urjaskar drugs, which include Rasayan and Vajikarana. These drugs should be complemented with body detoxification for optimum benefit. Following are the various strategies adopted by various Ayurvedic doctors when treating andropause:
Healthy Lifestyle: Following a healthy lifestyle is one of the significant steps in managing andropause, according to Ayurveda. It includes incorporating exercise in daily life, coercing the biological clock by early sleeping and waking, eating a healthy diet, massaging the hair and the whole body, and taking good care of the eyes, teeth, ears, and nose.
Herbal medicines: Various herbal drugs are used to manage the condition through different mechanisms. These drugs include Guduchi, Amalaki, Tulsi, Yashtimadhu, Gokshura, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari, Haritaki, and Jyotishmati.
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE MEDICINES ARE FOR REFERENCE ONLY & SHOULD ONLY BE TAKEN UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF AN EXPERIENCED AYURVEDIC DOCTOR. FOR YOUR SAFETY, DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE).
CONCLUSION
For the treatment of andropause, Ayurveda gives stress on altering the lifestyle. The ayurvedic system has various herbal drugs that help to alleviate the symptoms of andropause and improves sexual and psychological health.