Aging mechanisms and individual differences and characteristics of male menopause

6. Understanding the mechanisms of aging

The human body undergoes gradual changes as we age.

First, cells are affected by reactive oxygen species and gradually oxidize, much like the body rusting (similar to the impression of rusty iron). Specifically, reactive oxygen species produced in the body damage mitochondria, cell membranes, and cell nuclei, which are crucial for using oxygen to produce energy for movement, thereby reducing the number of cells and destroying tissues.

In today's sluggish economy, not to mention the mental stress, there are various factors in society that generate reactive oxygen species, such as radiation, electromagnetic waves, ultraviolet rays, smoking, air pollution, water pollution, and food additives.

Secondly, the secretion of various hormones begins to decline after the age of 20. This decline becomes even steeper as one approaches 40. This is a major reason why people over 40 feel old. As the body transitions from "growth" to "aging," the most important changes occur in hormones essential for maintaining youth and health, such as growth hormone, melatonin, DHEA, male hormones, female hormones, and insulin-like growth factor.

● Energy decrease

● Decreased athletic ability and muscle strength

● Decreased libido and energy

● Decreased willpower and mental vigor

● Decreased visual ability

● In addition to the reduction in fat and muscle mass

● Progression of osteoporosis

● Decreased skin luster, firmness, and suppleness

The following chapters will explain in detail that the dynamics of the decrease in male and female hormones are very different at this time, which is the reason why men and women age very differently.

Muscle loss can occur suddenly after age 50.

Around age 20, muscle mass accounts for 40% of the human body, decreasing by about 1% annually thereafter. This muscle loss is not only due to declining hormone levels with age, but also because opportunities to use muscles decrease with age. In particular, lower body muscles are lost first compared to upper body muscles; in other words, "aging begins in the waist and legs." After age 50, the rate of muscle loss accelerates dramatically, with fat replacing muscle. Metabolic syndrome is a common topic among middle-aged men, especially since obesity can promote cellular oxidation and is a major cause of premature aging.

Under such influence, cells are changing, and the brain, various internal organs, eyes, nose, ears and other parts of the body are gradually aging. It is undeniable that this is a tragedy for the body.

7. Changes in men with age vary greatly from person to person.

The most prominent reason for the differences in aging between men and women is the different ways in which sex hormones decrease.

For women, although there may be a few years difference, most experience a peak in estrogen levels around age 20, gradually declining until age 35. However, around 37-38, levels begin to drop significantly, indicating a decline in uterine function (making conception difficult). Afterward, the decline in hormone levels gradually steepens, reaching menopause at age 51 (the average age of menopause for Japanese women, almost the same worldwide). The rate of decline is astonishing, like falling into a valley of hell, a straight drop. Despite being a woman, her estrogen levels are reduced to only half the amount found in men. This is a harsh reality affecting all women.

Female hormones are the most powerful hormones for creating life, protecting everything in a woman's body. Due to menopause, female hormones are lost rapidly, causing a severe blow to a woman's body. At this time, men are urged to be understanding. Life is long, and understanding the different ways your partner ages is the first step towards fostering kindness and compassion.

After age 40, male hormone levels fluctuate significantly due to different lifestyle habits.

However, men are different. After age 15, male hormones peak, but some gradually decline with age, while others experience a sudden drop between 35 and 40, leading to erectile dysfunction (ED) or depression at a young age. Furthermore, there are men whose hormone levels haven't significantly decreased even at age 90, and who remain incredibly energetic.

Meanwhile, men who have high levels of male hormones in their youth but experience a sudden decrease in middle age, compared to those who have low hormone levels in their youth and maintain low levels thereafter, actually have higher levels of male hormones, but there are also cases showing that the former experience a stronger sense of loss. Thus, the changes brought about by aging in men do indeed stem from individual differences.

Furthermore, male hormone levels are not solely determined at birth. Significant bodily changes occur between the ages of 40 and 50, and lifestyle habits can greatly influence the pattern of decline. Metabolic syndrome is indeed a major contributing factor to decreased male hormone levels.

8. Does male menopause begin at age 40?

Although male hormones decrease, not everyone experiences menopausal symptoms. Whether in the West or the East, past experience shows that men's condition begins to deteriorate around the age of 40.

Since the international conference held in Geneva in February 2000, male menopause has been widely recognized worldwide. However, it is now generally believed that male menopause begins between the ages of 40 and 55. Like female menopause, its symptoms vary widely, and there is no obvious trigger like amenorrhea, making it difficult to explain the cause of the symptoms, resulting in many cases of patients seeking treatment at various types of hospitals.

The following section introduces the main characteristics of male menopause based on information provided by American male psychologist Jed Damon. Please check which characteristics you should pay attention to.

Key characteristics of male menopause:

Physical characteristics:

● The alcohol from the night before still has residue

● Recovery time is needed due to injury or illness.

● Loss of physical resilience

● Numbness in hands and feet

Characteristics of the spirit:

● Irritable

● Indecisive

● Unexplained unease

● Loss of self-confidence or joy

● Difficulty concentrating

● Loneliness

● Losing direction or purpose in life

Characteristics of sex:

● Decreased libido

● Increased anxiety or fear about sex

● Increased frequency of sexual intercourse with persons other than their spouse

●ED

● Loss of ejaculation momentum

● Decreased orgasm

If irritability occurs, pay attention.

As a characteristic of male menopause, strong psychological symptoms are common, with 50% being diagnosed with "depression" and 40% experiencing "numbness in the hands and feet." Although less than 10% of people come to medical institutions believing they have sexual dysfunction, actual conversations reveal that almost all of them have problems.

In addition, as a male characteristic, "melancholy" is not dominated by "sadness" but is mostly expressed as "anger," so it is believed that it is difficult for men to perceive.

My friend's husband used to be a "happy person," but three years ago he suddenly became an "irritable and easily agitated man." Although the symptoms of menopause are very typical, many men also have their pride and don't admit that they are going through menopause. My friend's family is still shrouded in an atmosphere of fear and trepidation.

Have you recently been perceived by those around you as being irritable or easily angered?