How long does menopause last?

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Le Phuc Lien - Urologist - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital. The doctor has more than 12 years of experience in the field of urology and specialized urology.

Male menopause is a term to refer to a decrease in the hormone testosterone in the blood, leading to impaired sexual function, erectile dysfunction. Not only does it reduce the quality of life, but menopause also has many adverse effects on other organs in the body.

From the time of puberty, male reproductive physiology begins to work under the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, to regulate the synthesis and secretion of releasing hormones. release gonadotropic hormones, in which the important role is testosterone. This is the hormone that makes up the masculinity of men, with the development of the body, muscles, voice, and sex organs, and stimulates the primordial germ cells in the testes to form sperm. This process continues until adulthood.
Male menopause is a biochemical syndrome associated with advanced age and is characterized by a deficiency in serum testosterone levels. This syndrome can lead to significant changes in quality of life and adversely affect multi-organ function.

As mentioned above, male hypogonadism is a term that refers to a decrease in testosterone levels in the male body. This happens continuously and increases with age. From the time they start between the ages of 50 and 60, the signs will become more pronounced and will last for the rest of your life.

Testosterone hormone in the blood decreases due to the following reasons:
Low testosterone is an inevitable consequence of old age. Patients with diseases that disrupt hormone production or diseases such as diabetes, hypopituitarism, adrenal tumors, pituitary-testicular tumors, tumors in other organs, ... Using drugs such as estrogen, glucocorticoid, bucalutamide, flutamide, cimetidine,... Addiction to alcohol, beer, tobacco, using stimulants.

4.1 Sexual and reproductive health symptoms Reduced libido Erectile dysfunction Weak sperm makes it difficult to have children. 4.2 Systemic symptoms Cardiovascular system disorders such as: Abnormally high and low blood pressure, heart palpitations, flushed face, palpitations. Increased respiratory diseases: Difficulty breathing at night, loud snoring. Osteoporosis, easily broken bones. Patients tend to be sedentary due to decreased muscle volume and tone. Decrease in muscle mass, decrease in muscle strength. Increased fat, belly fat. The skin loses water, creating wrinkles. Nervous: the patient is sensitive to reflexes. Patients with mental disorders such as stress, depression, anxiety, reduced cognitive ability and ability to concentrate. Hematopoietic disorders: anemia.

Biochemical tests to evaluate the function of the whole body organs. People with metabolic syndrome such as: Hyperlipidemia, diabetes, ... have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, sexual dysfunction, ... higher than the average person. Imaging tests (ultrasound, X-ray,...) to diagnose other diseases and make differential diagnosis. Hormone tests are mainly reproductive hormones: LH, FSH, prolactin, estradiol, testosterone to look for endocrine disorders. The gold standard for determining male menopause is the amount of testosterone in the blood falling below normal (normally, the amount of testosterone in the blood is: 10-35 nmol/liter). The test should be done in the morning.

To treat this condition, a highly recommended method today is to use male hormone replacement therapy by adding or boosting testosterone into the body.
Before performing, it is necessary to do tests such as liver function, kidney function, prostate ultrasound. Therefore, patients are not allowed to self-medicate, but need a doctor's prescription.
Besides the use of drugs, diet, scientific activities and psychotherapy for the elderly play an important role. With age, sexual activity generally declines, but libido and sexual ability may remain. Sex is a normal and natural physiological activity, and older people need to realize their sexuality and become more comfortable with their sexuality.
It is necessary to be properly aware of the disease for timely diagnosis, consultation and treatment to achieve the highest efficiency.
In order to minimize the impact of menopause on quality of life, men in this age group can seek medical care, thanks to the advice and guidance of care from doctors.