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| The Fact File Worldwide, approximately 408 million men between the ages of 40 and 55 are experiencing the male menopause passage. By 2020, the figure will rise to approximately 690 million. Today, there are over 25 million men in USA going through this phenomenon. By 2020, the figure is expected to exceed 57 million. One-third of men over 50 have a testosterone deficiency. More than 50 per cent of the male population over 40 have experienced mid-life erection dysfunction (also called impotence) in varying degrees. According to researchers and experts in the field, the most common physical symptoms of male menopause include:
Lifestyle Recommendations to Handle Change 1. Eat right. The traditional Asian diet with its foundation of rice or other grains, lots of vegetables, fruits, beans, tofu, legumes, limited amount of meat and dairy products, is a sound basis for healthy eating. 2. Stay physically fit. Engage in regular exercise that includes cardiorespiratory (aerobic) endurance and flexing of muscles. Says Robert Ivker, M.D., health-care practitioner: ``I have found nothing that contributes more to optimal health than regular exercise.'' 3. Take vitamins and supplements for health. Diamond defers to Andrew Weil, M.D., graduate of Harvard Medical School and author of the best-seller Spontaneous Healing, who brings out a newsletter on healing. He recommends an anti-oxidant formula that includes 10,000 international units (IU) of mixed carotenoids (including lycopene), vitamin E (800 IU), selenium (200 mcg), vitamin C (2,000 mg, two or three times a day), zinc (30 mg a day) and coenzyme (80 mg a day). 4. Take herbs to balance the system and protect the prostate--a must for men. Herbalist James Green says: ``While a male's menopause is not as hormone-altering as the female's, it can call for similar herbs to facilitate rebalance during these changes in life.'' 5. Get regular health check-ups. Preferably from a practitioner or medical centre you trust. 6. Check hormone levels periodically. Researchers insist that by replacing hormones such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone, produced by the adrenal glands located on the kidneys), pregnenolone, testosterone, thyroid hormone, human growth hormone and melatonin on a regular basis, middle-aged men live healthier lives. 7. Reduce stress and worry, if possible. Try to live in the present, taking one day at a time, letting go of controls. Face negative emotions straight on. All these are perhaps easier said than done. But a consistent effort is the key. 8. Embrace a sexuality appropriate to the second half of life. As youngsters, men tend to focus on a sexuality based on immediate attraction towards a prospective mate, but in the second half, sexuality is not necessarily based on sexual attraction but on friendship, love, intimacy and spirituality--not to be confused with religion or faith. 9. Become initiated into elderhood. Some cultures have a formal initiation programme during early adolescence that prepares boys to become mature men in mid-life. The author of Male Menopause recommends mentoring programmes as a must--more as a release for the middle-aged male rather than for the youngster receiving the mentoring. 10. Explore your life's work or calling. Most men seek careers in the first half of their lives. In the second half, they could and should pursue their interests in such a way that their work helps the neighbourhood and society in general without expecting too much in return. (*As recommended by Jed Diamond) Support and
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