Menopause and Andropause

Every stage of our life brings about changes in our body structure, psychology, and personality. While there are some wonderful things the body experiences, there are also challenges that accompany each stage. Awareness about these stages and the demands they make on the body enable us to make better choices and find better coping mechanisms. This includes menopause and andropause.

While there is plenty of focus and importance given to puberty and adolescence as they bring about considerable changes in the mind and body, not as much thought is given to menopause and andropause. However, these milestones are equally significant as they too herald changes that alter both the physical and mental status of individuals. Although menopause in women is a more recognized phenomenon, andropause affects men just as much, but is less known and rarely acknowledged.

Decoding Andropause and Menopause

After a certain age, both men and women experience a decline in fertility and a lowered level of the hormones, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. While the age at which the symptoms are experienced may be different and the manner in which the decline occurs may also vary, the conditions are often described together since there are accompanying symptoms and side effects in both cases.

Menopause is marked by the slowing down and eventual cessation of the menstrual cycle. It is characterized by changes in the brain and ovary, and the manifested symptoms include mood and hormonal changes, hot flashes, night sweats, lowered sex drive, and changes in energy levels. Physical changes include changes in the mammary glands, cervix, uterus and vagina; skin and hair changes; and an increased risk of heart conditions.

Andropause is likened to menopause in many ways. The progressive lowering of hormone levels, however, is much slower, as are the consequent symptoms. The most significant consequences of andropause include a reduced secretion of androgens, increased resistance to insulin, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, and lowered libido.

It is a commonly recognized fact that these are natural changes that occur in the body and are inevitable. What cannot be overlooked is the fact that the stage can be rather uncomfortable and cause physiological and emotional distress. It is essential, therefore, to find a method to prepare and help the body and mind transition through this stage.

Here is how functional medicine by Dr. Adonis can truly change your life.

Unanticipated Elements in Andropause and Menopause

The most commonly experienced signs of andropause and menopause are well known, and men and women recognize and experience almost all of them. What most of us tend to be oblivious of are the commonly experienced accompanying symptoms. These symptoms either go ignored or are attributed to other disorders and problems.

Menopause symptoms:

• Incontinence, which occurs as a result of decreased elasticity in the vaginal tissue
• Hot flashes and sweating
• Headaches 
• Insomnia 
• Mood swings 
• Aging of the skin marked by wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dryness

Some women show marked signs of masculinity like a change in voice and growth of facial hair. Menopause may also lead to hypertension or autoimmune disease. Serum lipids may increase in some cases, and atherosclerosis may occur too.

Andropause symptoms:

• Reduced thyroid stimulating hormone secretion
• Altered attention and memory
• Increased incidence of depression and agitation
• Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
• Lowered sex drive and difficulty achieving an erection
• Loss of muscle memory and elasticity

Overcoming Menopause and Andropause

Conventional medicine targets symptoms of menopause and andropause, resorting typically to hormone replacement as a cure. Functional medicine, on the other hand, looks to enable a smoother transition through this stage by preparing the mind and body for what it is about to experience. Here are some simple tips to help make the journey through menopause and andropause easier:

• The most important way to prepare for the onset of menopause and andropause is to ensure a regular health check-up after the age of 35. This will help check against baseline levels and prepare for its onset.
• A good exercise regimen will enable you to keep your heart, bones, and muscles in shape and protect against the incidence of fracture, muscle degeneration, and heart ailments. It will also ensure that your brain cells receive a good supply of oxygen and nutrients, thus helping stave off degenerative conditions of the brain for a longer time.
• A well-planned diet that incorporates adequate amounts of calcium and minerals can enable you to maintain bone health, keep the body energized, and lower the chances of depression and mood swings induced by deficiency. This can be achieved by ensuring that you consume foods of all colors, especially green leafy vegetables that are packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Decreased amounts of saturated fat in the diet can promote heart health and improve circulation.
• Opt for healthier lifestyle choices, including avoiding smoking and regulated consumption of alcohol.
• Increased consumption of fluids, including water and green tea, can help prevent conditions like vaginal dryness and dryness of the skin.
• Support groups and therapy are great ways to understand the changes experienced in the body. Therapy can also help address emotional issues like depression, anxiety, and mood swings without having to resort to medication.