Irish men are reportedly seeking help in larger numbers to get them through andropause, the medical name for what is referred to as the ‘male menopause’.
A lack of understanding and information, coupled with stigma and ignorance on the subject, has led to men not being offered the very real help and advice they need. That is according to Dr Deirdre Forde, medical director of Céile Medical.
The male and female andropause and menopause, while sharing some similar symptoms, are radically different psychologically and emotionally.
Symptoms include depression, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, weight gain especially around the abdomen and loss of muscle mass.
Since she opened her clinic, Dr. Forde has “seen men from all walks of life. “It is really heartening to me to see how their lives change for the better once they seek the very particular help and treatment they need.”
“I really want to get the message out that there is hope for them and there is help. No man should have to suffer andropause in silence and alone.”
Here is a testimonial from a male patient in andropause:
“I am a healthy man who farms and works full-time. I have a normal lifestyle and a loving family. The main problem I experienced was tiredness and I was somewhat intolerant of things and situations that normally wouldn’t bother me.”
“I just accepted this as ‘part of life’- Maybe I was burning the candle at both ends? I wasn’t working as hard as I used to as I simply didn’t have the energy or the motivation to do so.”
“I tried taking all kinds of vitamin tablets with the hope of getting an energy boost and getting back to myself, but nothing really changed. I went to my doctor, told him how I was feeling, got my bloods done and a general check-up.”
Holiday
“All came back clear, and he told me I needed a break, a long holiday. I found though that even after a short break or holiday that nothing changed. If anything, it exasperated things as my farm or work chores hadn’t been done and this was making me more grumpy and snappy.”
“Exhaustion was beginning to affect my personal life, my work life, my social life and above all, I wasn’t ‘me’, the jovial, happy go, lucky individual, I used to be.”
Appointment
“I spoke to a friend who recommended Dr Deirdre Forde and I made an appointment to see her. She mentioned to me about andropause. I was amazed as I hadn’t even heard or known that men could suffer from hormonal imbalances.”
“At this stage, I’m using the Testogel three months now and I find it has certainly helped. My energy has increased. Albeit, I’m still not at full throttle yet, but I find that my tolerance levels are much better.”
“My sleep has greatly improved; physically and psychologically I feel more motivated and energised and now I believe I have a solution,” he concluded.
