Surviving Andropause: Jed Diamond's Guide for the Man and Woman

Jed Diamond is a licensed psychotherapist practicing his profession for almost 40 years. He is also the director of the health program MenAlive which aims in helping men to live well and live long. He has already authored seven books which include the best seller "Male Menopause" which is translated into fourteen languages and "Surviving Male Menopause" containing other important factors of a man's life discussed in details.

For Jed Diamond, it is very important to understand the andropause phenomenon which occurs in men. As this brought physiological and psychological changes, affected people might get really upset and their family members may also suffer the consequences. This is true especially for married people. In general, wives carry the burden of their changed husband. They also get confused and despaired about their husband's personality especially when talking about moods and attitudes.

"Surviving Male Menopause" educates women regarding the most complicated stage of the men's life. The book contains eight chapters which are easy to understand. It is a complete book which discusses about male menopause on a more personal outlook. Women also speak their side as they gain a deeper understanding of what the phenomenon really is. It is true that some women who lack understanding can be blown off against what their husbands has been showing to them jeopardizing their marital relationship.

Hear stories from men revealing the truth as they experienced a complicated biological change in their lives. Maybe your mind is bombarded by a lot of questions regarding male menopause but afraid to know it. Well, in this book you will find the answers.

It is a fact that before facing their later years, men once become adolescents and more mature during their middle age. The stages of manhood are thoroughly discussed providing guidelines on how to survive each stage.

Men could hardly accept it that andropause is striking them. They face their greatest fear thus denying that apparent symptoms of andropause in them are not happening. How can anyone accept the fact that they are losing their energy, sex drive and physical agility? Moreover, they would also deny that IMS (Irritable Male Syndrome) is attacking them. It is the condition wherein sudden mood swings occurs from once being lovable, contented, and peaceful to becoming mean, discontented, and agitated. In this book, men are taught how to overcome their fear and denial stage.

Male menopause has different factors to deal with. Men can never successfully pass this stage without proper knowledge of how to get through it. As some mostly believe that it is the end of men's sexual power. But if they would follow the right direction then it is worth in the end conquering defeating consequences. Remember, that looking ahead with a good disposition can help. Male menopause is only a passage to a more passionate, purposeful, and productive time in men's life.

Experiencing and passing the male menopausal stage can probably bring in useful benefits. "Surviving Male Menopause" truly serves a guide for both men and women to achieve peace and harmony in their relationship despite its effects. Jed Diamond ensures that men's menopause should not threaten the couple's future to live happily like before. Changes are normal, but most people differ in their view of acceptance. Take note, men and women who are more educated will have a higher percentage of survival.

Male Menopause: How to Cope Up With Andropause and depression

You may not know it but men also experiences a certain condition that many thought only women experiences. This condition can get someone depressed and lose interest in sex. This condition is called male menopause.

For years, many people have always linked menopause to women. However, studies have found that males also experience this condition. Sometimes, people describe this condition as mid-life crisis. Male menopause has been found to have similar symptoms that women experience.

Male menopause occurs when a man reaches a certain age. When you reach the late 50's to early 60's, you will see that you will experience male menopause. One of the known symptoms of male menopause is depression. Males who experience this condition will be constantly sad, anxious and depressed. Because of this, it may be mistaken for depression.

However, because of the decline in testosterone levels in men who experience male menopause, depression will occur. You have to consider that male menopause will also cause anxiety and loss of interest in sex.

This is why you should think about getting male menopause treatment in order to alleviate the symptoms. One such treatment is called hormone replacement therapy for men. Usually, this treatment is done for men who have low testosterone level. However, because of male menopause and the decline of the body's production of testosterone, the testosterone replacement therapy is now done on men who are going through male menopause.

By going through this process when you are going through male menopause, it will significantly decrease the effects of male menopause. You have to consider the fact that testosterone replacement therapy will not cure male menopause. It will just help in alleviating the signs and symptoms associated with low testosterone level and male menopause.

Depression is one of the conditions of male menopause. By going through the testosterone replacement therapy, you will see that it will help you get rid of depression. It will also help you with your erectile dysfunction condition and will significantly improve your sex life. With testosterone replacement therapy, you will have your sex life back again.

