As male menopause (a.k.a. “andropause”) occurs, physical strength, endurance, mental concentration, and focus are reduced. For several years, doctors chalked all of this up to poor lifestyle, but now they are admitting that men, as well as women, suffer from “menopausal” symptoms or male menopause. While male menopause has no definite causes, it is related to the gradual decline of men’s testosterone levels and lower progesterone levels. Some experts believe that it can also be triggered by obesity, poor lifestyle, and even dementia.
Now the question may arise, do men suffer from the same menopausal symptoms as women? According to medical scientists, because women have different levels of estrogen hormones in their bodies, men do not suffer from the same symptoms. That being said, men still experience bothersome symptoms that should be addressed. Such symptoms include a declining ability to concentrate, memory loss, irritability, depression, sleep problems, fatigue, declining sex drive, erectile dysfunction, frequent urination, and even gynecomastia (male breasts).
Treatment of Male Menopause Symptoms
Treatment of male menopause symptoms is somewhat controversial, as doctors are only just beginning to truly understand the condition. The first thing that a man should do when showing signs of male menopause is to consult with a doctor. The doctor most likely will first focus on the levels of testosterone in the body and how to best adjust these levels with the levels of progesterone in order to achieve proper hormonal balancing. Some treatment plans may include testosterone therapy which may consist of the use of progesterone creams. It is important to understand, however, that the recommended treatments may depend on the actual menopause symptoms occurring.
As with hormone replacement therapy in women, male menopause treatments should not be taken lightly, as certain testosterone replacement therapies do have potential risks and side effects. For instance, replacing testosterone may increase the chances of prostate cancer. In some instances, doctors are also recommending lifestyle changes to help alleviate some of the symptoms of male menopause, including a change in diet and an exercise program.
Progesterone Cream for Men
Over the past several years, much research has been conducted that reflects that the use of safe, non-surgical, and non-prescription remedies such as natural progesterone cream for men works just as effective in managing prostate problems. Dr. Brent Formby from the Sansum Medical Research Institute in Santa Barbara, California conducted research that revealed that progesterone may help men with prostate problems. Dr. Formby documented that with the use of progesterone, a decrease and even stoppage of the growth of prostate cancer cells occurred.
Today, progesterone cream for men is being used to help eliminate symptoms that are a result of having an enlarged prostate. Additionally, progesterone creams are being used to help alleviate symptoms of decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH).
Understanding Why Progesterone Cream for Men Works
When most people think of progesterone, they think of it as a female hormone. However, men generally produce progesterone as well in both their testicular and adrenal tissues. Problems begin to arise as men age and their progesterone levels decline, along with their testosterone levels. Additionally, prolonged stress can also lessen the amount of progesterone in the body as the stress hormone cortisol is actually made from progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, and other steroid hormones.
One researcher, Ray Peat noted that one of the most vital roles of progesterone in the body is to oppose the toxic effects of too much estrogen in the body. Additionally, Dr. John Lee, the progesterone expert, also noted that progesterone takes on multiple roles in promoting good prostate health. It is well-documented that progesterone inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is weaker than testosterone and is a far greater stimulant of prostate cell growth compared to testosterone. Therefore, using a progesterone cream may help one achieve the proper balance between testosterone, DHT, and estrogen.
It is important that men who suffer from symptoms of prostate problems get tested for hormonal imbalances of testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Once you understand your condition thoroughly, you and your doctor will be able to review your treatment options. For many, progesterone cream for men is just the answer they are looking for.
