Early Andropause?

 

This comment was left by a Reader. I think we can all relate to his frustration.

"The issue of male andropause needs to be discussed. I fully understand that masturbation is not harmful. However I'm wondering if somehow I was an extreme excessive case in my youth. The reason I say that, is because I've never felt "horny" or such as hormones building and raging in my entire life. I read those words like "horny" all the time online, and yet I don't think I know what it means. I wonder if somehow I depleted my hormones or created an imbalance that has managed to linger into my adult life. Basically as I near 40 it has been worse feeling like a switch was flipped, and I have very low sexual interest and can easily forget about masturbating. So maybe excessive masturbation in youth depletes a man later in life. The various nofap and semen retention groups would probably say I caused these issues."

Andropause (male menopause) is a naturally occurring thing. However, it typically does not hit until we are in our 50s or 60s. Testosterone (T) is gradually used during the day by normal, everyday activities, and gets replenished while we sleep.

Feeling "horny" is just another way of saying we want to ejaculate. Some men have higher levels of Testosterone than others. That is why there is a normal "range." If you've never had this physical feeling, it's possible to have had naturally low levels of T all along. You did not use it all up by jacking off when you were young.

Nearing 40 is way too young to have to deal with andropause. And the good news is: You don't have to. I have to strongly urge you to go see your primary physician. Ask to have your T levels checked. When he asks why, tell him! It's doubtful he'll want to examine anything, he'll order a simple blood test. But, you have to be honest and forthright or he's not going to be able to help you.

He'll want to put you on T supplements; cream, gel, or injection. Do it. It will help you. Not only in the "hornies" department, you'll generally feel better. More basic energy.

Ignore the No-Fap and Semen Retention sites. Cumming does not deplete your T. In fact, according to Healthline: "T levels naturally rise during masturbation and sex, and fall to normal levels after orgasm. Ejaculating from masturbation doesn't have any noticeable, direct effects on serum T levels, however. This means that T levels don't get lower the more you masturbate."

So, go see your doctor.

Get the T replacement.

And Fap with abandon.

Oh, lest anyone forget:

Outward Signs

Andropause. Male Menopause. Yes, we go through menopause. And it can be as difficult physically and mentally for men as it can be for women. I can attest to that.

Part of the reason mine set in with such ferocity is that my balls never developed properly due to a serious case of mumps. So, when my testosterone levels began dropping off it was noticeable at an earlier age than most men experience.

Spontaneous boners didn't appear as often. When I did get a woody it wouldn't get as hard. I would get tired in the afternoon. My energy levels just tanked - normal activities would wear me out faster. Physical exertion caused me to tire quickly. A roller-coaster of depression set in. I didn't sleep well; tossing and turning, waking often. Morning wood? Not a chance. And that alone was reason to be depressed. 

Sex held no interest and became a chore.

Even jacking off wasn't much of a treat.

Though the Muscular Dystrophy proved to add to many of my symptoms, others pointed toward Andropause. Outward signs can be loss of body hair, breasts get larger, loss of muscle mass and weakness (a sure sign: the butt sags). Oh...some men may actually experience hot flashes. Yes, I said hot flashes. That one is also from personal experience.

Testosterone replacement is only one treatment for Andropause. There are other treatments available. If you recognize any of the symptoms in yourself, go see your doctor for a complete check-up.

According to Healthline's recent article, Warning Signs of Male Menopause, "Lifestyle changes may also help. According to Godec, 'a healthy lifestyle is the best guarantor that your testosterone will remain at a healthy level as you age.' Make sure to exercise, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight."

To which I would add: Maintaining friendships and relationships can help keep you grounded and on track.

Hot Flashes

Do men go through Menopause? Yes, we do. It's called Andropause. It affects most men as they age. After age 50, Testosterone levels begin to drop. But the symptoms vary from man to man. And according to Healthline.com Andropause can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems.

• low energy
• depression or sadness
• decreased motivation
• lowered self-confidence
• difficulty concentrating
• insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• increased body fat
• reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
• gynecomastia, or development of breasts
• decreased bone density
• erectile dysfunction
• reduced libido
• infertility
• Many men also suffer from tender or swollen breasts (yes, guys, we do have breast tissue!)

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smaller testicles,

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loss of body hair

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and...drum roll, please...hot flashes that make a guy want to jump into a cold pool.

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Or wish for winter to return.

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Obviously, we certainly notice weak - or the complete absence of - boners. Hell, that's the first thing we'll notice.

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Before you go insisting on boner pills, see if there is anything else your doctor can recommend. Oftentimes, a change in diet, or increasing exercise will help. And, so will added sleep

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because it is while we sleep that the man-berries are hard at work producing the elixir and sending it forth to work its magic.

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 But, remember...avoid breaking that boner: if you must have something on below the waist, always provide a means for your cock to escape.

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Early Andropause

An acquaintance asked me last night about the symptoms of Andropause. He's much too young to be going through it (mid 30's), yet just as Menopause can strike early so, too, can Andropause.

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Symptoms include - but are not limited to (lordy! I sound like a lawyer) - fatigue, lack of strength, loss of muscle mass, hot flashes, and night sweats. And the most telling of all: no morning wood and limp boners.

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The most you can muster up is half mast.

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He'd had his Testosterone levels checked a year ago. But, as I told him, "That was a year ago. Go get it checked again. And, if it's low, don't accept any prescription for hormone replacement unless it's a Bio-Identical cream." And he needs to be totally honest with his doctor about his boner quality.

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I'll be sure to follow up with him to make sure he's gone to see his physician for a complete physical. Something you all should have done, or at least scheduled during this Men's Health Month.