However, before jumping in and get yourself treated with testosterone replacement therapy, you first have to consult with your doctor. The doctor will determine if you are indeed going through male menopause. By conducting a series of tests, the doctor will determine if your testosterone level has declined. If it has, the doctor will then recommend treatments, such as testosterone replacement therapy.

The doctor will be able to recommend a professional who is able to administer and supervise the treatment. You have to consider the fact that it is necessary for you to have the right dosage of testosterone in order to have maximum effect while getting rid of the side effects.

There are different ways that testosterone replacement therapy is done. There is the injection method, the oral capsules method, the patches method, and also the implant method. Professionals in testosterone replacement therapy will let you choose which method is right for you and which method you are most comfortable with.

Always remember that testosterone replacement therapy should only be done with the supervision of a qualified professional in the field of the testosterone replacement therapy. This is important in order to give you the best effect possible while minimizing or eliminating unwanted side effects.

So, get your life back on track, get rid of depression, and cope with male menopause through testosterone replacement therapy.

Male Menopause: How do the Treatments Work?

Menopause is what women experience when they reach a certain age where their bodies stop producing hormones. It is a point where women will no longer be able to reproduce and it is also a point where their lives will change.

However, it is also a fact that males also experience this kind of condition. It has been found that men will also experience the so-called male menopause when they reach a certain age. But unlike women where they stop producing hormones instantly, men experience a decline in production of hormones.

Sometimes, male menopause is also called the mid-life crisis where male hormone levels drop that often results to depression, anxiety, and decline of interest in sex. As a male, you have to prepare to face this condition because when you reach a certain age (usually at late 50's to early 60's), you will also experience this condition.

First of all, you need to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of male menopause. Usually, the symptoms are very much like what a female experiences when they go through menopause. It will include depression, irritability, sadness, low interest in sex, anxiety, hot flashes, sweating, erectile dysfunction, concentration problems, and memory problems.

Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by other conditions, such as a disease. However, the low testosterone level can also contribute to this condition.

If you suspect that you are going through male menopause, it is recommended that you should consult your doctor about it first before jumping into a conclusion and getting treated for it. The doctor will conduct a series of tests to confirm that you are really going through male menopause. To do this, the doctor will test your testosterone level and also your symptoms. If it is indeed male menopause, the doctor can recommend treatments to ease the symptoms.

Today, there are already treatments for male menopause where it can make it easier for you to cope up with the condition. It will not necessarily mean that it can treat the condition, but you have to consider that the treatment's aim for male menopause, like female menopause, is to lessen the symptoms.

There is hormone replacement therapy for men who have low testosterone level. This treatment can help you lessen the symptoms associated with male menopause. This treatment is called testosterone replacement therapy. With this treatment, you can lessen the effects of male menopause and can definitely help you go through it.

In fact, this therapy has been found effective. It gradually increased the muscle mass, the mental functioning, bone density and it also enabled men to get interested in sex again.

However, testosterone replacement therapy should only be done with close supervision of a professional. Too much of testosterone injected in your body can produce unwanted side effects. The professional will be able to adjust the doses in accordance with the effects you experience during your first testosterone replacement therapy.

In time and also after a few sessions, the professional will be able to know the correct dosage for you.

If you cannot tolerate the injections, there are also oral capsules that you can take for this therapy. There are also testosterone patches where it can provide a steady release of testosterone.

If you don’t want this therapy through injection, through oral capsules, or through patches, you can consider getting implants. The testosterone implants are inserted in the lower abdomen or hip under anesthetic. This can provide treatment that can last up to 6 months.

These are the treatments that you can consider when you are going through male menopause. So, if you are at that certain age where sex doesn't interest you anymore, and where you are more motherly, you can consider getting a testosterone replacement therapy. Always remember that this therapy should only be done with close supervision of a professional to avoid unwanted side effects.

Boys Don’t Cry: What You Can Do With Male Menopause and Depression

Men are considered tough. At a young age they were taught how to wear masks. Emotions, especially feelings, which denotes weakness does not have any room in a man’s life. Men in effect tend to deny what they truly feel. Studies show that men are more susceptible to depression since negative emotions are suppressed.

Depression is an emotional disorder. An individual who is said to be depressed begins to experience prolonged sadness, time and again anxiety, inability to concentrate, unexplainable anger and low self-esteem.

