We often say that women going through menopause are terrifying, assuming menopause is unique to women. In reality, men also experience a midlife transition after turning 40, though it occurs slightly later than in women and symptoms are generally less intense. So what should men pay attention to during this period?
First, compared to women, men's midlife transition symptoms appear later.At this age, many have already retired and withdrawn from significant social engagement, reducing the visibility and impact of their symptoms. Furthermore, their menopausal symptoms are often labeled with new terms like "post-retirement psychological imbalance" or "retirement loss syndrome," diminishing consideration of menopausal factors.
Second, 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.
Third, men are generally more emotionally stable and possess stronger self-control than women. In particular, men are less likely than women to readily express discomfort; they do not readily reflect their psychological fluctuations in facial expressions or mood.
Furthermore, neither general clinical literature nor medical textbooks have addressed or elaborated on this topic. This absence has led us to follow convention and neglect further exploration. These factors collectively explain 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 a decline in sexual ability and waning interest in their original partner, leading to the development of transference feelings and extramarital affairs. Similar to female menopause, common disturbances include insomnia, reduced patience, irritability, and anxiety. These conditions are not permanent.These symptoms of male menopause may disrupt life for only about a year, or they may 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 resolves naturally and can heal itself. Nevertheless, it clearly causes disturbance and adverse effects for the men experiencing it and for the family members and children living with them.It is widely believed that this cluster of symptoms during this phase is linked to declining levels of male sex hormones. However, definitive fundamental evidence still requires further research. Overall, the physical changes associated with this set of symptoms are not particularly significant or pronounced. Instead, they manifest more noticeably in personality, emotions, and the resulting instability in daily life. Men experiencing these symptoms during andropause are generally those who engage in relatively little physical activity.Their lives tend to be characterized by a monotonous and tedious repetition of routine. From the perspective of mental health and psychological well-being, it is undoubtedly beneficial for men in this situation to make a conscious effort to revitalize themselves. Attempting to change old patterns of living, and most importantly, seeking out new activities or pursuits that capture their attention and reignite their interests, holds significant practical value.
Dietary Requirements for Male Menopause
1. Menopausal diets should include sufficient protein to meet bodily needs, such as eggs, milk, and legumes.
2. Increase intake of foods rich in vitamins and calcium, particularly those abundant in B vitamins and vitamin E.
3. Many experience elevated blood sugar during menopause, increasing coronary heart disease risk.
4. Menopausal diets should strictly limit highly stimulating foods. During this phase, individuals often experience heightened emotional passivity, irritability, and restlessness. Excessive consumption of stimulating foods can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.
5. Salt increases bodily fluid retention and elevates blood pressure, contributing to hypertension while placing additional strain on the heart and kidneys. Therefore, salt intake must be restricted during menopause.
6. Menopausal diets should limit fats, as high-fat diets not only increase tumor incidence but also promote the onset and progression of arterial hypertension.