Men and Midlife: 3 Tips for Navigating Sucessfully

The scenario is all-too familiar: a man in his forties or fifties who begins coloring his hair, working out at the gym, or trading in his practical sedan for a sportscar. Recently, this long-standing stereotype has begun to be taken more seriously by Western medicine - doctors and therapists are now getting the picture that men undergo real changes in midlife. However, Chinese medicine and other integrative modalities have long since understood the unique needs of men throughout all phases of life - including midlife. 

Men who are at this time in their lives know all to well the toll in can take on their relationships. However, if both men and women are more aware of what is going on - and what they can do to help during the process - this sometimes difficult period of time can be a unique and wonderful journey.

The first step? Recognize what is happening: As men hit their forties and fifties, their bodies begin to produce less testosterone. While the media tells us this is mostly about declining sexual interest, a decrease in testosterone isn’t just about sex: testosterone promotes lean muscle mass, physical energy, and mental alertness. This is why during mid-life men can experience not only low libido but also a decrease in muscle strength, increase in weight and skin laxity, lack of mental energy, as well as emotional issues such as depression and a lack of enjoyment from life.  In other words: its important to view male midlife from a larger perspective than just sex.

Often times, male midlife is viewed only from how it affects their sex lives while ignoring the deep, emotional changes men experience. Unlike female midlife, which has clear and distinct hallmarks (cessation of periods, end of childbearing years, etc.) changes that occur in male midlife are more subtle and happen more gradually. This makes changes harder to recognize in the first place. In fact, most men seek professional help during this time - not due to sexual dysfunction - but because they simply aren’t interested in their lives in the way they used to be.  This is where Western medicine often offers a standard routine of pharmacological intervention, such as medications to treat erectile dysfunction or depression.

“While the media tells us this is mostly about declining sexual interest, a decrease in testosterone isn’t just about sex: testosterone promotes lean muscle mass, physical energy, and mental alertness. This is why during mid-life men can experience not only low libido but also a decrease in muscle strength, increase in weight and skin laxity, lack of mental energy, as well as emotional issues such as depression and a lack of enjoyment from life. In other words...its not just about sex.”

This may sound like a grim picture. However, changes men experience during midlife don’t have to lower quality of life. Here are some suggestions that are essential to successfully navigating the unique challenges you face:

1.     Look East: Chinese medicine and acupuncture are rooted in a 4,000 year-old tradition that has long respected a man’s distinctive needs throughout his life. Acupuncture can help restore hormonal balance naturally, treat feelings of depression and loss of interest, address medical concerns such as blood pressure and impotenceAND reverse the outward signs of aging such as wrinkles and greying hair.  Ready to learn more? Click here to find out how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can restore your quality of life.

2.    Talk to someone: While you may choose to seek the help of a counselor or therapist, this avenue may often leave men feeling uncomfortable or unsatisfied. Instead, I reccomend that you seek the help of an intuitive and caring expert who can help you release emotions and patterns which no longer serve you while allowing you realize your personal growth and potential. 

3.    Diet and nutrition: A proper diet can help improve blood sugar metabolism, help reduce inflammation, and support energy production  - all while supporting proper weight maintenance. Seeking the advice of a holistic nutritionist can significantly improve quality of life while reducing the risk of illnesses such as diabetes and cancer.

More and more men are realizing the benefits of preventive care. As men live longer, they find it increasingly important to maintain optimal energy, acute mental function, balanced emotional states and relationships, and high levels of physical and mental stamina. By taking the first steps towards tackling the unique health and emotional concerns of midlife head-on, while addressing the multiple systems involved in the aging process, you can significantly reduce the risk of many age-related illnesses while making your dream of a full and vital life a reality.