Men and Depression
The most common problem associated with male menopause is depression which is closely related to impotence and problems with male sexuality. Approximately 40% of men in their 40s, 50s and 60s will experience some degree of difficulty in attaining and sustaining erections, lethargy, depression, increased irritability, and mood swings that characterize male menopause. The symptoms of depression in men are commonly not recognized for several reasons:
- The symptoms of male depression are different than the classic symptoms we think of as depression
- Men deny they have problems because they are supposed to "be strong"
- Men deny they have a problem with their sexuality and don't understand the relationship with depression
- The symptom cluster of male depression is not well known so family members, physicians, and mental health professionals fail to recognize it.
Differences between Male and Female depression:
Men are more likely to act out their inner turmoil while women are more likely to turn their feelings inward.
Testosterone, The Male Sex Hormone
Testosterone is the principal androgen of which 95% is made by the testes (testicles or sperm producers), 5% in the adrenals of both sexes and 1% by female ovaries. T is synthesized from cholesterol at approximately 6 mg/day (normal range 5-15 mg/day depending on age) and metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine. Testosterone can be bioconverted into two other steroids at target tissues throughout the body: This conversion essentially regulates all T activity since the rate of conversion can be modified by the levels of these steroids.
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Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - binds more readily to androgen receptors than Testosterone ( T). Conversion is noted at prostate, seminal vesicles (testicles), pubic skin, scrotal skin, axillae ( or armpits), gingival tissues ( gums in the mouth). and to a slight degree in any area of the skin with preferential absorption on the back, biceps, ribs and thighs in both men and women.
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DHT is 4x more potent than testosterone as an anabolic agent ( increases muscle tissue). This conversion of T to DHT increases the action of testosterone. Testosterone has both an anabolic and androgenic ( male sex organs) effect.
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Estradiol- a Biestrogen, (there are three estrogens acting on both females and males {E1, Estrone; E2, estradiol; E3, Estriol}) 25% are made by the testes, 75% are bioconverted in liver and the brain from testosterone. This conversion of T to E2 is the primary cause of male aggression (bitchiness), breast enlargement and loss of sexual drive. Certain hormone levels will increase this effect and some hormones can decrease it. (Search words: cancer, estradiol, regulation).
Low hormone levels of testosterone in men, have negative influences on both mood and mental abilities, including decline of memory, and loss of youthful sexual functioning. Studies have shown that the sexual aging process results in organic impotence, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory and urinary problems, decreased sexual drive or libido and deterioration of the general physique.
Testosterone is the hormone which regulates the structure of all body proteins and insures the development and integrity of the genitals (penis and testicles) in males. The adult testicles normally produce about 7-10 mg of testosterone daily. A deficiency causes only modest changes initially such as an increase in weight (beer belly), progressive aging of the face, muscular weakening and weakening of bone tissue or osteoporosis. Lowered testosterone secretion causes low functioning of many body organs resulting in the eventual failing of memory, sexual drive and resulting irritability associated with general fatigue and higher estrogen levels in men. The development of clogged arteries, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, the increase in abdominal fat, the atrophy of the skin, high blood pressure and increased cholesterol are aging associated changes of males that are reversible with testosterone supplementation.
Berita Menopos - September 2005 