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Vashi2Panvel.Com: Navi Mumbai. September 13: There are certain diseases and imperfections, which our society is hesitant to talk about. These are the psychological, physical and hormonal changes which a person experiences as he enters the later part of adulthood. “Male menopause” is one such problem, which involves the hormonal, physiological, and chemical changes that occur in many men, generally between the ages group of 40 to 55, though it can also occur as early as 35 or as late as 65. These changes affect all aspects of a man's life. It is, thus, a physical condition with psychological, interpersonal, social and spiritual dimensions.

The doctors around the city believe that there is a vast difference in the symptoms, which a female experiences during these years. “The symptoms of male menopause are not as vast as the wholesale changes women experience, and male menopause does not affect all men. Approximately 40% of men in their 40s, 50s and 60s experience some degree of lethargy, depression, increased irritability, mood swings, and difficulty in attaining and sustaining erections that characterize male menopause,” explains Dr Pradip Patkar, a psychologist, practicising at Vashi. “For these individuals, such unanticipated physical and psychological changes can be a cause for concern or even crisis. Without an understanding partner, these problems may result in a combination of anxieties and doubts, which can lead to total impotence and sexual frustration,” he adds.

Recently an aging study surveyed was conducted with 1700 middle-aged men from all parts of the world. It revealed that 51% of normal, healthy males age 40 to 70 experience some degree of impotence. This problem cannot be attributed to the aging process alone.

On asking about the causes of the problem, Dr.Ramesh Gilidhyal, a private practitioner at Vashi replies, “Although the causes of male menopause have not been fully researched, some factors that are known to contribute to this condition are hormone deficiencies, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, hypertension, prescribed and non-prescribed medications, poor diet, lack of exercise, poor blood circulation, and psychological problems.” He further adds that people should consult an expert for these problems, which they experience, rather than taking medications on their own. However, many of the experts do agree that a general decline in male potency at mid-life can be expected in a significant proportion of the male population.

Smriti Mishra