The occurrence of depression varies. Some people experience it as a form of reaction to uneventful situations in their lives. Others feel depressed as a response to excessive smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and taking drugs. Depression can also be inevitable when an individual undergoes chemical and hormonal changes in the body.

Male menopause or known as andropause to some, is a condition in which a man undergo changes – it may be physical, emotional, or to some extent spiritual. If a male individual reacts negatively towards andropause, then he is prone to experience depression.

“Boys don’t cry,” is a cliché. It is high time that men do what is necessary to fight depression caused by male menopause phenomenon.

Acknowledgement is a key to acceptance. Male individuals should acknowledge that they too like their female counterpart also experience menopause.

Education then leads to better understanding. After accepting the fact that you have male menopause then it is best to educate yourself with the said condition. Learn what the signs and symptoms are, then the diagnosis and treatments. It is also best if you undertake research for facts and issues concerning andropause. The Internet is a good venue to learn more about male menopause and depression. There are also online organizations which you can turn to to help you with your dilemma.

Better understanding is a bridge for you to project a positive attitude. Negative emotions block your sensibility for you to have better comprehension of what is happening in your body. Depression usually roots to suppress negative emotions. It is not asked from you to portray a happy face yet you are miserable deep inside. What is being asked from you is that you have to learn how to deal with the situation. Make no room for self-pity for it will only worsen the situation.

Do something about it. After you have taken the necessary steps then move forward to getting help. Primarily, get help from your significant others. This is the time when their unconditional support and love is needed. Explain to them what you are going through. Let them know what specific help you need, if there are.

You can seek assistance from a physician who has expertise in andropause and depression. He can point out the changes that might happen to you and further prescribe you on what you should do.

Support groups may also be helpful. If there are support groups in your community, then it is best to join them so that you will feel that you are not alone in your battle.

No man should allow depression to rule his life. Male menopause is never a reason for you to wallow in depression. After all, look at the brighter side of things, andropause welcomes you to a new phase in your life – a phase where you can put down your mask and reveal your true self.

Andropause: An unmissable lifecycle stage

Hormonal change – two words which can bring significant change to an individuals’ life. Once hormonal change is brought into discussion, most people would correlate it to women. These days however, women are not the only ones who experience hormonal change, men as well.

Menopause is the normal and natural stage in a woman’s life when her menstruation and ovulation ceases that signifies end to her reproductive years. On the other hand, andropause is a term for male menopause. Since a man does not undergo menstruation and ovulation, the reason behind for male experiencing menopause is to prepare them for second adulthood. Andropause signifies the end for men’s first adulthood.

Women who enter their forties may begin to experience menopause. Other women starts menopause at age fifty, some even begin at sixty. Men, on the other hand, may start to undergo andropause as early as thirty-five or it can be as late as sixty-five.

While female menopause is a start for women to feel unconstructive sentiments and other pessimistic emotions, most experts believe that andropause brings positive change.

A man will go through a crucial change once he enters the andropause stage. There is inevitable change in psychological, social, interpersonal and even the spiritual aspect. Andropause denotes “the end of the beginning.”

According to research, there are a lot of benefits a man can obtain once andropause is experienced.

Maturity is the essential benefit of man in going through male menopause. Men on their first adulthood usually focus on doing. However this time as they enter the second adulthood, they are more focused with “the being,” or “the self.”

Career-wise, they are more inclined to accomplish their job because of “love of work” instead of going to work because it is necessary. On social relationship, men tend to look at other men as acquaintances. During first adulthood, men interact with other men as contenders.

A man’s personal relationship also matures. He is more focused with developing happiness and intimacy with his partner. Andropause may indicate a stop in brain-draining “battle of the sexes” which may be an indication that he can give way and make his partner win on some discussion. Ego and pride are left behind. It is transformed to in-depth understanding and patience.

Men also gains maturity in a sexual relationship. Second adulthood focuses more on being sexually fulfilled compared to concentrating on different sexual performances which usually takes place during first adulthood.

Menopause is a period in life where an individual may start to feel incomplete. Others may accordingly react to what their body dictates. Good or bad – whatever menopause may create in one’s life, you are still the one who owns your mind, body and heart. If andropause brings you more benefit, then you are of the lucky few. Otherwise, if it creates struggles in your life then it is time to acknowledge the need for help. Primarily, you need to recognize that you are undergoing change and then let your significant other know about it. Point out the necessary things they must do to help you cross the line. If things seem unbearable after exhausting all possible help within your fence, then it is time to seek help from an expert.

