Male Menopause
Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites
Symptoms & Treatments Relating to Male Menopause
There is nothing that will make a person crankier than when someone tells them, "You're cranky." We may not even realize we're cranky until someone points it out.
We may not have even been cranky to begin with.
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Even so, if you're a male over the age of 50 and have been told by more than one 'loving' and caring friend or family member that you're cranky, you may have entered the portal of Male Menopause.
Of course, Male Menopause is simply a kicky catch-phrase these days which represents the normal ageing process of males.
Both Males & Females Experience Hormone Decline
Theoretically, menopause can only occur in women when the menses fade, although both men and women experience hormonal declines.
In women, hormone levels remain steady for years, then rapidly decline over a period of about five years. In men, the decline is much slower - so slow that a man may not even notice those small changes brought about by decreasing hormone levels for decades to come.
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Recommended Caloric Intake Examples
The following tables were created by Diet Bites:
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Recommended Calorie Intake for Males - 130 Pounds According to the USDA |
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Height |
Weight |
Age |
Activity Level |
Daily Calories |
|
5'5" |
130 |
21 |
Sedentary |
1948 |
|
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Active |
2337 |
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Very Active |
3116 |
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5'5" |
130 |
50 |
Sedentary |
1701 |
|
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Active |
2042 |
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Very Active |
2722 |
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|
5'5" |
130 |
75 |
Sedentary |
1489 |
|
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Active |
1787 |
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Very Active |
2382 |
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Recommended Calories Intake for Males - 180 Pounds According to the USDA |
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Height |
Weight |
Age |
Activity Level |
Daily Calories |
|
5'11" |
180 |
21 |
Sedentary |
2433 |
|
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Active |
2919 |
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Very Active |
3892 |
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5'11" |
180 |
50 |
Sedentary |
2186 |
|
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Active |
2624 |
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Very Active |
3498 |
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5'11" |
180 |
75 |
Sedentary |
1974 |
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Active |
2369 |
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Very Active |
3158 |
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Loss of Testosterone, Annually
Beginning at about age 30, men lose about 1% of testosterone annually for their remainder of life. By the time a male enters his forties, he is apt to be experiencing hormone, physiological and chemical changes. About 10% of men over the age of 50 have low testosterone levels. Over 50% of men over the age of 70 are testosterone deficient.
Decreased levels of testosterone may be accompanied by the following symptoms.
There may be a lower sex drive or desire may wane. The individual may be irritable or grumpy. They may be sad, have anxiety issues or difficulty sleeping. They may feel tired because of lack of sleep. And a combination of these issues can trigger panic attacks.
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Because many of the symptoms associated with a decrease in testosterone are related to certain illnesses and diseases, the deficiency may go unchecked by the family doctor. For example, many of the above symptoms are prominent in diabetes.
Testing for Testosterone Deficiency
Blood levels are generally measured via a morning test at the doctor's office or lab, then repeated at least once to ensure accuracy. Because many factors affect testosterone, it is sometimes difficult the normal level for an individual.
A test reading of 400 nanograms per deciliter indicates that the individual is not testosterone deficient.
A test reading of 200 nanograms per deciliter to 399 nanograms per deciliter indicates that an individual is testosterone deficient.
Testosterone Treatment & Testosterone Supplement Risks & Side Effects
Potential Negative Risks & Side Effects Associated With Testosterone Supplements
There may be sleeping disturbances, including risks related to life-threatening apnea. Blood clots are also a concern, as are strokes. Heart attack and liver damage may also occur. There may be hair loss as well as enlargement of the breast area. The prostate can be impacted and become enlarged. The risk for prostate cancer increases.
Potential Positive Benefits Associated With Testosterone Supplements
There may be improved bone health equalling stronger bones in addition to improved cardiovascular health.
As a note, the risks and benefits of testosterone treatment are dependent upon individual health. Heart risks may rise for some men, while other men benefit by achieving improved cardiovascular health by using testosterone treatment.
Diet & Male Menopause
Iron - Toss that iron skillet out the door. Studies indicate a connection with men over 40 with high iron intake and heart attack.
Fiber - Essential for digestive health. Not all fiber is created equal. Coarsely ground fiber holds greater power than its finely-ground counterpart. It's the reason why so many health professionals recommend whole grains when purchasing cereals and bread products. Keep an eye out for equally nutritious 'whole wheat' and 'whole oats'.
Oils & Fats- Studies indicate that a diet rich in healthy fats (such as olive oil) equals the low fat diet recommended by the American Heart Association.
When consuming fats and oils, keep saturated fats minimal.
Protein- Necessary for muscle support - so drag out that big grill! The male body supports more muscle mass than the female body, making protein intake an important element in overall health. Seek protein sources in lean meats, beans, eggs and peanut butter.
Calcium - Deficiency does not exist solely in a woman's world. Insufficient calcium intake results in a reduction in bone mass in both women and men - placing an individual at higher risk for bone-related incidents, such as fracture. If you are lactose intolerant or a vegetarian, talk with your doctor about taking a calcium supplement.
Weight - Keeping your weight at the recommended number has a huge impact on the way you physically feel, physically look, and mentally feel - and can even lengthen your life.
Health issues relating to obesity can be avoided or eliminated by simply embracing a healthy diet accompanied by moderate activity. If you feel overwhelmed about the amount of weight that you need to lose, even a 10-poundweight loss can achieve impressive results.
Should you have questions relating to your health, it's important to discuss such with your doctor. The information in this article is intended to enhance awareness of male ageing and is not intended to replace the advice of your physician.
Men, Sex & the Brain
Because sex drive is heavily impacted by our thoughts, just being 'told' that sex drive is influenced by age has the potential to extinguish a man's sex drive.
In other words, because marketing of male enhancement supplements is so prevalent in today's world - that in itself is enough to get the a-typical male concerned about his sex drive, and in turn - create negative results which actually do just that.
It's also important to keep in mind that impotency treatments and male enhancement supplements are not a guaranteed cure-all and should be discussed with a qualified doctor in detail before taking or using. Here's to YOUR good health!
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