We often say menopausal women are formidable, assuming menopause is uniquely female. In reality, men also experience a midlife transition after 40, though it arrives later and symptoms are less intense than in women. Let's explore what male menopause entails.
First, male menopausal symptoms appear later than in women. At this age, many have retired and withdrawn from significant social engagement, so their symptoms are less "triggered" and less noticed by others. Additionally, people often label their symptoms with new terms like "post-retirement psychological imbalance" or "retirement loss syndrome," downplaying the role of menopausal factors.
Second, men tend to be relatively more emotionally stable and possess stronger self-control than women. They are generally less inclined to express discomfort verbally and less likely to show psychological fluctuations quickly in their facial expressions or moods.
Third, men lack the distinct physiological changes unique to women, such as menstrual irregularities and menopause. These obvious changes make it easier to associate them with discomfort.
If there are other factors, they remain largely unexplored in clinical literature and medical textbooks, leaving this topic under-researched. These are the reasons why male menopause symptoms have long been overlooked.
The predominant symptoms of male menopause manifest as diminished sexual interest and reduced sexual function. However, a significant number of men simultaneously experience declining sexual capacity and waning interest in their original partner, leading to the development of "transference" psychology and the occurrence of "extramarital affairs." Similar to the turmoil experienced during female menopause, symptoms include insomnia, reduced patience, irritability, and anxiety. These conditions are not permanent.These symptoms of male menopause may only "bother" a person for about a year, or they can persist for several years, trapping individuals in a "quagmire" of irritability and rage from which they cannot extricate themselves.
Fortunately, this is a condition that naturally resolves and can heal itself. Nevertheless, it undeniably causes distress and adverse effects for both the menopausal man and his family members living with him. It is widely believed that this cluster of symptoms during this phase is linked to declining levels of male sex hormones (testosterone). However, definitive fundamental evidence still requires further research.
Overall, the physical changes associated with this set of symptoms are not particularly pronounced or significant. Instead, they manifest more noticeably in personality, emotions, and the resulting instability in daily life. Men experiencing these symptoms during andropause are typically those with very little physical activity. Their lives are characterized by a monotonous, repetitive routine that lacks stimulation.From the perspective of mental health and psychological well-being, individuals in this situation would benefit greatly from making a conscious effort to revitalize themselves. Attempting to break old routines is crucial, and most importantly, seeking out new activities or pursuits that capture their attention and reignite their interests holds undeniable positive practical significance.
Dietary Requirements for Male Menopause
1. Ensure adequate protein intake to meet bodily needs during menopause, such as consuming eggs, milk, and legumes;
2. Consume foods rich in vitamins and calcium, especially those abundant in B vitamins and vitamin E;
3. Salt increases bodily fluid retention and blood pressure, potentially leading to hypertension while burdening the heart and kidneys. Therefore, salt intake should be restricted during this period;
4. Many individuals experience elevated blood sugar levels during menopause, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease;
5. Menopausal diets should strictly limit highly stimulating foods, as emotional passivity, irritability, and restlessness are common during this phase. Excessive intake of such foods exacerbates menopausal symptoms.
6. Menopausal diets require fat restriction, as high-fat diets not only increase tumor incidence but also promote the onset and progression of arterial hypertension;