People often only think about the changes women experience during menopause, while overlooking or even denying the existence of male menopause. In fact, men also undergo menopausal changes, but the symptoms are milder and develop more gradually. These changes typically occur about 10 years later than in women, mostly between the ages of 50 and 65. They primarily manifest as a series of functional symptoms related to zang-fu organ dysfunction, with male sexual dysfunction being the main concern.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

(1) Neurological symptoms such as dysphoria, irritability, mental depression, insomnia, headache, sometimes inferiority, indecisiveness, sometimes suspicion, loneliness, social withdrawal, and memory loss.

(2) Cardiovascular symptoms include subjective palpitations, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal dysfunction, vertigo headache, localized numbness, itching and heat sensations, cold limbs, tinnitus, black spots before the eyes, and non-localized pain or reduced energy and physical decline. Clinical tests show all laboratory indicators are normal.

(3) Sexual function and genital changes Sexual function shows decline, such as: decreased libido, apathy, slowed penile erection, weakened hardness, or even inability to erect; partial or complete subsidence after erection if intercourse is not timely, making it difficult to re-erect; weakened ejaculation intensity, sometimes not ejaculated but overflowed, and not every time can ejaculate; reduced semen volume but may contain sperm. The most typical genital changes are prostate gland atrophy, prostate hyperplasia, and cavernous fibrosis of the penis, penile stirred pulse sclerosis.

Men going through menopause should learn self-control, handle situations correctly, and maintain an optimistic attitude. Life and work should be disciplined and regular. Cultivate diverse interests, strive to participate in recreational, sports, and social activities, make more friends—especially intergenerational friendships—to reduce loneliness and isolation. Pay attention to a balanced diet, consume less high-sugar foods, and eat more protein-rich, calcium-rich, vitamin-rich, and natural foods. Maintain a low-salt, light diet with moderate amounts of meat and fats, avoid overeating, refrain from smoking, and avoid heavy dinners. Additionally, it’s beneficial to choose foods that improve nerve and vascular functions, such as lamb heart, pork heart, Chinese yam, walnuts, Chinese dates, longan, etc. If necessary, seek symptomatic treatment under a doctor’s guidance.