Home Remedies and Herbs for Andropause

Andropause is often called male menopause. It is something that usually happens in men when they hit middle age. Andropause is similar to what women experience when they reach the same middle age level in life. It is worth noting that sometimes the symptoms may mimic other diseases. ¹

What Causes Andropause?

The basic cause of Andropause is a decline in certain hormone levels in the male body. The particular hormone that decreases over time is testosterone. Due to the fact that this is a key hormone in the bodies of men, Andropause can show a multitude of different symptoms depending on the male experiencing it.

What are the Symptoms of Andropause?

Andropause can have a variety of symptoms. They tend to vary from person to person but some of the most common ones are:

• Depression
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Fatigue
• Some memory Loss
• Erectile/Sexual Dysfunction ²

It is worth noting that not every man will experience all of these symptoms. Andropause affects every man differently because the hormone levels in each man are different.

How is Andropause Diagnosed?

Andropause is diagnosed in a variety of ways. It is always diagnosed by a qualified medical professional/doctor. To gain a better understanding of the patient and if he is experiencing Andropause, the doctor may do the following:

• Perform a physical exam
• Ask about what symptoms the man is experiencing
• Perform additional tests to rule out any other conditions that may be present
• Order some blood tests to check the level of testosterone in the body ³

How is Andropause Treated?

Medical treatment for Andropause varies from person to person. There are a variety of different treatments that the physician may try for the patient. Some of these can include:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Diet changes
• Getting more exercise
• Other medications such as antidepressants
• General lifestyle changes that can improve the quality of life for the patient ⁴

Natural Medicinal Options for Andropause

The list of natural options for helping to manage Andropause is quite extensive. Many of these treatments can be taken orally and found at your local herbal shop. These options include:

• Ginseng-Taken orally, ginseng can help manage the symptoms of depression in men with Andropause. Taken a couple times a day, this herbal option can make it easier to live a normal life while dealing with Andropause.
• Maca Root-This is another herb that can be taken orally. It may help to give relief to Andropause patients by acting in a way that gives more energy to the patient. It may even help alleviate the symptom of depression.
• Ginkgo Biloba-As an herb, ginkgo can be taken by an Andropause patient to help combat memory loss. Not every man experiences memory loss with Andropause, but it does happen. Ginkgo may help take the edge off this particular Andropause issue.

Conclusion

Andropause is a unique condition specific to men. It is akin to the female version of menopause and has some of the same symptoms and treatment options. When a male suspects Andropause later in life, it’s important for him to be properly diagnosed by a qualified medical professional. Treatments vary but working with their doctor is important for successful treatment and keeping a good quality of life. Andropause is a natural progression in the life of a man and should be handled appropriately. Herbal supplements may give relief to some symptoms and as with anything should be done under a doctor’s care.

References

1. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/andropause
2. http://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/male#Overview1
3. http://www.webmd.com/men/guide/male-menopause#2
4. http://www.medicinenet.com/male_menopause/article.htm#can_male_menopause_be_treated