Andropause refers to the symptoms men experience as their testosterone production levels decrease with age though it can also decline due to medications and lifestyle choices.
Andropause is also more commonly clinically referred to as testosterone deficiency syndrome, androgen deficiency and hypogonadism. It is important to note that andropause is not the male equivalent of female menopause. Not all men experience this.
Major differences between menopause & andropause
- Menopause causes infertility, andropause does not.
- Menopausal hormones decrease rapidly, Andropausal hormones decrease gradually but at a constant rate.
- Menopause affects all women, Andropause often affects men with low testosterone levels
Some Common Symptoms of Menopause and Andropause:
-MOOD SWINGS
-DEPRESSION
-HEADACHE
-NIGHT SWEATS
-INSOMNIA
-WEIGHT GAIN
-LOWERED BONE DENSITY
Symptoms in Andropause:
-DECREASED MOTIVATION
-SLUGGISH THINKING
-LACK OF FOCUS
-LOW ENERGY
-MUSCLE LOSS
-MILD TO MODERATE ERECTILE
What causes Andropause?
A] Andropause is usually triggered by low testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for male physical characteristics such as body and facial hair, deep voice, muscle strength, strong sexual drive and competitive behaviour. The testes produce less testosterone as men age.
B] Certain medical conditions can also trigger early andropause, such as
-Testicular cancer and the surgical removal of the testes.
-Prostate cancer patients who receive anti-testosterone therapy to maintain very low testosterone levels can also experience andropause.
C] Other risk factors include underlying health problems, such as:
-lack of exercise
-smoking
-alcohol consumption
-stress
-anxiety
-sleep deprivation
Role of Homeopathy in Andropause
Homeopathy has proven of great help in treating andropause. Homeopathic medicines are known to control symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. When chosen correctly, they even regulate decreased /increased hormonal levels and provide a sense of well-being and comfort.
Men’s sexual health includes testosterone levels, fertility, Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction (ED), impotence, and andropause.
Homeopathy is based on the promise of offering a natural form of medicine. It is commonly used to treat men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. One of the most common reasons for ED is psychological problems, such as stress and performance anxiety.
Homeopathic treatment is based on the specific characteristics of the patient. Some homeopathic medicines that have been found to be particularly effective in such cases are:
Lycopodium : Intellectually eager but physically weak men. Impotence and excessive flatulence. Weight loss is evident especially in the upper body. Lycopodium are quite chilly yet enjoy the cool air and feels aggravated in a warm congested place. A remedy for andropause with performance anxiety and impotency. The genitals may seem cold and there may be atrophy. Where Lycopodium is indicated, there are digestive issues, and small amounts of food cause fullness.
Graphites : Aversion to sexual intercourse in shy, hypothermic men with chronic constipation.
Agnus castus : Premature old age with melancholy, self-loathing and lack of sexual vigour or desire. Fixed idea of approaching death, not of immediate death, as with Aconite. Easy spraining of ankle joints is often seen in these patients with andropause.
Straining of muscles and tendons from lifting. Emission of prostatic fluid during and after stool, during urination. Weakness and swollen sensation in thighs, towards evening. The coldness of the knees and of the external male genitals along with andropause especially suggest Agnus castus.
Caladium : Sensitive, irritable, depressed man who cannot get an erection even after arousal. Disturbed digestion with frequent belching.
Argentum Nitricum : Argentum Nitricum is prescribed when there is no erection during sexual intercourse. Other symptoms include anticipatory anxiety, cravings for salty or sweet foods, belching.
Baryta Carbonica : Often used for older men with decreased sexual desire and impotence. Low sexual desire, premature ej-aculation and emission of fluids throughout the night. The penis may be small and cold to the touch and accompanied by atrophied testicles. There may be penis numbness, memory loss, shyness, and premature ageing.
Selenium Metallicum: Selenium Metallicum is used when the patient has sexual desire but his ability is weakened. He may also suffer from involuntary ejaculations and fatigue, which are also treated with this remedy. Great dullness, with complete insensibility and indifference to his surroundings.
Very forgetful, especially in business, during slumber, however, he remembers all he had forgotten. Oversensitive to drafts which cause headaches, pain in limbs, and hot weather causes weakness. Strength rises as sun sinks. Loquacity. Imagines drafts of air are a special indication. Loss of hair of the whole body.
Sabal Serrulata Q: Sabal Serrulata is prescribed for loss of sex drive with testicular atrophy. Prostate enlargement with sexual debility. Fear of going to sleep. Thinking difficult.
Nuphar Luteum Q: Recommended as one of the best homeopathic medicines for low testosterone leading to complete loss of sexual desire. Relaxation of the genitals. Involuntary defecation and urination may also occur in such cases.
Acid Phos : Effective for treatment of hair loss on beard and genitals due to low testosterone levels. Phosphoric acidum can help with impotence, lethargy and extreme stress. This remedy is effective for testosterone problems in which there is premature ejaculation, extreme penis hypersensitivity and a loss of sexual drive. Ejaculation of fluids when passing stool or urinating.
Kali Phos : Kali Phos provides help when there is pronounced fatigue and exhaustion from pain, worry. The person feels exhausted all the time. Depression, sadness, mental sluggishness and nervous prostration are some accompanying symptoms.
Avena Sativa Q – A powerful tonic to increase energy levels. It is indicated when severe weakness and exhaustion occur. Difficulty concentrating and insomnia. It is also one of the best homeopathic remedies for weakness associated with excessive sexual activity.
Ginkgo Biloba Q –An effective homoeopathic medicine for problems related to ageing. This remedy has some use in muscular weakness, skin conditions, many types of neurological problems such as dementia, urinary problems, andropause.
Yohmibine: In the morning strong and lasting erections without increase of desire. Sexual neurasthenia, with impotence. Enlargement of testicles and epididymis.
