-
Andropause – Friend or Foe?
Part of my reason for joining TgR was to find out more about why I am different to other males. Recently I came across some information on andropause and I wanted to share this to see if others in our group experience similar feelings and can offer their opinion on how relevant andropause might be in explaining some of the reasons for older males developing this fascination with their feminine side and gender identity as they age as has happened with me.
In the past it was widely thought that the changes experienced by men as they grew older were just a natural part of aging. More recently it has been accepted that the gradual decline of 1-2% per year in testosterone levels which begin for most males in their 30’s cause many of these physical and behavioural changes. The physical changes may include loss of muscle size, strength and energy while behavioural changes may include being less aggressive and competitive, taking fewer risks and having lower libido.
This may leave the person feeling confused, discouraged and possibly depressed. By the age of 55 many men feel like they have lost much of the masculinity that they had during their youth. The person doesn’t understand what is happening to them and can lose direction in their life and may feel as though they have lost their core essence. Many men will also not seek professional help as they don’t want to admit their perceived weakness and they wouldn’t discuss it with their mates either.
However, for those of us who during our teenage years explored our feminine side (but may have suppressed it to a certain extent while pursuing career and family) this loss of masculinity can be very liberating. The biochemical changes taking place due to reduced testosterone help to modify our old male thought processes and allow more feminine concepts to intensify. As the testosterone decreases the feminine identity kicks in with a vengeance. But we must be careful as this flourishing feminine side may also lead to tension with maintaining old relationships in this changing environment.
The standard treatment for andropause has been HRT, either testosterone to return the body and thought processes to the male side or estrogen to move the person more toward the feminine. Any HRT can be dangerous and if either of these two options is being considered then they should be supervised by a qualified medical practitioner. I believe I have found an alternative to hormone therapy using mindfulness techniques to explore a more balanced existence blending the masculine and feminine aspects into a more comprehensive whole.
If you feel that you are going through andropause don’t be dismayed you are not alone. By researching and taking a proactive approach to this condition, hopefully we might come to a fuller understanding of who we are and in the process be able to explain to others that andropause and it’s effects on us and our gender identitiy is just a natural part of life.
-
2 Replies
-
"
This content has been hidden as the member is suspended. -
Thats most likely why my boobs have started growing
But not as much as I would like.
It feels good when you get comments like “are they real
and I reply what you see is real and what you cam see is not
Keep smiling
Vicki
