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HIV and Andropause

HIV AND
ANDROPAUSE


Andropause is the male equivalent of female menopause. It is generally characterized by a decline in sexuality and energy, due to the decreasing levels of male hormones such testosterone.

THE FACTS ABOUT HIV AND ANDROPAUSE

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Causes Of Andropause Or Androgen Decline In Aging Males (ADAM)

Andropause is a complex condition. It occurs with a decline in testosterone but this alone may not be the cause. Actually, after the age of 30, a male’s testosterone levels decline by 1% each year. Andropause is more common in those with obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Andropause include:

  • Fatigue/tiredness or insomnia

  • Depression

  • Impaired memory

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Weight loss

Risk Factors for Andropause include:

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Smoking

  • Lack of exercise

  • Alcohol consumption

  • Lack of sleep

HIV And Andropause

Some of the symptoms listed above can lead to poor decision making, which can in turn lead to poor sexual choices and risky behaviour. Men with HIV are more prone to Andropause due to hypogonadism. Hypogonadism occurs when the sex glands called ‘gonads’ produce little sex hormones.This can be caused by HIV.

How is Andropause/Male Menopause treated? - The treatment of this ailment includes Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Some experts believe that a holistic approach is the key to the management of Andropause. This therapy, however, is not a benign approach, and must be carried out according to the advice of your doctor.

To manage andropause, make lifestyle changes!

  • Dietary: eating low fat food, soy products, tomatoes and green veggies, as well as drinking lots of water

  • Exercise

  • Avoid alcohol and smoking

  • Stress reduction methods like meditation and relaxation techniques

If you would like to understand more about the relationship between HIV and andropause, please take a look at the following video. If you would like to learn more about andropause, please take a look at the following video:


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