Is Andropause or Menopause affecting how I feel?

For females, peri-menopause can start as early as age 30, this is known as ‘menopause transition’ which can last for 3-10 yrs. Menopause typically occurs in late 40s to early 50s when oestrogen and progesterone productions slows considerably in the ovaries. 

Physical menopausal symptoms can include: 

▪️ Hot flushes

▪️ Changes in the menstrual cycle including erratic heavy bleeding

▪️ Night sweats/ insomnia

▪️ Aches/pain/ stiffness

▪️ Bloating

▪️ Crawling or itchy skin

▪️ Headaches/migraines

▪️ Palpitations

▪️ Increased tiredness

▪️ Sore breasts

▪️ Urinary problems such as ‘urgency’

▪️ Vaginal dryness/atrophy

▪️ Wakefulness

▪️ Weight gain

As well as physical symptoms, many symptoms are also emotional.  Emotional symptoms in menopause are typically things like:

▪️ Lowered mood

▪️ Mood swings

▪️ Feeling irritable/anxious

▪️ Reduced ability to cope

▪️ Low libido

▪️ Forgetfulness

▪️ Reduced concentration

▪️ Difficulty sleeping

▪️ Increased PMS symptoms especially in late 40s

For men, the root of the word for ‘Andropause’ is essentially a “pause/cessation” of “androgens”. It is characterised by decreased testosterone levels associated with the normal ageing process. For men, testosterone declines 1% per year from age 40. Men may experience similar symptoms to female menopausal symptoms, however, the hormone decline is more gradual than females and there is no significant event such as a cessation of the female menstrual cycle to mark the onset of andropause. As the onset and progress of symptoms is gradual and are often accompanied by mood and attitude change, this they may be missed or disregarded as a form of depression. 

Some common signs and symptoms of andropause include:

▪️ Decreased muscle and bone mass

▪️ Fatigue/ low mood

▪️ Erectile dysfunction/ low libido 

▪️ Increased body fat especially central body adiposity

▪️ Blood sugar elevation, increased insulin resistance

▪️ Irritability, anxiety and loss of stress tolerance

▪️ Diffuse sweating and hot flushes

▪️ Cognitive decline (memory, concentration)

▪️ Restlessness and insomnia

Hormone decline in both males and females are affected by multiple factors including:

▪️ Genetics

▪️ Nutrition/Diet

▪️ Lifestyle/Exercise/Sleep

▪️ Stress

▪️ Obesity

▪️ Infections and toxic load etc. 

The hormonal changes at this time of life can have significant effects on:

▪️ Cardiovascular system

▪️ Musculoskeletal system

▪️ Endocrine system

▪️ Central nervous system

Given all of this, we believe it’s important to have an individualised holistic approach when working with your hormonal changes as well as taking a preventative approach to your health with your practitioner.

To facilitate a tailored treatment plan, we will look at your full case history, which will include your symptoms, medical history, environment as well as using functional testing or blood tests if necessary. These will help the practitioner to have a deeper understanding of what is happening in your body and what may be the obstacles for your body to function optimally.  From there, we will design a treatment plan including a specialised diet for your needs, lifestyle change advice, and a prescription for herbal and nutritional practitioner grade products if required.

For men and women, the transition into midlife and navigating all the hormonal changes that come with it can be difficult. Find out how our natural health care practitioners can help you maintain optimal health and wellbeing and support you during this period by calling 98940014.

This article has been written by our Melbourne Naturopath Shiho Mafune. To book an appointment with Shiho Mafune contact us today!