A successful walk in the journey of male menopause boils down to one important thing, having good attitude.

Understanding the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Male Menopause Syndrome

Andropause is a condition brought about by low levels of testosterone throughout the man's body. It normally occurs in men aged 40 years old and above where they experience symptoms similar to women's menopause. However, changes in men are gradual, characterized by fatigue, changes in moods and attitudes, and loss of physical agility, energy, and sex drive. Studies show that men may even acquire the Jekyll Hyde Syndrome or Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS) which can later on affect the people around him.

A lot of people are familiar with the book written by Robert Louis Stevenson entitled Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It speaks about human psyche dealing with the mind of a male in particular. Dr. Henry Jekyll has a life-long pursuit of separating man's two natures to obtain the essence between evil and good.

Dr. Jekyll superiors and friends refused to help him. However, he succeeded in doing his experiments using his formula, but the results were shocking. Dr. Jekyll's evil nature, Edward Hyde, surfaces with a separate identity. Hyde starts to murder those people who refuse to support Dr. Jekyll's cause. From then on, Dr. Jekyll keeps on fighting to control his evil half.

It is really shocking that this transformation could occur with men undergoing andropause. Their attitudes can suddenly change from being once a loving and sensitive person to becoming mean and uncaring. Some wife does complain to their husbands that they completely changed from being Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde.

There are pointers to understand in the manifestation of this syndrome. Mostly, men who experience IMS can really change apparently overnight. He could appear so peaceful, loving, and contented but suddenly he freaks out as agitated, mean, and discontented. Other factor which triggers the condition involves a crisis of a relative or close friend. It could also be a difficulty in achieving his real identity since he has different roles such as being a father, a son, a husband, or a friend. This leads to confusion and fear thinking that he has to destroy his old version to move into something new.

IMS has affected a lot of men. It was mentioned earlier that plummeting testosterone levels can cause a man to become withdrawn and irritable which is considered an internal cause. However, external causes also trigger IMS in men. It can include physical injury or illness, or a relationship or job loss. So he thinks that his problems are caused by another person thus complaining more about it. Then he justifies it with anger to release the blame viewing the world via distorted lenses.

But not all men acquired IMS. There are four factors that should come together to develop IMS. It is determined by changes in hormones, brain chemistry, loss of identity, and stress levels. You just can't easily rate men who are irritable and angry with IMS. They should take the tests to be sure that they have IMS since being irritable and angry are normal.

Men can seek counseling to treat IMS so that they could prevent themselves from becoming Mr. Hyde of course. Men having low levels of testosterone can have testosterone restoration. Right diet and exercise is also significant. Exercising can increase testosterone levels. But keep in mind that low-carb diets are not helpful. Low carbohydrates can lower serotonin levels making men irritable. Remember, understanding IMS and seeking proper help is worth all the effort.

Male Menopause: Its symptoms and its treatment methods

The term "male menopause" is used to refer to the condition of men who have hormone levels drop after mid-life.

Male menopause is a subject of controversy in the medical society. In the case of women, menopause is related with the termination of a bodily operation, like when the monthly menstruation periods stop. Also, a critical drop in the hormone levels in women occurs along with menopause. For these reasons, doctors are debating on whether male menopause really exists.

In the case of men in their middle and elderly years, smaller quantities of testosterone are being created by the testicles. This is believed to be the underlying reasons behind the occurrence of symptoms of male menopause.

Men with menopause usually suffer from irritability, sleep disturbance, low sex drive, sweating, anxiety, sadness, memory problems, and erectile dysfunction.

In most cases, erectile dysfunction may be caused by other disorders. But testosterone deficiency may be one possibility.

It is important that men who suffer from symptoms related to low levels of testosterone be subjected to medical investigations like blood tests to evaluate testosterone levels.

Other reasons for having short testosterone levels include testicular dysfunction and probable inherited features.

As a treatment, hormone replacement therapy is being recommended for men with low levels of testosterone and symptoms that come with it.

