Male menopause: How to skillfully cope with the crisis in old age
Menopause and late-life crises: Don't cross the line.
People generally pay more attention to the mental health of women during menopause, while the mental health of men during menopause is rarely discussed. In fact, men also have a menopause, and they will experience some abnormal phenomena, both physiologically and psychologically.
Male menopause is directly related to changes in gonadal function. Although men do not have menstruation like women, their testes undergo degenerative changes after age 50, a process of decline from peak to decline. Symptoms include a gradual reduction in testicular volume. This shrinkage inevitably leads to a decrease in sex hormone secretion, causing changes in the diencephalon, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and kidney function, resulting in endocrine imbalances. This leads to a series of physiological changes, and in some men, even menopausal syndrome. Traditional Chinese medicine considers male menopause to be a condition caused by the gradual decline of kidney qi, leading to dysfunction of the internal organs. Male menopause occurs later than in women, generally between 55 and 65 years of age, but the timing varies depending on factors such as constitution, lifestyle, and mental state. Clinically, it is characterized by weight gain and changes in temperament; in severe cases, it affects daily life and work, causing significant suffering. Therefore, understanding the triggering factors of male menopause for prevention and health maintenance is crucial.
The symptoms of male menopause include the following:
1. In interpersonal relationships, they are suspicious, lonely, and show a clear tendency to be unsociable; they are self-righteous and unwilling to listen to advice. In the family, they have difficulty managing interpersonal relationships, frequently quarrel with their spouse and children, and become enraged over trivial matters; in severe cases, they may even separate from their spouse or file for divorce.
2. The autonomic nervous system is prone to dysfunction. Frequent dizziness, sometimes with over-excitement; discomfort during breathing, numbness and tingling in certain parts of the body; occasional gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as indigestion, loss of appetite, and constipation; unstable sleep, often with insomnia; sometimes excessive thinking, frequently experiencing anxiety and fear; when tense, symptoms such as palpitations, tinnitus, and blurred vision may occur, and unpredictable pain may also occur in certain areas.
3. Decreased memory. Especially rote memory, leading to frequent forgetfulness; difficulty concentrating, easily distracted, and a significant decrease in interest in external things. Due to decreased physical strength, there is a reluctance to participate in outdoor activities, exhibiting a marked state of lethargy.
4. Changes in mood and emotions. Prone to depression, worry, and restlessness. Frequently irritable and prone to outbursts of temper.
5. Decreased libido and reduced sexual function. Sometimes, there is a clear aversion to sexual activity.
The symptoms of male menopause, like those in women, are mostly psychological in nature, stemming from hormonal changes and resulting in physiological shifts. Therefore, medication is generally unnecessary. Symptoms can usually be alleviated through psychological adjustment.
A man's position in the family is crucial, sometimes directly influencing the thoughts and emotions of all family members. This is determined by the roles he plays within the family. A man is a husband to his wife, a father to his children, and a grandfather to his grandchildren, among other roles. This combination of husband, father, and grandfather roles is known in sociology as a complex role, or role cluster. Therefore, men during menopause must not forget their position and must constantly consider the strong impact their thoughts, emotions, words, and actions have on their wives, children, and other family members.
To improve menopausal symptoms, it's essential to first strengthen physical exercise, improve physical fitness, boost morale, maintain a calm and optimistic mood, and cultivate healthy lifestyle habits. The care and understanding of family and colleagues are also crucial. Traditional Chinese medicine offers insights into this condition, selecting appropriate treatments based on different subtypes, such as nourishing the liver and kidneys. Testosterone supplementation has theoretical merit. Practice has shown that testosterone treatment can improve overall health and mood, increase libido, and enhance muscle strength and bone density. Currently, oral testosterone is considered the most ideal medication. However, it's important to note that testosterone supplementation may exacerbate underlying prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Therefore, a thorough examination should be conducted before starting treatment.
Secondly, men should adjust their mindset from a psychological perspective, which mainly includes the following:
1. Try to engage in more outdoor activities and avoid staying cooped up at home all the time. If possible, participate in some physical exercise, such as golf, recreational golf, or Tai Chi. Outdoor activities not only allow you to breathe fresh air, but also help regulate your autonomic nervous system and achieve a sense of well-being.
2. Timely emotional release is crucial. When encountering distressing situations and negative emotions, don't bottle them up; instead, find ways to release them. There are two methods: one is self-persuasion and self-liberation, which involves considering things from a different perspective to arrive at entirely new conclusions. For example, something that seems bad from one angle might be good from another. The other method is to seek emotional "release" through others. When feeling depressed, vent to your fellow villagers, classmates, or close friends, or have a good cry to release pent-up emotions; you'll feel instantly lighter. Because they are family and friends, they won't take offense at your harsh words; instead, they will offer comfort and guidance. This method is very beneficial for the mental health of menopausal men.
3. Remain calm and composed to avoid unnecessary stress. Men going through menopause should learn some basic knowledge about menopause, understand the physiological and psychological changes they experience, and then face them calmly without panicking. In my country, most men know little about menopause. When symptoms appear, they may attribute it to aging or suspect they have a medical condition, while indulging in emotional outbursts and failing to control themselves effectively. Therefore, middle-aged and older men should learn about the physiology of menopause, correctly understand its inevitability, and know how to cope with the various symptoms, thus enabling them to rationally manage their emotions.
4. Learn to control anger. Due to the effects of male hormones, men are more prone to anger than women. This is especially true during menopause due to endocrine disorders. The *Huangdi Neijing* states, "Anger injures the liver." Anger, as a strong emotion, is more contagious and pervasive than other emotions. A single outburst of anger can damage good interpersonal relationships at work, disrupt a harmonious family atmosphere, and leave one feeling uneasy for several days. Therefore, men in menopause must avoid losing their temper and learn various methods to control it.
5. Regular Lifestyle Habits. Eating, sleeping, and physical activity should all be approached scientifically. Eat regularly, avoiding overeating; drink alcohol in moderation; ideally, go to bed early and wake up early; be selective about what you watch TV in the evening, avoiding sitting for hours at a time. While watching TV, take breaks to do seated or standing exercises. Wash your face after watching TV to prevent radiation dust from sticking to your skin. Studies have shown that regular lifestyle habits not only contribute to physical health but also help cultivate a positive mindset.