A Comprehensive Guide to Male Menopausal Syndrome: Clinical Identification, Psychological Adjustment, Western Medicine Intervention, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment

177. Men should be wary of menopausal syndrome. Men experience symptoms similar to those of women during menopause. These mainly include: excessive suspicion, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, loss of interest in work; decreased libido, reduced sexual function, fatigue, and unstable blood pressure. Other symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat. After age 45, men experience changes in neurotransmitter transmission, and although they may no longer have a menstrual cycle, the medical community has largely reached a consensus on the nature of menopause. There is no specific drug treatment for this condition; middle-aged men should learn self-regulation. Maintain a regular lifestyle, pay attention to work-rest balance, and engage in regular exercise such as jogging, walking, and gymnastics. Cultivate an open mind and try to develop new interests. Pay attention to nutrition and reduce the intake of high-fat or spicy foods.

Clinical Manifestations of Male Menopause Male menopause generally occurs between the ages of 50 and 60, with progressive testicular atrophy and functional decline. Those with poor self-regulation may experience the following clinical symptoms: (1) Neuropsychiatric symptoms: including depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. In severe cases, it resembles a psychotic episode, known as menopausal psychosis. (2) Vasomotor symptoms: autonomic nervous system dysfunction causing nighttime fever, headache, and palpitations. (3) Decreased sexual function: impotence, low libido, or lack of libido. During this stage, it is important to maintain emotional stability, eliminate tension, balance work and rest, and be considerate and understanding towards each other. Those with obvious symptoms can take medication under the guidance of a doctor, such as traditional Chinese medicine for nourishing the heart and calming the mind, or tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang.

Dietary Management for Male Menopause: To maintain physical and mental health during male menopause, it's essential to consume foods that improve and enhance gonadal function. Improved sexual function can alleviate menopausal symptoms. Foods include: shrimp, mutton, mussels, lamb kidneys, leeks, and walnuts. Medicinal dishes such as mutton and cistanche porridge, braised duck with cordyceps, and ginseng porridge can be prepared. A balanced diet is crucial, including adequate amounts of whole grains, beans, potatoes, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to prevent vitamin deficiencies.

Most men can successfully overcome male menopausal syndrome with Western medicine treatment. Those with more severe symptoms should maintain psychological resilience and be supplemented with drug treatment. (1) Hormone therapy: Commonly used drugs include diethylstilbestrol 0.25 mg and methyltestosterone 5 mg, taken orally at the same time. (2) Sedatives: Diazepam and chlordiazepoxide have a slow inhibitory effect on the hypothalamus, improving autonomic and mental symptoms; chlorpromazine improves motor organ symptoms. (3) Vitamin E and oryzanol have a certain effect on improving gonadal function. (4) Menopausal relief tablets and menopausal health tablets have a significant effect on improving symptoms.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of male menopausal syndrome: TCM believes that menopause is a physiological dysfunction based on low levels of kidney yin and kidney yang. (1) Liver and kidney yin deficiency: Symptoms include dizziness, lower back pain, night sweats, irritability, and hot flashes in the palms, soles, and chest. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan can be taken for 2 months; if there is liver stagnation, Xiao Yao Wan can be added. (2) Heart and kidney disharmony: Symptoms include irritability, insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, and forgetfulness. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan can be taken, 9 grams every night. (3) Kidney yang deficiency: Symptoms include lower back pain, weak legs, pale complexion, fatigue, impotence, and premature ejaculation. You Gui Wan can be taken, 9 grams each morning and evening, for 2 months.