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During my recent sparring sessions at my boxing gym, I posed a question to my coach that I wasn't sure how he would react to.
My question was based on my observation that the number of men in the gym was steadily decreasing. It goes without saying that many fighters were dropping out of sparring competitions, despite my increased attendance.
Without a doubt, I've noticed another trend: instead of seeing men dressed appropriately and in a way that is representative, we are increasingly becoming a society of tracksuits, shorts, baggy clothing, and XXXXL-size oversized T-shirts.
That was enough for my coach Rodney to explain his vision, and this article addresses the issue that most of the men don't talk or have never been told that they can talk about it.
Even in the world I grew up in, stereotypes of Alpha Males and the hard-working communist working class persisted, telling us that a man never cries, never asks for help, and most importantly, a man is a man until the very end.
We all go through different stages of life, and as I mentioned, I understand that this is a taboo subject and that perhaps males don't discuss it loudly and openly enough.
Well, hold on a second. I have personally felt some of the changes that males go through.
Upon leaving my conversation with coach Rodney, I began researching male menopause to learn more.
Men may undergo andropause, a condition that is comparable to women's menopause, between the ages of 40 and 55.
In contrast to women, men do not have a distinct indicator, such as the end of menstruation, to indicate this change.
Nonetheless, both men and women experience a drop in hormone levels, with men experiencing a fall in testosterone and women in estrogen.
Until recently, only women experienced menopause symptoms.
But more and more medical professionals are beginning to see that men are increasingly exhibiting menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms that are similar to those of women.
Whether men can truly experience a "menopause" when their testosterone levels decline is a topic of contemporary medical debate.
The fact that males who have undergone testosterone hormone therapy have reported feeling less of the symptoms of the so-called "male menopause" lends credence to this theory.
Men's physical changes happen very gradually. These changes may manifest in:
Furthermore, research has demonstrated that this drop in testosterone might also put a person at risk for other illnesses like osteoporosis and heart disease.
The changes often occur at a time when many men are reevaluating their values, accomplishments, and life direction, making it difficult to understand their connection to anything other than external conditions.
There is no way to predict who will develop andropause symptoms, even though almost all men will see a decrease in testosterone over time.
We're all unique, like puberty happened differently.
The male "change" happens over several decades and is far more gradual than menopause, which typically happens in women in their mid-40s to mid-50s.
Many factors, such as attitude, psychological stress, alcohol, injuries or surgeries, drugs, obesity, and infections, can cause andropause.
There is no way to predict which men will have andropause symptoms severe enough to need medical attention, even though almost all men will see a fall in testosterone over time.
The age at which a person will exhibit symptoms is also uncertain.
Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that at the age of 40, men's testosterone levels typically drop by 1% annually. However, only 10% to 25% of older men have low testosterone levels, with the majority still having levels within the normal range.
People often overlook low testosterone levels in older men.
Furthermore, many guys with low testosterone don't exhibit any symptoms.
Also, the symptoms and indicators linked to low testosterone are not exclusive to it.
A person's age, drug usage, or other health issues, like having a body mass index of 30 or above, might also contribute to them.
Nonetheless,
are all indicators of low testosterone.
Decreased energy, motivation, and confidence, as well as a low mood and difficulty concentrating, are additional potential symptoms.
Additionally, minor unexplained anaemia, increased body fat, diminished muscular mass and strength, sleep disturbance, and increased sleepiness are possible.
There are treatment suggestions for low testosterone in older men.
If you are a male of a specific age, you should see a doctor.
My routine is to get this check-up every year, and because I regularly work out at the gym and train for boxing, I also get those basic check-ups a few times a year. Trust me, I'm more relaxed.
Hormonal changes leading to reduced testosterone levels are the main cause of andropause.
Most affected men are 40 years of age or older.
To recognize if you have entered the andropause, you need to ask yourself a number of questions. These include whether you feel less energetic, more exhausted, depressed, or irritable than usual, or spend more of your leisure time watching TV.
A doctor should make a physical examination, ask about symptoms, run tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions, and do blood testing, which may involve measuring testosterone levels, to diagnose andropause.
Hormone therapy can alleviate symptoms including depression, exhaustion, and diminished libido if testosterone levels are low.
There are dangers and adverse consequences associated with hormone treatment for women.
For instance, testosterone replacement raises the risk of heart disease and exacerbates prostate cancer.
Of course, you should all talk to your doctor about this.
Eating well and exercising are not the only factors that contribute to excellent health.
Enjoying some alone time, connecting with friends, and having a decent laugh are all equally important.
Because it reduces stress and maintains the health of your prostate, sex is also beneficial to your body and mind.
Believe me, taking care of your health does not diminish your manliness.
Now that a new year has arrived, let's finish this one and begin the next one with the greatest and most crucial choice of all: to look after our health.
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