Male Menopause - Erection Effects

Though it's rarely spoken about, males can also experience menopause. About 40 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 60, suffer from male menopausal symptoms, which are somewhat similar to female menopause symptoms.

This form of menopause found in men is known as andropause, and also referred to as male midlife crisis, which is brought on because of a decline in the production of testosterone. It is generally advised to seek medical help if you suspect that you may be experiencing male menopausal symptoms, just to make sure that there isn't anything else wrong that may be showing the same symptoms.

When men are between the ages of 40 and 50, they begin to experience a gradual decline in testicular function. This decrease leads to a decrease in hormonal levels as well, which in turn dampens the testosterone production in the male body. When this happens, male menopausal symptoms begin to take effect. The difference with males going through menopause however is that women will have their child bearing days brought to an abrupt end, while men will only have a decline in the function their testes.

Andropause symptoms are rarely as severe as female menopausal symptoms. It is still advised however that a doctor is visited just to be on the safe side if you suspect that you may be experiencing any symptoms. Conditions such as lupus, mumps, diabetes and testicular injury are known to show the exact same signs as male menopausal symptoms.

Fatigue is generally the most prolific of Andropause. This fatigue can be very severe and may lead to the individual feeling sorry for themselves, and at times even lead to depression. Joint pains, though not always present, can be a sign of male menopausal symptoms. The changes in hormonal levels can also lead to hot flashes, and insomnia, which are very similar symptoms to that experienced by a woman. The most troublesome of all symptoms however for men is the decreased sex drive. The decrease in testosterone production and hormonal levels is the reason for this and this lowered sex drive along with a lowering ability to maintain an erection can lead to severe depression in men.

When a man reaches this stage of inability to maintain an erection, the level of depression can be very severe and can lead to thoughts of suicide. This is why it is called male midlife crisis and counseling and medical attention should be sought immediately. At this stage, men are usually found to be highly irritable and it is important for the family to understand this.

Many men experience weight gain as they get older and are not as active as they once were, but this can also be a sign of male menopausal symptoms, and should not be ignored.

As much as it may be ignored, male menopausal symptoms are very real and attention should be paid when someone is suspected of going through this. Andropause is a very real part of male aging even though doctors might put more emphasis on female menopause symptoms.

For more information on reversing the effects of male menopause, follow this link: Male Menopause