Hormone replacement may not be applicable to older men who seek treatment for their erectile dysfunction unless they actually have very minimal levels of androgen. As for younger men with known hormone deficiency, it has been proven that nominal doses of testosterone can improve interest in sex.

Testosterone replacement therapy, which is also called as androgen replacement therapy, aims to reduce the symptoms brought about by male menopause. This method is a lifelong treatment, since testosterone deficiency is generally a permanent condition.

Testosterone replacement therapy is usually given as an oral prescription, implants, or injections.
The injection of testosterone is usually carried out once every two weeks.

The oral drugs are especially prescribed to those who can't stand injections or implants.

The testosterone implants, which are being inserted under the skin of the buttock or abdomen work for a period of months. The implant works by releasing testosterone directly into the bloodstream.

Androgen therapy, however, comes with potential side effects and risks.

With low testosterone levels, the prostate tends to shrink. Hormone replacement therapy cannot recover a physically reduced prostate since it does not have influence in the levels of prostate specific antigen.

Androgen therapy may not be a cause of increased risk of prostate cancer for those who have naturally greater testosterone levels in the same age bracket.

On the other hand, the safety of hormone replacement therapy and its possible effects on the prostate, mental functioning, and cardiovascular system still need to undergo proper researches. Moreover, there is also a need to assess the probable benefits of androgen therapy on the bones and muscles.

Androgen therapy is said to increase the risk of heart diseases, although researches on this subject are uncertain. It is a known fact, however, that those with low testosterone levels have been found among heart attack victims. This opens the possibility that hormone replacement therapy could help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Older men undiagnosed of prostate cancer should also take caution when being applied with androgens.

Sleep apnea, or the cessation of breathing during sleep, is also considered as a rare risk with hormone therapy.

More Symptoms Associated With the Andropause Condition

Everyone knows that menopause is associated with women who reach a certain age. However, not many people are aware that menopause will also be experienced by the male population when they also reach a certain age. The male menopause condition or also known as andropause is very real and as a male, you have to be informed about it in order to cope with it.

Male menopause occurs when you reach the age of about 50 to early 60's. The signs and symptoms of male menopause are quite similar to what women experience when they are going through the menopause.

However, unlike the female menopause where the production of hormones stops instantly, the male menopause will only decline in the production of male hormones called testosterone. This decline will result in the different signs and symptoms that you will experience when you go through male menopause.

Male menopause will have symptoms similar to menopause that women experience, such as fatigue, infertility, hot flashes, and mood swings. However, there are more symptoms that men should be aware of when they experience male menopause.

You have to consider that you will also experience erectile dysfunction, loss of interest in sex, depression, and anxiety. There are also other symptoms linked to male menopause. Some men reported that they became more motherly. It is a fact that males are more focused on money, power, and career. When they experience male menopause, they somewhat reported that they became more focused on family, and friends, which is the primary concerns of women. Sometimes they say that they regretted their former attitude.

Males will also experience loss of hair in the armpits and axilla, decreased sex drive, shrinking of testicles, impotence, constant feeling of tiredness, decreased muscle strength, decreased muscle mass, decreased bone density, and low sperm count. All these symptoms points to male menopause.

This is all due to the loss of androgens in the male's body. This is why there is testosterone replacement therapy as a treatment for men who are going through male menopause. It has been found that testosterone replacement can significantly improve your condition and decrease the signs and symptoms of male menopause.

There are also other treatments that are not as complicated as testosterone replacement therapy that you can do in order to improve your condition. However, it is recommended that you should mix these activities with testosterone replacement therapy. It is recommended that men should relax and rest well, exercise, eat the right kinds of food, and abstain from drinking and smoking.

Together with testosterone replacement therapy, you will see that it will significantly improve your condition. You will see that it will increase your sex drive or your libido, increase your muscle mass and strength, increase bone density, and it will also prevent depression.

Before you jump up and get yourself treated with testosterone replacement therapy, it is very important that you should consult your doctor first. The doctor will be able to determine if you have a low testosterone level by conducting a series of tests. The doctor will also be the one to recommend you to a qualified professional to do the testosterone replacement therapy.

Always remember that testosterone replacement therapy will not cure male menopause. It can only relieve the symptoms you experience associated with male menopause and can help you cope up with this condition. Just remember the signs and symptoms of male menopause and you can easily determine if you need to visit your doctor.